New Delhi: The 21st edition of the Delhi International Grandmasters Chess Tournament will be held from June 7 to June 14, 2025, in the national capital. With a record-breaking prize purse of ₹1.21 crore, it is being hailed as the biggest classical-format chess tournament in Asia, drawing both top global talent and aspiring Indian players.
Key Highlights of the Delhi GM Open 2025
Organized by the Delhi Chess Association (DCA) in collaboration with the All India Chess Federation (AICF), the event will bring together over 2,500 participants from more than 15 countries, including more than 20 Grandmasters. The tournament is divided into three rating-based categories:
Category A: Open to all rated players with a prize pool of ₹51 lakh
Category B: For players rated below 1900, prize pool ₹35 lakh
Category C: For players rated below 1700, prize pool ₹35 lakh
All sections will follow a 10-round Swiss League format as per FIDE norms, offering participants the opportunity to compete for titles, norms, and international exposure.
Bharat Singh Chauhan, President of the Delhi Chess Association, said,
“The Delhi GM Open has contributed immensely to India’s chess growth. It has helped produce over 75 Grandmasters and International Masters over the years.”
Why This Tournament Matters
The Delhi GM Open has long been a breeding ground for India’s chess talent. Its timing, format, and scale make it a perfect platform for young players to test their skills against seasoned professionals from across the world.
International Exposure: The tournament offers Indian players a chance to compete against Grandmasters without leaving the country.
Talent Recognition: Many participants use this event to earn GM/IM norms and qualify for international events.
Accessible Location: Being held in Delhi, the tournament is easily reachable for both domestic and international players.
Record Prize Pool: The ₹1.21 crore prize purse is the highest ever offered in a classical-format chess event in India.
An official from AICF noted,
“The size of the prize fund reflects India’s growing role in the global chess ecosystem.”
Tournament Details
Dates: June 7 to June 14, 2025
Venue: Central Delhi (hotel venue to be confirmed)
Rounds: 10 rounds per category under classical format
Registration: Open via aicf.in and delhichess.com
Eligibility: Valid FIDE ID and appropriate rating per category
Contact: Delhi Chess Association official contact available on the website
FAQs
What is the Delhi GM Open?
It is an international-level chess tournament held annually in New Delhi. It is recognized as Asia’s largest classical-format chess event, open to professional and amateur players.
Who can participate?
Players with a valid FIDE ID are eligible. Entry is categorized based on ratings: open category, under 1900, and under 1700.
How can one register?
Registrations are being accepted through the official websites of the All India Chess Federation (aicf.in) and Delhi Chess Association (delhichess.com).
Why is this tournament significant?
Apart from its large prize pool, the Delhi GM Open is crucial for Indian players seeking international titles and norms without traveling abroad.
What is the format of the competition?
Each category will follow a 10-round Swiss League format under classical time control in accordance with FIDE regulations.