Indian Grandmasters D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa are set to compete in the Sinquefield Cup 2025, the fifth leg of the Grand Chess Tour, commencing Monday. Gukesh, the reigning World Chess Champion, returns to classical chess after a brief hiatus, while Praggnanandhaa aims to secure a podium finish to bolster his overall standing in the tour.
The tournament, scheduled from August 18 to 28, will follow a round-robin format over nine rounds. A total prize pool of USD 350,000 is at stake. The field includes top players such as Fabiano Caruana, Alireza Firouzja, Levon Aronian, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, and Nodirbek Abdusattorov, among others.
While the absence of World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen has been noted, the competition remains intense. Carlsen has openly admitted that he no longer enjoys classical chess, leaving the field open for new challengers. This tournament serves as a crucial point in the Grand Chess Tour, determining qualification for the grand finale later this year.
Gukesh, ranked among the world’s top players, is renowned for his prowess in classical chess. Despite his recent successes in faster formats, he remains a formidable opponent in the classical arena. Praggnanandhaa, who has already qualified for next year’s Candidates Tournament, aims to solidify his credentials for a potential challenge to the world championship.
Also read: Aronian wins St Louis title, Gukesh finishes distant sixth
Both Indian players have also chosen to compete in the Grand Swiss in Uzbekistan next month, underlining their ambition to win across formats. In the Grand Chess Tour standings, Praggnanandhaa currently leads Gukesh, but consistency will be key as they face seasoned opponents.
Among the challengers, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave remains a major threat, while 42-year-old Levon Aronian has rediscovered top form. The former world junior champion and World Cup winner has already clinched two titles in recent weeks — Freestyle Chess in Las Vegas and the St. Louis Rapid & Blitz. Fans now hope for an encore in classical chess.
The Sinquefield Cup has often served as a stage where reputations are forged, and for Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, it offers not just a shot at glory but also a chance to keep India at the forefront of world chess.
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