22nd Delhi International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament 2027
The 22nd Delhi International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament 2027 will take place in New Delhi, India, from January 21–28, 2027. Organized by the Delhi Chess Association, the festival brings together three FIDE-rated tournaments at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex and offers a combined cash prize fund of ₹13.2 million (₹1.32 crore).
All three categories are played over 10 rounds using the Swiss System, although each section has its own rating eligibility, schedule and time control. Category A is the main Open tournament and uses 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move. Category B is restricted to players rated 1899 and below, while Category C is for players rated 1699 and below under the eligibility conditions stated in the official regulations.
The regular registration deadline is November 30, 2026. Indian participants must hold valid AICF registration for 2026–27, while players representing Delhi also require current Delhi Chess Association registration.
♟️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏷️ Tournament | 22nd Delhi International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament 2027 |
| 📅 Dates | January 21–28, 2027 |
| 🌍 Country | India |
| 📍 Location | New Delhi, Delhi |
| 🏛️ Venue | Indira Gandhi Sports Complex – Inder Prastha Estate, Delhi 110002, India |
| 👤 Organizer | Delhi Chess Association |
| 👥 Sections | Category A · Category B – 1899 & Below · Category C – 1699 & Below |
| ♟️ Format | 10-round Swiss System |
| ⏱️ Time Control | A: 90+30 · B: 60+30 · C: 30+30 |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE-rated |
| 🆔 FIDE Event IDs | A: 484271 · B: 484272 · C: 484273 |
| 💰 Prize Fund | ₹13,200,000 – approximately $137,090 |
| 🌐 Official Website | https://www.delhichess.com/ |
| 📄 Official Regulations | https://circlechess-ams-media.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/tenants/019f61a8-589b-7f13-82f7-b43836c0eb72/media/01a086ff-6fbc-737d-a53b-6658b5c2f667 |
| 📝 Registration | https://circlechess.com/registration?id=50807 |
| ♟️ Chess-Results – Category A | https://chess-results.com/tnr1494409.aspx?lan=1 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Each section consists of 10 rounds and is played under the FIDE Laws of Chess.
| Category | Time Control |
|---|---|
| Category A | 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move |
| Category B | 60 minutes + 30 seconds per move |
| Category C | 30 minutes + 30 seconds per move |
The latest applicable FIDE tiebreak regulations will be used when players finish on equal points. Cash prizes are not shared.
In Category A, players may not agree to a draw before Black’s 30th move.
🏆 Prize Fund
The Delhi Open offers a combined cash prize fund of ₹13,200,000 (₹1.32 crore).
| Category | Prize Fund | First Prize |
|---|---|---|
| Category A | ₹5,500,000 | ₹750,000 |
| Category B | ₹3,850,000 | ₹500,000 |
| Category C | ₹3,850,000 | ₹500,000 |
Category A
The main Open section offers ₹5.5 million in prizes.
| Places | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | ₹750,000 |
| 2nd | ₹650,000 |
| 3rd | ₹550,000 |
| 4th | ₹450,000 |
| 5th | ₹350,000 |
| 6th | ₹250,000 |
| 7th–8th | ₹150,000 each |
| 9th–10th | ₹100,000 each |
| 11th–14th | ₹90,000 to ₹60,000 |
| 15th–20th | ₹50,000 each |
| 21st–25th | ₹30,000 each |
| 26th–30th | ₹20,000 each |
| 31st–55th | ₹10,000 each |
Additional Category A prizes are available for female players, foreign players, Delhi players and rating groups below 2300, 2100 and 1900.
The top three Female and Foreign players receive ₹100,000 / ₹60,000 / ₹40,000. The other listed special classifications award ₹50,000 / ₹30,000 / ₹20,000.
A separate ₹100,000 title-norm fund is reserved for players achieving title norms. This award may be received in addition to another cash prize.
Category B – 1899 & Below
Category B offers ₹3.85 million, with prizes extending to 125th place.
| Places | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | ₹500,000 |
| 2nd | ₹400,000 |
| 3rd | ₹300,000 |
| 4th | ₹200,000 |
| 5th–6th | ₹100,000 each |
| 7th–10th | ₹90,000 to ₹60,000 |
| 11th–15th | ₹50,000 each |
| 16th–20th | ₹30,000 each |
| 21st–30th | ₹20,000 each |
| 31st–50th | ₹10,000 each |
| 51st–100th | ₹7,000 each |
| 101st–125th | ₹6,000 each |
Special prizes are also available for Female, Foreign, Unrated, Under-15, Under-12, Under-9, Delhi, Delhi Female, Below 1800, Below 1700, Below 1600, Below 1500, Veteran 60+ and North-East & Andaman players.
Category C – 1699 & Below
Category C also offers ₹3.85 million, with main prizes extending to 140th place.
| Places | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | ₹500,000 |
| 2nd | ₹400,000 |
| 3rd | ₹300,000 |
| 4th | ₹200,000 |
| 5th–6th | ₹100,000 each |
| 7th–10th | ₹90,000 to ₹60,000 |
| 11th–15th | ₹50,000 each |
| 16th–20th | ₹30,000 each |
| 21st–30th | ₹20,000 each |
| 31st–50th | ₹10,000 each |
| 51st–100th | ₹7,000 each |
| 101st–140th | ₹6,000 each |
Category C also includes special prizes for Female, Foreign, Unrated, junior, Delhi, rating, veteran and regional classifications.
Except for the Category A norm award, a player normally receives only the higher applicable cash prize.
👥 Sections / Groups
Category A – Open
January 21–28, 2027
10 rounds · 90+30 · Prize Fund ₹5,500,000
Category A is the main Open section. Players must hold a Standard FIDE rating as of January 1, 2027.
GM, IM, WGM and WIM titleholders receive free entry.
Category B – 1899 & Below
January 21–24, 2027
10 rounds · 60+30 · Prize Fund ₹3,850,000
Category B is open to players whose career FIDE rating has remained 1899 or below during the preceding three years. Unrated players may also participate.
Players who finished first or second in a rating-restricted tournament during the one-year period before the event are not eligible.
Category C – 1699 & Below
January 25–28, 2027
10 rounds · 30+30 · Prize Fund ₹3,850,000
Category C follows the same eligibility principle with a maximum career rating of 1699 during the preceding three years. Unrated players are eligible.
Players eligible for Category C may also enter Category B.
A ₹1,000 discount on the Category C fee is available to players entering both B and C when the qualifying registration is completed by November 1, 2026.
📅 Schedule
Category A
| Date | Program |
|---|---|
| January 21 | 14:00 – Round 1 |
| January 22 | 09:30 – Round 2 · 16:00 – Round 3 |
| January 23 | 14:00 – Round 4 |
| January 24 | 09:30 – Round 5 · 16:00 – Round 6 |
| January 25 | 14:00 – Round 7 |
| January 26 | 14:00 – Round 8 |
| January 27 | 14:00 – Round 9 |
| January 28 | 10:00 – Round 10 · 18:00 – Prize Distribution |
Category A players are scheduled to arrive on January 20 after 14:00.
Category B
| Date | Program |
|---|---|
| January 21 | 09:30 – R1 · 14:00 – R2 · 17:30 – R3 |
| January 22 | 09:30 – R4 · 13:30 – R5 · 17:30 – R6 |
| January 23 | 13:30 – R7 · 17:30 – R8 |
| January 24 | 09:30 – R9 · 13:30 – R10 · 19:00 – Prize Ceremony |
Category C
| Date | Program |
|---|---|
| January 25 | 10:00 – R1 · 13:30 – R2 · 17:30 – R3 |
| January 26 | 14:00 – R4 · 17:30 – R5 |
| January 27 | 09:30 – R6 · 13:30 – R7 · 17:30 – R8 |
| January 28 | 09:00 – R9 · 13:00 – R10 · 18:00 – Prize Ceremony |
📝 Registration
Indian players should register through the official CircleChess registration system:
https://circlechess.com/registration?id=50807
Foreign players and GM / IM / WGM / WIM titleholders may contact the organizer directly at:
delhichess64@yahoo.com
dcachessevents@gmail.com
Entry Fees
| Category | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| A – GM / IM / WGM / WIM | Free |
| A – Above 2300 | ₹5,000 |
| A – 2000–2299 | ₹6,000 |
| A – 1900–1999 | ₹8,000 |
| A – Below 1900 | ₹10,000 |
| Category B | ₹6,000 |
| Category C | ₹6,000 |
Deadlines
The regular registration deadline is November 30, 2026.
| Registration Period | Additional Fee |
|---|---|
| Through November 30 | No late fee |
| December 1–31 | +₹500 |
| January 1–19 – A & B | +₹1,000 |
| January 1–23 – C | +₹1,000 |
Requests to waive entry fees or late fees will not be accepted.
AICF / DCA Requirements
All Indian players must have valid AICF registration for 2026–27 before tournament registration.
Players representing Delhi must also have valid Delhi Chess Association registration for 2026–27.
Foreign players must have a valid FIDE ID under their national federation or a licensed FIDE-flag ID.
👤 Organizer
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| Organizer Name | Delhi Chess Association |
| Organising Secretary | IA Amit Sharma |
| delhichess64@yahoo.com | |
| dcachessevents@gmail.com | |
| Phone | +91 98189 31765 |
📍 Venue
Indira Gandhi Sports Complex – Inder Prastha Estate, Delhi 110002, India.
The Indira Gandhi Sports Complex is a major indoor sports facility in central Delhi. All three Delhi Open categories are scheduled at the same complex.
Because the venue contains several halls and access points, players should check the organizer’s final reporting instructions before arrival.
🏨 Accommodation
The organizer provides free double-sharing hotel accommodation for eligible Category A participants:
- GMs
- IMs
- WGMs
- WIMs
- Foreign players rated above 2000
Other participants should arrange their own accommodation.
Players entitled to organizer accommodation should contact the tournament team before booking independently.
Nearby Options
| Hotel | Area / Notes |
|---|---|
| Broadway – An Alivaa Collection Hotel | Asaf Ali Road; central location with practical access to the tournament area |
| The Lalit New Delhi | Barakhamba / Connaught Place; full-service central hotel |
Hotel prices vary by booking date and room type, so players should check current rates and cancellation conditions before booking.
🚆 How to Get There
From Delhi International Airport
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the main international gateway to New Delhi.
A taxi or app-based cab offers the simplest direct journey to the venue. However, Delhi traffic can be heavy, particularly during weekday peak periods.
The Airport Express Metro provides a useful alternative. It connects Terminal 3 with New Delhi Metro Station in approximately 25 minutes.
From New Delhi, players can continue by taxi or use the Delhi Metro toward the Inder Prastha area.
By Metro
Indraprastha Metro Station on the Blue Line is a practical station for reaching the tournament area.
From central Delhi, passengers can travel toward Indraprastha and complete the final part of the journey by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Players carrying chess equipment or substantial luggage may find this easier than walking from the station.
From New Delhi Railway Station
New Delhi Railway Station has direct Metro access and is also served by the Airport Express.
From the station, participants can either continue by Metro toward Indraprastha or use a taxi for the final journey to the sports complex.
By Car
Drivers should navigate to:
Indira Gandhi Sports Complex – Inder Prastha Estate, Delhi 110002, India.
Traffic in central Delhi can be considerable, so players should allow additional time before rounds.
The regulations do not specify dedicated tournament parking arrangements. Participants travelling by private vehicle should therefore confirm access and parking with the organizer.
ℹ️ Other Information
Electronic Devices: Electronic devices are prohibited inside the playing hall. The regulations specifically include all types of wrist watches in this restriction.
Fair Play: FIDE and AICF Fair Play Regulations apply throughout the tournament.
Tiebreaks: The latest applicable FIDE tiebreak regulations will be used. Cash prizes will not be shared.
Category A Draw Rule: Players may not agree to a draw before Black’s 30th move.
Prize Eligibility: A participant normally receives only the higher applicable cash prize. The Category A title-norm award is the exception.
Taxation: Indian Income Tax rules apply to all cash prizes.
Tournament Contacts
Registration & Accommodation
IA Shardul Sharma
+91 77090 12353
Registration
IA Rupesh Kumar
+91 96500 13204
Coordinator & Registration
FM Prasenjit Dutta
+91 99116 35649
Technical Matters & Foreign Players
IA M. S. Gopakumar
+91 98686 24216
Organising Secretary
IA Amit Sharma
+91 98189 31765
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $137,770
Organizer
♟️ About Delhi Chess Association
The Delhi Chess Association (DCA) is the official chess association responsible for the promotion and administration of organized chess in Delhi, India. Established in 1973, the association is affiliated with the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and provides the organizational framework for state championships, player registration, club affiliation, sanctioned tournaments, and competitive chess development throughout the National Capital Territory.
DCA operates as a nonprofit chess organization and works with players, schools, clubs, tournament organizers, arbiters, and other stakeholders across Delhi. Its current digital platform provides player registration, tournament listings, results, federation information, and services for organizers seeking approval for chess events. Thousands of players appear in the association’s online membership system.
The association also serves as the connection between Delhi players and the wider Indian chess structure. Players competing in official state and national events can complete their DCA registration through the association, while organizers can apply for affiliation and tournament sanction. This allows local chess activity to feed directly into AICF-recognized and, where applicable, FIDE-rated competition.
🏆 Tournaments & Chess Activities
Delhi Chess Association maintains an extensive tournament calendar covering classical, rapid, blitz, age-group, women’s, amateur, and open competition. Its state program includes championships for young players across multiple age categories as well as the Delhi State Open Championship, Delhi State Women’s Championship, Delhi State Amateur Championship, and Delhi State Rapid and Blitz competitions.
The association also sanctions and supports a large number of FIDE-rated events organized in Delhi. These include international opens, memorial tournaments, rating-restricted competitions, rapid and blitz tournaments, and events conducted by affiliated organizers. Through this structure, players can access rated competition throughout much of the year without leaving the Delhi region.
DCA’s flagship international competition is the Delhi International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament. The festival has developed into a long-running international event that attracts titled players, ambitious juniors, amateurs, and international participants. Different rating categories allow players of varying strength to compete within the same broader festival.
The 22nd Delhi International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament 2027 is scheduled for January 21–28, 2027, at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi. The festival consists of Categories A, B, and C and carries a published combined prize fund of ₹13.2 million (₹1.32 crore). Category A is the main international section, while Categories B and C provide rating-restricted competition for developing players.
🌱 Junior Chess & Player Development
Junior chess forms a major part of Delhi Chess Association’s annual program. Separate state championships are held across several age groups for Open and Girls categories, giving young players a structured route from local competition to state and national championships.
Recent DCA calendars have included championships for categories such as Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19, together with other youth and school-level events. Successful players can progress toward national championships conducted under the AICF structure.
The association also recognizes and promotes the achievements of Delhi players at national and international level. Its official news platform regularly reports results by emerging juniors and titled players representing Delhi in major Indian and Asian competitions.
Frequent FIDE-rated tournaments provide another important development pathway. Juniors can move beyond age-group championships and compete in open tournaments against adult and titled opposition. This combination of junior championships, state events, and international opens gives developing players access to progressively stronger competition.
📚 History & Development
Delhi Chess Association was established in 1973 to promote and develop chess in Delhi. Over more than five decades, its responsibilities have expanded alongside the growth of Indian chess. The association now manages a large player-registration system, state championships, tournament approvals, results, and club affiliations through a modern online platform.
One of the most visible parts of this development has been the growth of the Delhi International Open. The tournament has progressed through more than twenty editions and has become a recurring international event on the Indian calendar. Its multi-category format allows both elite competitors and lower-rated players to participate within the same festival structure.
The 2027 edition represents another significant expansion. DCA has announced a combined prize fund of ₹1.32 crore across three categories, while the event is registered through AICF and scheduled at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex. Alongside this major international festival, the association continues to maintain a broad annual program of Delhi State Championships and sanctioned rated tournaments.
Today, DCA combines traditional federation responsibilities with digital administration. Players can register online, organizers can apply for sanctioned events, clubs can request affiliation, and tournament information and results are published through the association’s official platform.
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