Arjun Erigaisi and Harika Dronavalli The Chennai Grand Masters 2025, which takes place from 6 to 15 August, will become one of the chess events in Asia this year. Given that the top global talents descend to Indian chess capital, all eyes will also be on the domestic stars who want to leave the brand in this elite round Robin competition. Go beyond the border with our YouTube channel. Subscribe!Here is a view of five Indian players who follow during this prestigious event.
1. Arjun Erigaisi (Masters)
GM Arjun Erigaisi, 21, enters the Grand Masters Chennai as a player with the highest rating in India and a legitimate candidate for the title. After interrupting the Elo 2800 barrier, the Arjun brought consistent performances across fast and classic formats. He recently finished fourth in the ESports Chess World Cup 2025 chess cup.Known for his fearless style, sharp tactics and elite introductory preparation in the ranks such as Sicilan and King’s Indian, is one of the most dangerous players of the tournament.
2. See Santosh Gujrathi (Masters)
See Santosh Gujrathi, 30, brings a lot of experience and classic rock-solid technique. See, known for his peaceful behavior and positional championship, benefits in strategic battles. Although he hadn’t had to see yet on board the good year of 2025, Chennai Grand Masters could have been his tournament.It is regular in the best global events and has peace to crush wins in tense situations. See can fly under the radar, but it is always dangerous when the bets are high.
3. NIHAL SARIN (MASTERS)
Nihal Sarin, now 21, is one of the brightest Indian young stars, known for his flash-fast calculation and ice temperament. Equally adept into sharp and positional battles, its flexibility across the holes makes it a nightmare to prepare. Over the last year he showed huge growth. Nihal had a great campaign in the recently closed ESports Chess Chess Cup, where he was excluded in the quarterfinals by the possible winner of her inauguration edition Magnus Carlsen.
4. Leon Luke Mendonca (Challengers)
Leon Luke Mendonca, 19, became in December 2020 67. Unlike the above three will be played this year in the Challengers section.His bold style, representing open sicil and aggressive gambit, often leads to wild tactical battles. He has already claimed that victory over several of the highest players, although he was one of the youngest in the field. If you are looking for fireworks, Leon’s games will be inadmissible.
5. Harika Dronavalli (Challengers)
GM Harika Dronavalli, a pioneer in Indian female dress and the only woman who participated in Chennai Grand Masters this year, has brought decades of elite experience in the Challengers section. The former world champion and the winner of the Olympics of the Olympics is known for his calm, strategic game and the performance technique of the end game. Before she came to Chennai Grand Masters, Harika, now 34, she secured the semifinals at the Women’s World Championship in 2025, where she faced the defeat of the eventual winner of the Divya Deshmukh tournament. Expect GM to make a strong impression against any opponent.
