All India Chess Federation

Top Chess Tournaments in India

Worldwide there are numerous chess tournaments like Candidates, FIDE grand prix, FIDE world championship, Olympiad etc. In India as well, there are many prestigious chess events, a few listed below:

Tata Steel Chess India:

Tata Steel Chess India is a prestigious tournament that attracts some of the world’s top players. It is organized by the All India Chess Federation (AICF) in collaboration with Tata Steel. The event usually takes place in Kolkata.

Tech Mahindra Global Chess League: 

A joint initiative by Tech Mahindra and FIDE. Website: https://www.globalchessleague.com

Delhi International Chess Festival:

The Delhi International Chess Festival is an annual event held in New Delhi. It features multiple categories, including an Open tournament, allowing players of different levels to participate.

Aeroflot Open:

Although not specific to India, the Aeroflot Open is an international chess tournament that has been held in Moscow, Russia. Many Indian players participate in this tournament, which is known for its strong competition.

National Premier Chess Championship:

The National Premier Chess Championship is an important tournament in India. It brings together some of the country’s best players, who compete for the title of National Champion.

Commonwealth Chess Championship:

The Commonwealth Chess Championship is an international event open to players from Commonwealth countries. It has been hosted in various cities across India in the past and attracts players from different parts of the world.

National Team Chess Championship:

The National Team Chess Championship in India is a team-based event where different states or organizations compete against each other. It serves as a platform to showcase the collective talent of players representing their respective teams.

Maharashtra Chess League (MCL):

MCL is a professional team-based chess tournament organized in Maharashtra. It features teams from different cities within the state, competing against each other in a league format.

Pune International Chess Tournament:

Pune International Chess Tournament is a popular annual event held in Pune, Maharashtra. It attracts players from various countries and provides opportunities for both experienced players and upcoming talents to showcase their skills.

Nagpur International Open Chess Tournament:

Nagpur International Open Chess Tournament is an international event that takes place in Nagpur, Maharashtra. It attracts players from different parts of India as well as international participants, providing a competitive platform for players to test their abilities.

Mumbai Mayor’s Chess Tournament:

The Mumbai Mayor’s Chess Tournament is a prestigious event held in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It draws players from different age groups and categories, ranging from juniors to professionals.

Sangli International Open Chess Tournament:

Sangli International Open Chess Tournament is organized in Sangli, Maharashtra, and attracts players from across India and abroad. It provides a platform for players to compete against strong opponents and gain valuable experience.

Maharashtra State Chess Championship:

The Maharashtra State Chess Championship is an annual event that brings together top players from the state to compete for the title of Maharashtra State Champion. It is held at various locations within Maharashtra.

Chennai Open:

The Chennai Open is an international chess tournament held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It attracts players from around the world and provides an opportunity for both established and upcoming players to compete.

Coimbatore International Rating Chess Tournament:

Coimbatore International Rating Chess Tournament is a prominent chess event held in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. It attracts players from various rating categories and offers a platform for competition and improvement.

Hyderabad Open:

The Hyderabad Open is an annual chess tournament organized in Hyderabad, Telangana. It features players from different age groups and rating categories, allowing participants to test their skills against strong opponents.

Karnataka State Chess Championship:

The Karnataka State Chess Championship is a major event held in Karnataka. It brings together players from different cities and regions of the state to compete for the title of Karnataka State Champion.

Kerala State Chess Championship:

The Kerala State Chess Championship is a prestigious tournament organized in Kerala. It attracts strong players from across the state who compete for the title of Kerala State Champion.

Vishy Anand Chess Academy Open:

The Vishy Anand Chess Academy Open is held in various locations across South India, including Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. It is organized by the Vishy Anand Chess Academy and provides a platform for players to enhance their skills and gain valuable experience.

Delhi International Chess Festival:

The Delhi International Chess Festival is a prominent chess event held in New Delhi. It attracts players from around the world and features various categories, including an Open tournament and tournaments for different rating groups.

Uttar Pradesh State Chess Championship:

The Uttar Pradesh State Chess Championship is a major tournament organized in Uttar Pradesh. It brings together players from different cities and regions of the state to compete for the title of Uttar Pradesh State Champion.

Chandigarh Open:

The Chandigarh Open is an annual chess tournament held in Chandigarh, the capital city of both Punjab and Haryana. It attracts players from different age groups and rating categories, providing a competitive platform for participants.

Haryana State Chess Championship:

The Haryana State Chess Championship is a significant event held in Haryana. It brings together players from different cities and regions within the state to compete for the title of Haryana State Champion.

Punjab State Chess Championship:

The Punjab State Chess Championship is a renowned tournament organized in Punjab. It attracts strong players from across the state who compete for the title of Punjab State Champion.

National Capital Chess Championship:

The National Capital Chess Championship is organized in the National Capital Region (NCR), which includes Delhi and its neighboring areas. It is a popular tournament that attracts players from the region to compete for the title.

Kolkata Open:

The Kolkata Open is a prestigious international chess tournament held in Kolkata, West Bengal. It attracts players from various countries and provides a platform for both experienced players and emerging talents to compete.

Odisha International Chess Championship:

The Odisha International Chess Championship is a prominent tournament organized in Odisha. It draws strong players from around the world and provides a competitive platform for participants.

Bhubaneswar Open:

The Bhubaneswar Open is an annual chess tournament held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It attracts players from different rating categories and age groups, offering an opportunity for competition and improvement.

Assam International Rating Chess Tournament:

The Assam International Rating Chess Tournament is a popular chess event held in Assam. It brings together players from different regions and rating groups, fostering competitive chess in the state.

Manipur International Grandmaster Chess Tournament:

The Manipur International Grandmaster Chess Tournament is organized in Manipur and features strong players from India and abroad. It provides an opportunity for local players to compete against top-level opponents.

Meghalaya International Open Chess Tournament:

The Meghalaya International Open Chess Tournament is held in Meghalaya, attracting players from various regions. It serves as a platform for chess enthusiasts to showcase their skills and learn from experienced players.

A few upcoming chess tournaments taking place in India (source All India Chess Federation)

S.NChess Tournament NameStart DateEnd DateVenue
116th G H Raisoni Memorial International Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament25-06-202302-07-2023Nagpur, Maharashtra
216th G H Raisoni Memorial International Open FIDE Rapid Rating Chess Tournament25-06-202302-07-2023Nagpur, Maharashtra
316th G H Raisoni Memorial International Open FIDE Blitz Rating Chess Tournament25-06-202302-07-2023Nagpur, Maharashtra
463rd Odisha State Senior FIDE Rated Chess Championship 202328-06-202302-07-2023Odisha
51st International Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 202328-06-202302-07-2023Palakkad, Kerala
6Aditya Birla 22nd Jharkhand State FIDE Rating Chess Championship 202329-06-202302-07-2023Ranchi, Jharkhand
749th National Women Chess Championship-202330-06-202310-07-2023Gujarat
8Sivakasi Chess Club NPSS Rathina Nadar & Dr.N. Mahalingam Rapid Rating Chess Tournament01-07-202302-07-2023Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu
9Rajasthan State Senior Selection FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 202305-07-202309-07-2023Rajasthan
10Chhattisgarh State Senior Open FIDE Rating Chess Championship 202307-07-202310-07-2023Chhattisgarh
115th Kamlaram Welfare Society Rapid Rating Chess Tournament 202308-07-202309-07-2023Sagar, Madhya Pradesh
12Late Ramesh Vinayakrao Kotwal Memorial Open FIDE Rating Rapid Chess Tournament 202308-07-202309-07-2023Maharashtra
13Fair Play Seminar08-07-202309-07-2023Delhi
14Masthanaiah Chess World Open FIDE Rapid Chess Tournament 202308-07-202309-07-2023Andhra Pradesh
152nd HP Senior State FIDE Rated Chess Championship 202308-07-202310-07-2023Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
165th Ayodhana International FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 202311-07-202316-07-2023Guwahati, Assam
17Chairman Trophy Internatinal Open FIDE Rapid Rating Chess Tournament15-07-202315-07-2023Tamil Nadu
18Muralimohan Memorial Capa Chess Academy 2nd International FIDE Rapid Chess Tournament 202315-07-202316-07-2023Chennai
19Fair Play Seminar15-07-202316-07-2023Nagpur
20Athens of the East 2nd International Blitz FIDE Rated Chess Tournament 202316-07-202316-07-2023Tamil Nadu
21Siaksi Chess Club – NPSS Rathina Nadar & Dr. N Mahalingam FIDE Rated Chess Tournament21-07-202325-07-2023Sivaksi, Tamil Nadu
22Slan First International Open FIDE Rated Chess Tournament 202321-07-202325-07-2023Hyderabad, Telangana
23Fair Play Seminar22-07-202323-07-2023Bhubaneswar
24AICF’s Chess for Everyone FIDE Rated Chess Tournament-202322-07-202326-07-2023Jammu
25Smart Girl FIDE Internatinal Rating Chess Tournament-202327-07-202331-07-2023Jammu
26Rajasthan State Junior Girls FIDE Rating Chess Championship 202328-07-202330-07-2023Udaipur, Rajasthan
27Rajasthan State Junior Open FIDE Rating Chess Championship 202328-07-202330-07-2023Udaipur, Rajasthan
28Maharashtra State Under 11 Selection Girls Chess Championship 202328-07-202330-07-2023Pune, Maharashtra
29Maharashtra State Under 11 Selection Open Chess Championship 202328-07-202330-07-2023Pune, Maharashtra
301st International Below 1600 FIDE Rating Chess Tournament28-07-202330-07-2023Palakkad, Kerala
31AICF’s Chess for Everyone FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 202302-08-202306-08-2023Jharkhand
3214th Chennai OpenTBDTBDTamil Nadu
33GMCF Open International FIDE Rapid Rated Rs.10 Lakh Tournament 202305-08-202306-08-2023Chennai, Tamil Nadu
34AICF’s Chess for Everyone FIDE Rated Chess Tournament 202311-08-202315-08-2023Andaman & Nicobar
35Chhattisgarh State Open & Girls FIDE Rating Chess Championship 202311-08-202313-08-2023Chhattisgarh
36Maharashtra State U-19 Girls Chess Championship 202311-08-202313-08-2023Maharashtra
37Maharashtra State U-19 Open Chess Championship 202311-08-202313-08-2023Maharashtra
383rd SSS Internatinal Below 1600 FIDE Rated Chess Tournament12-08-202314-08-2023Tamil Nadu
393rd Nagpur Below 1600 Open FIDE Rating Chess Chess Tournament 202313-08-202315-08-2023Nagpur, Maharashtra
401st JK’s ECA One Day Rapid Rating Chess Tournament13-08-202313-08-2023Pune, Maharashtra
41AICF Women Round Robin Tournament15-08-202323-08-2023Pune, Maharashtra
4260th National Chess Championship-202315-08-202327-08-2023Maharashtra
431st Nagpur, One Day International FIDE Rapid Rating Chess Tournament 202316-08-202316-08-2023Nagpur, Maharashtra
44FIDE Arbiter Seminar18-08-202320-08-2023Shillong
45Tamil Nadu State Team Chess Championship 202324-08-202327-08-2023Madurai, Tamil Nadu
46Slan First International Below 1600 FIDE Rated Chess Tournament 202325-08-202327-08-2023Hyderabad, Telangana
47FIDE Trainer Seminar25-08-202327-08-2023Guwahati
48Live Telecast Seminar26-08-202327-08-2023Guwahati
49KCA’s 20th Open FIDE Rated Chess Tournament30-08-202303-09-2023Kerala
50Tata Steel Chess India Women Rapid 202331-08-202302-09-2023Kolkata, West Bengal
51TATA Steel Chess India Women Blitz 202303-09-202304-09-2023Kolkata, West Bengal
52TATA Steel Chess India Rapid 202305-09-202307-09-2023Kolkata, West Bengal
53Asian Junior Chess Championship 202307-09-202316-09-2023India
54Tata Steel Chess India Blitz 202308-09-202309-09-2023Kolkata, West Bengal
55FIDE Arbiter Seminar15-09-202317-09-2023Tirupati
56National Under -7 Chess Championship Boys & Girls Chess Championship 202320-09-202325-09-2023West Bengal
57National Junior (U-19) Chess Championship Boys & Girls Chess Championship 202320-09-202328-09-2023Gujarat
58FIDE Trainer Seminar22-09-202324-09-2023Bangalore
59Accurate Classical FIDE Rating Chess Tournament29-09-202305-10-2023Mumbai, Maharashtra
60Gujarat International GM Open30-09-202308-10-2023Gujarat
61Live Telecast Seminar30-09-202301-10-2023Delhi
62National Under – 11 Chess Championship Boys & Girls Chess Championship01-10-202309-10-2023Andhra Pradesh
63FIDE Trainer Seminar03-10-202305-10-2023Bhubaneswar
64FIDE Arbiter Seminar06-10-202308-10-2023Indore
65Jammu & Kashmir GM Open10-10-202317-10-2023Jammu
66FIDE Trainer Seminar13-10-202315-10-2023Lucknow
678th NL Pandiyar Memorial International FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 202315-10-202319-10-2023Udaipur, Rajasthan
68KCA’s 21st Below 1600 FIDE Rated Chess Tournament22-10-202324-10-2023Kerala
69Wes3t Bengal International GM Open28-10-202305-11-2023West Bengal
70Live Telecast Seminar28-10-202329-10-2023Nagpur
71Interntaional FIDE Rapid Rating Chess Tournament 202329-10-202330-10-2023Andhra Pradesh
7236th National Under-09 Boys Chess Championship 202302-11-202308-11-2023Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
7336th National Under-09 Girls Chess Championship 202302-11-202308-11-2023Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
74FIDE Arbiter Seminar17-11-202319-11-2023Ahmedabad
752nd HDCA All India Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 202322-11-202326-11-2023Hazaribagh, Jharkhand
76National Under – 13 Chess Championship Boys & Girls Chess Championship28-11-202306-12-2023Telangana
77FIDE Trainer Seminar01-12-202303-12-2023Jaipur
78FIDE Arbiter Seminar01-12-202303-12-2023Coimbatore
793rd Aparna Dutta Memorial Internatinal Open FIDE Rated Chess Tournament 202320-12-202325-12-2023Agartala, Tripura
80Winter Cup Classical Below 1600 FIDE Rating Lakecity Open Chess Tournament 202322-12-202324-12-2023Udaipur, Rajasthan
81National Sub-Junior (U-15) Chess Championships-202327-12-202304-01-2024Maharashtra
82Delhi International Open GM Chess Tournament 202409-01-202416-01-2024Delhi
83MP International Open GM Chess Tournament 202418-01-202425-01-2024Madhya Pradesh
84National Schools Chess Championship28-01-202401-02-2024Bihar
85National Team Chess Championship (Men & Women)04-02-202410-02-2024Maharashtra
86National Amateur Chess Championship13-02-202417-02-2024Rajasthan
87National Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship20-02-202423-02-2024Punjab