2nd International FIDE Rated Chess (Below 1650) TOURNAMENT- 2026

The 2nd International FIDE Rated Chess Tournament 2026 organized by Eight Square Chess Academy is one of the biggest chess tournaments in Chennai and Tamil Nadu for 2026. The tournament is specially designed for players with FIDE rating below 1650 and offers a massive prize pool exceeding ₹5,00,000 along with laptops, LED TVs, trophies, and category prizes.

This prestigious chess championship is officially affiliated with the Chennai District Chess Association and approved by AICF and TNSCA. Players from across India are expected to participate in this highly competitive FIDE-rated event held at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

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Tournament Highlights

• ✅ International FIDE Rated Tournament
• ✅ Eligibility: Players Below 1650 FIDE Rating
• ✅ Total Prize Pool: ₹5,00,000+
• ✅ 9 LED TVs & 3 Laptops as Special Prizes
• ✅ 9 Round Swiss System Tournament
• ✅ Attractive Cash Prizes & Category Awards
• ✅ Separate Prizes for Women, Veterans & Divyang Players
• ✅ Junior Category Trophies for Under-07 to Under-15
• ✅ E-Certificates for All Participants

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Tournament Details

Details	Information
Tournament Name	2nd International FIDE Rated Chess Tournament 2026
Organizer	Eight Square Chess Academy
Event Type	FIDE Rated Below 1650 Tournament
Dates	03 July 2026 to 05 July 2026
Venue	Hall of Chess, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai
Entry Fee	₹2500
Total Rounds	9 Rounds
Time Control	30 Minutes + 30 Seconds Increment
Tournament Format	Swiss System
Chief Arbiter	IA Arun Seshadhri S R
Tournament Director	Ms. Sivaranjani S

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Venue Details

📍 Tournament Venue

Hall of Chess
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

The venue is centrally located in Chennai with easy access via railway station, metro, airport, and bus transportation facilities. Players from all over Tamil Nadu and India can conveniently reach the tournament venue.

🏆 Detailed Prize Structure

OPEN CATEGORY PRIZES (Rating 1451 – 1600)

Rank	Prize Details
1st Prize	₹60,000 + Laptop + Trophy
2nd Prize	₹40,000 + LED TV + Trophy
3rd Prize	₹30,000 + LED TV + Trophy
4th Prize	₹20,000
5th Prize	₹15,000
6th Prize	₹10,000
7th Prize	₹7,000
8th Prize	₹6,000
9th Prize	₹5,000
10th Prize	₹5,000
11th Prize	₹4,000
12th Prize	₹4,000
13th Prize	₹4,000
14th Prize	₹4,000
15th Prize	₹4,000
16th Prize	₹3,000
17th Prize	₹3,000
18th Prize	₹3,000
19th Prize	₹3,000
20th Prize	₹3,000
21st Prize	₹3,000
22nd Prize	₹3,000
23rd Prize	₹3,000
24th Prize	₹3,000
25th Prize	₹2,500
26th Prize	₹2,500
27th Prize	₹2,500
28th Prize	₹2,500
29th Prize	₹2,500
30th Prize	₹2,500

Rating Category 1451-1600 (Each) and 0-1450 (Each)

Rank	Prize Details
1st Prize	₹3,000 + LED TV + Trophy
2nd Prize	₹2,500 + Trophy
3rd Prize	₹2,500 + Trophy
4th Prize	Trophy
5th Prize	Trophy
6th Prize	Trophy
7th Prize	Trophy
8th Prize	Trophy
9th Prize	Trophy
10th Prize	Trophy

👩 Best Female Players (16 Years & Above)

Rank	Prize Details
1st Prize	₹3,000 + LED TV + Trophy
2nd Prize	₹2,500 + Trophy
3rd Prize	₹2,500 + Trophy
4th Prize	Trophy
5th Prize	Trophy
6th Prize	Trophy
7th Prize	Trophy
8th Prize	Trophy
9th Prize	Trophy
10th Prize	Trophy

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👴 Best Veteran Players (50+ Category)

Rank	Prize Details
1st Prize	₹3,000 + LED TV + Trophy
2nd Prize	₹2,500 + Trophy
3rd Prize	₹2,500 + Trophy
4th Prize	Trophy
5th Prize	Trophy
6th Prize	Trophy
7th Prize	Trophy
8th Prize	Trophy
9th Prize	Trophy
10th Prize	Trophy

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♿ Divyang Players Category Prizes

Rank	Prize Details
1st Prize	₹3,000 + LED TV + Trophy
2nd Prize	₹2,500 + Trophy
3rd Prize	₹2,500 + Trophy
4th Prize	Trophy
5th Prize	Trophy
6th Prize	Trophy
7th Prize	Trophy
8th Prize	Trophy
9th Prize	Trophy
10th Prize	Trophy

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🧒 CATEGORY TROPHIES – Boys & Girls

🏅 Under Category Awards

Category	Eligibility Criteria	Awards
Under-07 Boys	Born on or after 2019	15 Trophies
Under-07 Girls	Born on or after 2019	15 Trophies
Under-09 Boys	Born on or after 2017	15 Trophies
Under-09 Girls	Born on or after 2017	15 Trophies
Under-11 Boys	Born on or after 2015	15 Trophies
Under-11 Girls	Born on or after 2015	15 Trophies
Under-13 Boys	Born on or after 2013	15 Trophies
Under-13 Girls	Born on or after 2013	15 Trophies
Under-15 Boys	Born on or after 2011	15 Trophies
Under-15 Girls	Born on or after 2011	15 Trophies

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🎁 Additional Tournament Benefits

Feature	Details
Total Prize Pool	₹5,00,000+
Laptop Prizes	3
LED TV Prizes	9
Participation Certificates	E-Certificates for All Players
Tournament Type	International FIDE Rated
Number of Rounds	9 Rounds
Pairing System	Swiss System
Venue	Hall of Chess, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai

Tournament Schedule

Date	Round	Time
03 July 2026	Players Meeting	09:00 AM
03 July 2026	Round 1	09:30 AM
03 July 2026	Round 2	01:00 PM
03 July 2026	Round 3	04:00 PM
04 July 2026	Round 4	09:30 AM
04 July 2026	Round 5	01:00 PM
04 July 2026	Round 6	04:00 PM
05 July 2026	Round 7	08:00 AM
05 July 2026	Round 8	11:30 AM
05 July 2026	Round 9	03:00 PM
05 July 2026	Prize Distribution	06:00 PM

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Online Registration & Entry Details

Entry Fee

• ₹2500 per player

Registration Websites

• ChessEntry
• ChessFee
• SigninChess
• BookMyFee
• CircleChess
• ChessMI

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Important Tournament Rules

• Latest FIDE Rules will apply.
• Swiss System format will be followed.
• Total 9 rounds will be conducted.
• Tie-break system: Buchholz.
• AICF registration mandatory for all Indian players.
• TNSCA registration mandatory for Tamil Nadu players.
• Chennai DCA registration required for Chennai district players.
• Wrist watches are strictly prohibited during games.
• E-certificates will be provided to all participants.
• Entries close at 6:00 PM on 30 June 2026.

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Contact Details

📞 Tournament Contacts

Arun Seshadhri S R

• +91 9345991867

Sivaranjani S

• +91 9626764649
• +91 9150442252

📧 Email: chessacademy32@gmail.com

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can participate in this chess tournament?

Players with FIDE rating below 1650 are eligible to participate in this tournament.

Is AICF registration mandatory?

Yes, AICF registration is compulsory for all Indian players participating in FIDE-rated tournaments.

Is TNSCA registration required?

Yes, Tamil Nadu players must have valid TNSCA registration for 2026–2027.

What is the last date for registration?

Entries close on 30 June 2026 at 6:00 PM.

What is the venue of the tournament?

The tournament will be held at Hall of Chess, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai.

What is the time control?

30 minutes with 30 seconds increment per move from move 1.

Are electronic watches allowed during the game?

No. Wrist watches are not allowed as per AICF regulations.

Will participation certificates be provided?

Yes, E-certificates will be provided to all players.

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Chess Tournaments in Chennai & Tamil Nadu

Chennai has become one of the strongest chess hubs in India, producing several international chess champions and hosting world-class FIDE-rated tournaments regularly. Events like the 2nd International FIDE Rated Chess Tournament 2026 provide excellent opportunities for young chess talents, professional players, and school students to improve their international ratings and gain competitive experience.

Tamil Nadu continues to dominate Indian chess with strong support from chess academies, district associations, and professional organizers. Players searching for chess tournaments in Chennai, chess competitions in Tamil Nadu, FIDE rated chess events, junior chess championships, rapid chess tournaments, and open chess tournaments will find this event to be one of the most attractive competitions of the year.

Whether you are an aspiring Grandmaster, a school-level chess player, or a passionate chess enthusiast, participating in reputed chess tournaments in Chennai helps improve tactical skills, gain FIDE rating points, and compete against strong players from across India.