Five-time World Champion leads elite field in rapid tournament
The global chess community is buzzing with excitement as Indian legend Viswanathan Anand prepares to return to the competitive arena in Israel. In a major development for the sport in the region, the five-time World Champion has been confirmed as the headline act for the upcoming Jerusalem Masters 2025.
This prestigious event marks a significant moment for international chess in Israel, ending a long dry spell of top-tier tournaments in the country. Anand won't be the only Indian star shining at the event; he will be joined by the country's highest-ranked player, Arjun Erigaisi, adding serious firepower to the Indian contingent.
Star-Studded Lineup
The tournament, which is scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 3, 2025, will follow a rapid chess format. The field is packed with elite talent. Alongside Anand and Erigaisi, the roster includes two-time World Championship finalist Ian Nepomniachtchi from Russia, former World Cup winner Peter Svidler, and Grandmaster Vladimir Fedoseev.
Interestingly, FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky will also be participating. Sutovsky clarified to the press that he is stepping away from his executive duties for this event to compete strictly as a professional player.
Prize Money and Open Tournament
The stakes are incredibly high this year. The Masters event features a total prize pool of $140,000, with the champion set to walk away with a handsome $55,000 check.
Preceding the main Masters event, a massive Open tournament is expected to attract nearly 500 participants. This includes five other Indian talents: GM Prraneeth Vuppala, and International Masters Dhulipalla Bala Chandra Prasad, N B Hari Madhavan, A Ra Harikrishnan, and AL Muthaiah. The top two performers from this Open section will earn a spot in the elite Masters bracket.
Returning to Jerusalem
For Viswanathan Anand, this trip is a nostalgic return. His last appearance in Jerusalem was back in 2018, where he played an exhibition match alongside Anatoly Karpov to celebrate Israel's 70th anniversary. His participation now is seen as a move to bring normalcy to the region through sport, organized by the Israel Chess Federation and the Ministry of Culture and Sports.
Notable Absence
While the international lineup is strong, local fans will face one disappointment. Israel’s most celebrated player, Boris Gelfand, will not be participating. The veteran Grandmaster has opted out due to a lingering administrative dispute with the Israel Chess Association.
