Kolkata, India – The Tata Steel Chess India 2024 ended on November 17 in Kolkata’s Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium. Over two days, chess fans enjoyed thrilling matches in rapid and blitz formats. Big names and rising stars made the competition fierce and exciting.
Magnus Carlsen, the world’s top-ranked player, won the Blitz title. He had already claimed victory in the Rapid event earlier. But his win in Blitz wasn’t easy. Indian stars Arjun Erigaisi and Wesley So kept the pressure on till the end.
Format of the Tournament:
The tournament had two fast-paced formats. Rapid games gave each player 15 minutes, with a 10-second bonus per move. Blitz was even quicker, with just 3 minutes per player and a 2-second bonus.
These formats tested players’ quick thinking and decision-making. Each move could turn the game around, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Star Players in Tata Steel Chess India 2024
The tournament featured top players like Magnus Carlsen, Wesley So, and Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu. Indian talents like Arjun Erigaisi and Vidit Gujrathi made the event even more exciting.
Carlsen had a tough time in the Blitz event. He drew five games in a row against players like Praggnanandhaa, Wesley So, and Vincent Keymer. This gave Arjun Erigaisi a chance to lead the standings. However, Arjun lost his last three games, allowing Carlsen to claim the title.
In the women’s section, Kateryna Lagno dominated the event. She scored 11.5 points and won the championship. Valentina Gunina finished second after a close fight. Aleksandra Goryachkina and Vantika Agrawal shared third place.
Highlights of the Blitz Event
The Blitz games had plenty of dramatic moments. Carlsen’s string of draws made the competition even tighter. Wesley So, meanwhile, went on a six-game winning streak and finished second.
Arjun Erigaisi impressed everyone by beating Carlsen earlier in the tournament. Despite losing his final three games, he showed why he’s one of India’s best. Praggnanandhaa was steady but couldn’t secure a top spot.
In the women’s section, Lagno led for most of the event. Gunina’s final-round win over Lagno created some drama, but it wasn’t enough to change the result.
Final Standings
Open Blitz:
1st: Magnus Carlsen (13 points)
2nd: Wesley So (11.5 points)
3rd: Arjun Erigaisi (10.5 points)
Women’s Blitz:
1st: Kateryna Lagno (11.5 points)
2nd: Valentina Gunina (11 points)
3rd: Aleksandra Goryachkina (9.5 points)
A Boost for Chess in India
Tata Steel Chess India 2024 proved why it’s one of the biggest chess events. It gave Indian players like Arjun Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa a chance to compete with the best in the world.
Chess legend Viswanathan Anand praised Arjun for challenging Carlsen. “He was the only one to push Carlsen. It shows how close and exciting the games were,” Anand said.
The tournament inspires young players and helps Indian chess grow on the global stage.
Final Words:
Tata Steel Chess India 2024 had it all—intense games, star players, and memorable moments. Magnus Carlsen’s skill and Kateryna Lagno’s dominance stood out. As the tournament ends, chess fans are already looking forward to the next edition.