The COVID-19 pandemic has surely affected all. It has led to a dramatic loss of human life worldwide and presents an unprecedented challenge to public health, food systems and the world of work. Even in the world of chess, tournaments, leagues, opens and everything one after the other has been abandoned. Everyone was searching for a cure in this chaos. Even the Alpha-Zero team of Deep-mind.

Due to the pandemic most Indian chess players have been locked in the country. They had no access to the top tournaments happening in Europe and other parts of the world. Many Indian Grandmasters have had a lack of playing time which can affect their psyche and skill.

The entire motive of the Vidit Chess Tour is to give budding as well as experienced Indian players a chance to play at a high level competition. All the top level events are happening in many parts of Europe and The USA since the pandemic. Why can’t we have something similar for India? This gave rise to The Vidit Chess Tour lead by Super GM and India No #3 Vidit Gujrathi himself.

The best part about this tournament is that it is open for everyone! Rated, unrated, titled anyone can play. There is no entry level criteria, no age limit, simply everyone can participate, play and enjoy the journey. Even if one can’t qualify to the Indian qualifiers, they get exposure of playing a top level event and competing against the best players. The feeling of playing under pressure and competitively which usually brings out the best in most top level players across all sports. This gives all Indian players a platform to play and motivates them to train harder and will surely help in the growth of Chess in India.

Vidit Chess Tour is an online tournament staged from 21st February onwards, organized chess24 India which provides a unique chance to all the budding chess players to stand a chance to win Amazing cash prizes + Chess giveaways. The top 8 players directly qualify for the Indian Qualifiers of the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour 2021. It is a unique opportunity for the Chess players – rated and unrated to compete and emerge as the champions paving their way towards Chess journey. The prize pool for the event is USD 20000 (Cash prize + giveaways) and with every registration a player gets 1 month PlayMagnus PLUS membership.

There are total of 8 events starting from 21st February onwards every day at 7 pm IST. The top 2 of each event directly qualify for the knockout stages. The knockout stages i.e. Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals and Finals will be broadcast live exclusively on chess24 India YouTube channel with GM Vidit Gujrathi. This is our fine attempt to influence Indian people to play Chess and popularize this ancient game.

Event Schedule:
Online Qualifiers: 21st to 28th Feb at 7pm IST
Pre-quarters: 4th March at 7pm IST
Quarters: 5th March at 7pm IST
Semis: 6th March at 7pm IST
Finals: 7th March at 7pm IST

Time Control & Format:
Qualifiers: 3 + 2 (Swiss format 9 to 13 rounds)
Knockouts: 15 + 10 (Knockout with best of 2 games)

Entry Fees:
1 Event: INR 500 + GST
5 Events: INR 1500 + GST
8 Events: INR 2000 + GST

No Entry fees for IM/WIM/WGM/GM
(All participants get one month free subscription to the PlayMagnus Plus membership worth $14)

Cash Prize and Awards:

Participants securing 9th to 16th position will be awarded USD 233 as Cash prize along with chess24 Premium subscription & free chessable courses.

HURRY UP, LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE!!!

Registrations open. Click Here to register now.