Rakesh Kumar Crowned Indian Rummy Grandmaster for North & East Zone at SOG Grandmasters Series
New Delhi [India], June 9: Rakesh Kumar from Rishikesh has emerged as a rising star in India's skill-based gaming arena, gaining the prestigious title of Indian Rummy Grandmaster for the North & East Zone at the recently concluded SOG Grandmasters Series Championship. Held at the Hyatt Regency, Gurugram, the two-day tournament brought together some of India's finest minds, with over 1.5 lakh participants competing across rummy, chess, and chess for the blind.
The Indian Rummy Grandmasters (IRG) event alone witnessed a turnout of 78,000 participants. After intense rounds and competitive gameplay, 150 finalists battled it out in the finals, culminating in Kumar's strategic victory. The tournament celebrated not only individual brilliance but also the growing recognition of mind sports in India's digital and youth-driven ecosystem.
Organised by the Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF), the championship featured three major competitions: IRG, Indian Chess Masters (ICM), and Indian Chess Masters for Blind (ICMB). The ICM saw 3,500 participants, while the ICMB -- conducted in partnership with the All India Chess Federation for the Blind -- demonstrated the resilience and talent of visually impaired players, with 16 finalists selected from across India.
The inclusive and vibrant event concluded with entertainment performances and award ceremonies, with dignitaries such as Gaurav Dhyanchand, Tournament Director and President of the Dhyanchand Foundation, and D.P. Raturi, former Air Force officer and hockey player, in attendance. The grand finale also featured participation from notable personalities including Sports Minister of Haryana Mr. Gaurav Gautam, Secretary of Sports Ms. Sujata Chaturvedi, legendary cricketer Kapil Dev, Chess Grandmaster Koneru Humpy, wrestler Ravi Kumar Dahiya, boxer-politician Vijender Singh, and several leaders from the SOG Federation.
"At SOGF, we are committed to building a future where mind sports are given the same recognition as traditional sports," said Adv. Nandan Jha, Founder of SOGF. "Rakesh Kumar's win is not just an individual achievement but a testament to the growing talent pool in India's skill-based gaming community. We are proud to create a platform that celebrates intellect, strategy, and digital excellence."
Founded by Adv. Nandan Jha, SOGF is a first-of-its-kind body aligning with international sports guidelines and India's digital growth vision. With support from tech platform partner Rummy Culture, the federation's unique "phygital" format--combining physical tournaments with digital access--continues to democratize access to competitive gaming across regions.
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The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Chennai Grand Masters 2025: Vincent finds the key to future greatness
German Grandmaster Vincent Keymer remembers following the 2013 World Chess Championship final as an eight-year-old. In a landmark clash, Magnus Carlsen took down reigning champion Viswanathan Anand to claim his first world title. 'It really stuck with me as a memory,' says Keymer. Nearly 12 years later, Keymer had a chance to be at the site of Carlsen's coronation – the Hyatt Regency – while competing at the Chennai Grand Masters 2025. 'I've been to India a few times. What's special this time is that we are playing in the same hotel where Vishy and Magnus played,' says the 20-year-old, who steamrolled through the event to win by two points – a surprising margin in a Super GM tournament. Keymer, who entered the tournament as the third seed, led from start to finish, subduing his opponents with a relentless attacking game. He ended his campaign unbeaten, winning five of his nine games. Dutch GM Anish Giri, who finished joint second in Chennai, opined that freestyle chess has unlocked a more potent version of Keymer. The German GM had started the year with a remarkable win at the Weissenhaus Freestyle Grand Slam, where he toppled some of the world's best, including Carlsen. 'Freestyle will probably be remembered as the thing that turned Vincent into a monster. Because I feel he has discovered that he was always very reliant on openings. Keymer believes that this is his biggest win in a classical chess tournament. | Photo Credit: VELANKANNI RAJ 'So, in freestyle, Vincent must have seen that even without any openings, he's very good. Now, he plays completely differently. He's no longer as predictable. He won a lot of games with Black here,' said Giri. Keymer's storming run in Chennai earned him over 20 rating points, helping him enter the top 10 in world rankings (live rating) for the first time in his young career. While Keymer cruised through to what he believes is his biggest win in a classical chess tournament, the Indian contingent mostly struggled to cope. Top seed Arjun Erigaisi fell away after a strong start, hampered partly by an illness which took hold midway through the tournament. Nihal Sarin and Vidit Gujrathi offered glimpses of brilliance but were limited by their inconsistency. Karthikeyan Murali, though, provided a silver lining for the Indian angle. The 26-year-old GM, roped in as a last-minute replacement in the main draw, battled hard to finish joint second – only Keymer managed to beat him in the tournament. 'I think Karthikeyan was excellent. He showed a lot of ambition despite being thrust into the Masters section at the last minute. It is a very noteworthy performance,' said Indian Grandmaster Srinath Narayanan, the chief organiser of the Chennai Grand Masters. Karthikeyan's confident performance also underlined the event's central objective, as worded by Srinath. 'The very fabric of the tournament is to provide an opportunity for those who wouldn't otherwise get it and for it to be a stepping stone towards reaching much higher heights. We wanted to make a difference in the careers of certain players and to provide that missing opportunity,' said Srinath. The 31-year-old was content with how the third edition of the Chennai Grand Masters unfolded, while suggesting a desire for it to get bigger. 'I think we have improved on several aspects from the previous year. And similarly, we certainly want to keep improving in every aspect – the field, playing hall, spectator experience, the media experience, the broadcast experience – and every small and major thing. We want to keep making it better,' said Srinath. An obvious way to scale it up would be to rope in even bigger names, feels leading Indian chess coach RB Ramesh. 'I think this tournament is very good from the Indian perspective. Maybe the next step is to have most of the players foreigners, with only two or three Indians. Like, Magnus, Hikaru [Nakamura], all these guys. 'So maybe out of ten, there will be seven such players. And maybe three or four Indians. Get the very best players here in a classical format. Even this time, if [R] Praggnanandhaa, [D] Gukesh, Arvind [Chidambaram] were here, it would have been amazing,' adds Ramesh. Srinath confirmed that this is something they are considering for the next edition, while asserting that the tournament will continue to retain the current playing field balance. Top seed Arjun Erigaisi (right) fell away after a strong start, hampered partly by an illness which took hold midway through the tournament. Nihal Sarin and Vidit Gujrathi (left) offered glimpses of brilliance but were limited by their inconsistency. | Photo Credit: R. Ragu 'We will try to schedule it much more in advance next year so that we get better player availability. [But] There is no intention to reduce the number of Indian players. 'We usually have four Indian players and six foreign players, and we are definitely not reducing it to fewer than four. But we will try to have a stronger field,' added Srinath. In tune with the expansion plans, Chennai Grand Masters 2025 garnered a riveting response from the local fans. Throughout the nine-day event, fans thronged the commentary/viewing area. This included young, aspiring chess players, who constantly engaged with the commentators and participants, discussing possible moves and complex positions. The competing Grandmasters, after each round, were often greeted by eager fans waiting in serpentine queues for autographs and photos. As expected, Keymer was an in-demand figure in the fan zone. His allure only grew throughout the tournament as he enthralled nearly everyone with a quality of chess that whispered world champion potential. Back in 2023, India's D Gukesh banked heavily on a win here at the inaugural edition of the Chennai Grand Masters to qualify for the Candidates. He would then go on to win the World Championship, with Keymer pitching in as one of his seconds. With his title win at the Chennai Grand Masters 2025, at the same venue where Carlsen assumed his throne, Keymer is lining up the pieces for a parallel that won't be too difficult to trace. Published on Aug 20, 2025
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
‘Vincent thinks if Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa can succeed, why can't I? Peter Leko
Hungarian chess will always be remembered for the legacy of the Polgar sisters, especially the unprecedented dominance that Judit Polgar exerted in the world of chess. The country has seen many great talents like Zoltán Ribli, Lajos Portisch, and László Szabó, who led Hungarian chess to great success in their respective eras. However, the legacy of Hungary's chess — champion of the Chess Olympiad's inaugural two editions — would be incomplete without mentioning Peter Leko. Leko became the youngest grandmaster of his time when he was awarded the title at 14 years old in 1994. He came closest to becoming the first Hungarian to win the World Championship title, but a 7-7 draw in the 2004 match against Vladimir Kramnik allowed the Russian to retain his title. In two other World Championships that were played in a knockout format, Leko fell short, finishing fifth in 2005 and fourth in 2007. He has since moved away from active play and keeps himself busy with commentary stints around the world, as well as training Germany's Vincent Keymer. In an interview with The Indian Express, he spoke about his protégé Vincent's rise among the chess elite, their bond, and why he never became world champion, among other things. Vincent won the Chennai Masters 2025 with a round to spare, beating a quality playing field. You were part of Viswanathan Anand's team during the 2013 World Championship match against Magnus Carlsen. How does it feel that your student has tasted a big success in the same city? It's a sensational feeling because the tournament was very tough. It was a fantastic event. The Chennai Masters is a highlight of the year. Playing in Chennai, playing in India right now, is a fantastic feeling. I know Vincent enjoys going to India, the whole atmosphere, with people so enthusiastic about chess. There are so many spectators, so many cameras focused on the players. As a player, as a sportsman, as an artist, this is extremely important. It gives you extra energy. Then, all the craziness that happened at the beginning of the tournament… the fire at the hotel and so on. For me personally, it was very emotional. I was there in the same Hyatt Regency hotel during the World Championship match between Vishy Anand and Magnus Carlsen. I was Team Vishy, so I had so many emotions. Just hearing that the tournament was taking place in that very same hotel, then the fire and everything… I was so happy and relieved when I heard the players could move back and the tournament could continue. What Vincent has been doing is exceptional in the last six months. He won the Weissenhaus Freestyle event, crossed 2750, and broke into the world's top 10. Is there anything different he's been doing with you? What's your general sense of his playing style these days? The win in the Weissenhaus Freestyle Chess gave him a lot of confidence. Anish Giri also discussed it in an interview after the tournament. He mentioned how Freestyle Chess seemed to 'open up' Vincent. He gained so much confidence from beating Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, and Alireza Firouzja to win Weissenhaus. It was a sensational run. We've talked a lot about how, after this, there's no reason to fear anyone or any situation. If you can play on equal terms against the very best in Freestyle Chess, without any opening preparation, then that's a huge psychological breakthrough. The success of the likes of Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa and (Nodirbek) Abdusattorov… Gukesh is a World Champion at 18, Praggnanandhaa is among the elite, and Abdusattorov has been in the world's top 10 for quite some time. Vincent thinks… 'Wait a second, I'm not worse than these guys. If they can succeed, why can't I? I understand that when a player suddenly makes a breakthrough, people ask, What's the secret?' But usually, there is no secret sauce. That's the trick. It's a continuous growth. You don't suddenly become a completely different player overnight. You already have an extremely high level inside you, and then, based on small extra factors, it comes to life. You mentioned his versatility. After Freestyle, it's clear he's dynamic, adaptable to different time formats, optimistic, and pragmatic. If you had to analyse Vincent's playing style, what would you say? He's clearly a great strategist. He prefers complex battles, is very ambitious, and always looks for a fight but not in a chaotic way. He seeks harmony in positions, and once he achieves it, he's unstoppable. His style depends on imposing his will on the opponent. There was a sweet moment when you left your commentary to hug Vincent after his win at Weissenhaus. Back in 2018, at 13, Vincent said, With Peter, everything is fun. You share a strong bond. How did this all start? Vincent is like family. It's not just a professional relationship. It has a long history. When I was young, I struggled financially in Hungary, but Germany supported me, helping me become the player I am. I've always wanted to give back. I met Vincent in 2017, when I felt my playing career had peaked. He was a 12-year-old in Germany, and I was asked to coach him at the World U20 Championship. We travelled for hours to Tarvisio, Italy, and when we arrived, I asked him to show me one of his games. He explained every move, his thoughts, his feelings and in that moment, I knew he was special. He had an innate understanding of harmony in chess. I told my wife, 'This will be a long partnership.' Six months later, he won the Grenke Open, beating a 2700+ player. Vincent said your training sessions are intense but at the same time it's quite fun. He told us about some bike rides. Tell us about that. Yup, bike rides are a must in our training camps. After hours of chess, physical exercise is crucial but it has to be enjoyable. If you force yourself, it doesn't help. Riding recharges us, so we can focus again. Working with computers can be frustrating as they dismiss every brilliant idea. But when we test ideas on each other, seeing the other struggle makes it practical. If it surprises us, it'll surprise opponents. Vincent was Gukesh's second for the World Championship. Was that a difficult decision considering they both are of the same age and there's always a chance of making yourself vulnerable to your opponent? We discussed it. (Grzegorz) Gajewski also said in one of the interviews that one of the absolute key moments to pick Vincent for team Gukesh was not exactly just because he's a good player, but they understood the way Vincent was supporting Gukesh during the Candidates even after not being part of his team. But he was rooting for him and also wished him luck. After Gukesh lost to Alireza Firouzja in a crucial match, we discussed this and Vincent told me that he should message Gukesh to show his support. Gukesh wanted someone in his team who genuinely supported him. With computers, preparation is less about secrecy and more about surprise. Vincent enjoyed contributing, and Gukesh's win gave him a confidence boost. You once said you never had that 'incredible determination to win at all costs'. Is this the reason why you never became world champion? Throughout my career, I had a problem of playing too many draws. Somehow, I was a little bit too peaceful. This was always a complex issue. You see it also in Anish Giri. He's a brilliant player, who knows so much, but he also has this tendency of playing too many draws. In my case, it was probably connected with the fact that, as a youngster, I started playing immediately against the very best players in the world at that time. Back then, there were no computers and I was raised and became super grandmaster without computer knowledge. So all the older chess players were much more experienced. They knew the opening theory better and I always had to defend myself. There were moments when I was at the peak of my career and was able to handle this problem but it was always there throughout my career with me. Do you think Vincent does not have this trait? I deliberately try not to interfere with many things that Vincent is doing. I always wanted to make sure that Vincent keeps his own mindset. He loves to go for a fight, doesn't want to play for a draw and always wants to win. I also tell him that 'you don't have to worry. All you have to worry about is getting stronger every day, and that's your only task. Where do you rank Vincent among prodigies like Gukesh, Pragg, and Abdusattorov? Can he reach the Candidates or World Championship? Qualifying shouldn't be an obsession. Great players focus on growth, not just results. If you're too fixated on qualifying, you lose the process. Vincent has the talent; he just needs to keep improving.
News18
6 days ago
- News18
Chennai Grand Masters Day 9: Vincent Keymer Becomes First Overseas Champ, Pranesh Clinches Challengers Crown
Last Updated: Vincent Keymer, who wrapped up the title with a game to go, ensured to add a coat of sheen to his crown with a win in the final round against Ray Robson to remain unbeaten. Vincent Keymer, who wrapped up the title with a game to go, ensured to add a coat of sheen to his crown with a win in the final round against Ray Robson to remain unbeaten, while Pranesh M won the challengers section despite his defeat in the conclusive outing. The Chennai Grandmasters witnessed its maiden overseas champion being crowned as German Vincent Keymer went through the event in Chennai unbeaten to seal the title in emphatic fashion with 7 points to his name. The hotly-contested tournament also proved significant for the German for more reasons than one, as his run shot him into the top-10 of the World Rankings for the very first time in his fledgling career. The title, which was won by Indians D Gukesh and Arvindh Chidambaram in the two previous editions, was convincingly conquered by the 20-year-old from Mainz, who closed out the tournament with a win over American Ray Robson, who finished at the bottom of the table with just 3 points in 9 rounds. Robson, however, did not have to languish at the bottom all alone as Pranav V, who succumbed to Nihal Sarin in the final game of the series, also finished with 3 points to his name. Nihal's triumph also ensured he finished ahead of Vidit Gujrathi with 4.5 points. Karthikeyan Murali and Arjun Erigaisi, who started the final day tied at 4.5 points each, fought it out to secure second place in the Capital City of Tamil Nadu, but ended up sharing the spoils on the day to finish joint second with 5 points, alongside Dutchman Anish Giri, who had eight draws in as many outings heading into the final day, signed off with a win over countryman Jorden Van Foreest. American Lian Awonder, who prefers to be referred to as 'a breath of fresh air', gave a good account of himself at the event in the cradle of chess as he finished with 4.5 points as he played out a draw with Indian Gujrathi, who completed the event with 4 points to his name. Pranesh Wins Challengers, Seals Passage To Masters Harshavardha GB ended his campaign with four points as he beat Pranesh M, who was made to wait for the conclusion of other games to get his hands on the title. Diptayan Ghosh completed the event with a win over hometown girl Vaishali R, who finished the event at the Hyatt Regency with a solitary point and no wins. Ghosh ended his fixtures with 4.5 points. Aryan Chopra picked up a win over Harika Dronavalli, who completed the event last but second with a point and a half. Adhiban B posted a win over Leaon Luke Mendoca to throw a wrench in the work of the latter's effort to fight for the title, as his chance to go past Pranesh evaporated. Abhimanyu Puranik, who also had the chance to bag the title with a win, fell flat to Iniyan Pa in the longest board of the day, as Pranesh thanked his lucky stars for a top spot finish and a berth in the Masters category next year. Challengers Results Day 9 Masters Points Table 1. Vincent Keymer (Winner) – 7 Points 2. Anish Giri – 5 Points 3. Arjun Erigaisi – 5 Points 4. Karthikeyan Murali – 5 Points 5. Nihal Sarin – 4.5 Points 6. Liang Awonder – 4.5 Points 7. Vidit Gujrathi – 4 Points 8. Jorden Van Foreest – 4 Points 9. Pranav V – 3 Points 10. Ray Robson – 3 Points Challengers Points Table 1. Pranesh M (Winner) – 6.5 Points 2. Adhiban B – 6 Points 3. Abhimanyu Puranik – 6 Points 4. Leon Luke Mendoca – 6 Points 5. Iniyan Pa – 5.5 Points 6. Diptaya Ghosh – 4.5 Points 7. Harshavardhan GB – 4 Points 8. Aryan Chopra – 4 Points 9. Harika Dronavalli – 1.5 Points 10. Vaishali Rameshbabu – 1 Point Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Anish Giri Arjun Erigaisi Chennai Grand Masters Chess Pranesh M Vincent Keymer view comments Location : Chennai, India, India First Published: August 15, 2025, 18:36 IST News sports Chennai Grand Masters Day 9: Vincent Keymer Becomes First Overseas Champ, Pranesh Clinches Challengers Crown Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
