Chess | Arjun Erigasi to Harika Dronewali: Top 5 Indians to see Chennai Grand Masters 2025. Chess news
Chennai Grand Masters 2025 to be held from 6 to 15 August, is one of the Marki chess events in Asia this year. As top global talents descend into the capital of India’s chess, all eyes are looking to leave an impression in this elite round-robin competition. Go beyond the border with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!There is a look at five Indian players to keep a close watch during this prestigious incident.
1. Arjun Erigasi (Masters)
21 -year -old GM Arjun Erigasi enters India’s highest rated player and a legitimate title contender at Chennai Grand Masters. After breaking the 2800 Aloe Barrier, Arjun has performed fast and in classical formats. Recently, he finished fourth in the Asports Chess World Cup 2025.Known to present its fearless style, sharp strategy, and an aristocratic opening in lines such as Sicilian and Kings Indian, he is one of the most dangerous players of the tournament.
2. Vidit Santosh Gujarathi (Masters)
The 30-year-old Vidit Santosh Gujrathi brings the treasure of experience and rock-solid classical technology in the tournament. Known for his calm behavior and status mastery, a known strategic battle thrives. Although Vidit does not have a good 2025 so far, Chennai Grand Masters may be well with their tournament.He is a regular in top global events and composition to grind the victory in stress conditions. The detailed can fly under the radar, but it is always dangerous when the stakes are high.
3. Nihal Sarin (Masters)
Nihal Sarin, now 21, is one of the most talented young stars in India, known for its lightning and ice-cool nature. Equally fast and skilled in status fight, his flexibility in the opening makes a bad dream to prepare him. He has shown a tremendous increase compared to the previous year. Nihal’s recently concluded Asports Chess was a great campaign at the World Cup, where the last winner of its inaugural edition, Magnus Carlsen ended him in the quarter -finals.
4. Leon Luke Mendaka (Challengers)
19 -year -old Leon Luke Mendonka became India’s 67th Grandmaster in December 2020. Unlike the above three, he will play in the Challengers section this year.Their bold style, featuring open sicili and aggressive gambits, often leads to a wild strategic battle. He has already claimed victory over many top-respected players despite being the youngest in the field. If you are looking for fireworks, Leon’s games will be infallible.
5. Harika Dronevalli (Challengers)
GM Harika Dronewali, a trailblazer in Indian women’s chess and the only woman participating in Chennai Grand Masters, brings the elite experience of decades in the Challengers section. She is known for her calm, strategic sports and powerful endgeam technology, a former world rapid champion and Olympiad medalist. Before coming to Chennai Grand Masters, Harika, now 34, ensured semi -final finish in the 2025 Fid Women’s World Cup, where he suffered a defeat to Divya Deshmukh, the last winner of the tournament. Expect GM to create a strong impression against any opponent.
