In the world of chess, timing is everything. For Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi, the timing couldn’t be more poetic as he secures his place in the prestigious Freestyle Grand Slam Chess tournament in Paris, just days before his wedding on April 3rd, 2025. This qualification marks another milestone in India’s growing chess dominance on the global stage, with Vidit joining fellow countrymen D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa in the elite tournament.
Table of Contents
An Unexpected Comeback: Triumph After Hiatus
What makes Vidit’s achievement particularly remarkable is his recent absence from competitive chess. “I haven’t been practicing chess for the last three-four months. I have just been busy with other stuff,” Vidit candidly shared in his post-qualification interview with. Despite this extended break, his natural talent and strategic brilliance shone through in the play-in event.
The qualification journey was nothing short of spectacular. Vidit began by defeating former World Champion Ding Liren in the round of 16, a victory that immediately announced his formidable return to competitive chess. He then continued his winning streak against fellow Indian Pranesh M in the quarterfinals before delivering a commanding 2-0 victory over Iran’s Amin Tabatabaei in the semifinals. The finals against Richard Rapport proved to be the ultimate test, with Vidit prevailing with a score of 1.5-0.5 to secure his ticket to Paris.
Wedding Bells and Chess Boards: A Personal Touch
In a heartwarming moment that showcases the human side of the chess world, Vidit joked about combining his honeymoon with the tournament in Paris. This blend of personal milestone and professional achievement has endeared him further to chess enthusiasts worldwide. His fiancée, Nidhi, shared her joy on social media, celebrating not just their upcoming union but also Vidit’s triumphant return to the chess arena.
Currently ranked World No. 24 with a peak rating of 2720, Vidit stands as one of India’s top chess players. His ability to step away from intensive training for several months yet return at such a competitive level speaks volumes about his natural talent and deep understanding of the game.
The Freestyle Grand Slam: A New Chess Frontier
The Paris leg of the Freestyle Grand Slam Chess Tour represents a fascinating evolution in competitive chess. Scheduled for April 8th to 15th, 2025, this tournament will feature matches in the Chess960 format, also known as Fischer Random Chess. This variant randomizes the starting positions of pieces behind the pawns, testing players’ adaptability and reducing the advantage of memorized opening theory.
With a substantial prize pool of $200,000, the tournament has attracted the world’s chess elite. Besides the four Indian players, the competition will feature legendary World Champion Magnus Carlsen, American grandmaster Fabiano Caruana, Germany’s Vincent Keymer, and streaming sensation Hikaru Nakamura, among others.
The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, organized by Freestyle Chess Operations, consists of a series of Chess960 tournaments throughout 2025. Players earn points based on their performance in each event, with the season’s top scorer being crowned the Freestyle Chess Champion. This innovative format has breathed new life into professional chess, creating excitement among both players and spectators.
India’s Rising Chess Dominance
Vidit’s qualification further cements India’s growing status as a chess powerhouse. The presence of four Indian players in this elite 10-player event speaks volumes about the country’s chess revolution. Following in the footsteps of the legendary Viswanathan Anand, this new generation of Indian grandmasters is making waves on the international circuit.
Interestingly, the Paris tournament will be Vidit’s first foray into over-the-board freestyle chess competitions, adding another dimension of challenge. His participation alongside compatriots Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Erigaisi showcases the depth of chess talent emerging from India.
Looking Ahead: The Paris Challenge
As Vidit prepares for both his wedding and the tournament, chess enthusiasts worldwide are eager to see how he performs against the global elite. His unexpected success in the qualification event has already raised expectations. The Chess960 format presents a unique challenge, requiring players to rely on their understanding of chess principles rather than memorized sequences.
For Vidit, the Paris tournament represents not just another competition but a significant milestone in his chess career. Coming after his extended break and coinciding with a life-changing personal event, his performance in Paris will be watched with particular interest by the chess community.
The chess world now turns its attention to Paris this April, where Vidit Gujrathi and nine other elite players will compete in this groundbreaking tournament. Their matches will not only determine the winner of this leg of the Freestyle Grand Slam but also shape the future of competitive chess itself.
As Vidit aptly put it: “I’m feeling great. For me, it was very unexpected that I would do so well in this tournament.” Chess fans worldwide share in his excitement and look forward to witnessing his continued success in Paris.
FAQ:-
Is Vidit Gujrathi a super GM?
Yes, Vidit Gujrathi is an Indian super grandmaster (super GM) of chess. He became a grandmaster in January 2013.
Who is viral Gujrathi chess player?
Vidit Gujrathi (born 24 October 1994) is an Indian chess grandmaster. Gujrathi attained the title of grandmaster in January 2013, becoming the 30th player from India to do so. He is the fourth Indian player to have crossed the Elo rating of 2700. He is a double gold medalist at the Chess Olympiad.
