Chess | From Arjun Erigaisi to Harika Dronavalli: Top 5 Indians to watch at Chennai Grand Masters 2025 | Chess News
The Chennai Grand Masters 2025, taking place from August 6 to 15, is set to be one of the marquee chess events in Asia this year. As top global talents descend on India’s chess capital, all eyes will also be on the homegrown stars looking to leave a mark in this elite round-robin contest. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Here’s a look at five Indian players to keep a close watch on during this prestigious event.
1. Arjun Erigaisi (Masters)
GM Arjun Erigaisi, 21, enters the Chennai Grand Masters as India’s highest-rated player and a legitimate title contender. Having broken the 2800 ELO barrier, Arjun has delivered consistent performances across rapid and classical formats. Recently, he finished fourth in the Esports Chess World Cup 2025.Known for his fearless style, sharp tactics, and elite opening prep in lines like the Sicilian and King’s Indian, he’s one of the tournament’s most dangerous players.
2. Vidit Santosh Gujrathi (Masters)
Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, 30, brings a wealth of experience and rock-solid classical technique to the tournament. Known for his calm demeanour and positional mastery, Vidit thrives in strategic battles. Although Vidit has not had a good 2025 so far on board, the Chennai Grand Masters could well be his tournament.He’s a regular in top global events and has the composure to grind out wins in tense situations. Vidit might fly under the radar, but he’s always dangerous when the stakes are high.
3. Nihal Sarin (Masters)
Nihal Sarin, now 21, is one of India’s brightest young stars, known for his lightning-fast calculation and ice-cool temperament. Equally adept in sharp and positional battles, his flexibility across openings makes him a nightmare to prepare against. He’s shown tremendous growth over the last year. Nihal had a great campaign in the recently concluded Esports Chess World Cup, where the eventual winner of its inaugural edition, Magnus Carlsen, eliminated him in the Quarterfinals.
4. Leon Luke Mendonca (Challengers)
Leon Luke Mendonca, 19, became India’s 67th Grandmaster in December 2020. Unlike the above three, he will be playing in the challengers section this year.His bold style, featuring open Sicilians and aggressive gambits, often leads to wild tactical battles. He’s already claimed wins over several top-rated players despite being one of the youngest in the field. If you’re looking for fireworks, Leon’s games will be unmissable.
5. Harika Dronavalli (Challengers)
GM Harika Dronavalli, a trailblazer in Indian women’s chess and the only female to participate in the Chennai Grand Masters this year, brings decades of elite experience in the Challengers section. A former World Rapid Champion and Olympiad medal-winner, she’s known for her calm, strategic play and powerful endgame technique. Before coming to Chennai Grand Masters, Harika, now 34, ensured a semi-final finish at the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup, where she faced defeat to the eventual winner of the tournament, Divya Deshmukh. Expect the GM to make a strong impression against any opponent.
