Kingdom of Chess Concludes the 2nd International Below 1800 FIDE Rated Chess Tournament 2024
The 2nd Kingdom of Chess International Below 1800 FIDE Rated Chess Tournament concluded on a triumphant note, leaving an indelible mark in the chess community. Hosted hosted at Orbit Resort, R K Circle, New Bhupalpura, Udaipur, Rajasthan, from 21st to 23rd December 2024, this event was a celebration of chess, camaraderie, and competitive spirit. Udaipur Known as the “City of Lakes,” added to the charm of the event, making it an unforgettable experience for players and visitors alike.
Featuring a staggering prize fund of ₹15,00,000, the tournament attracted chess enthusiasts from across the nation and beyond. With a total of 156 prizes, including 97 cash rewards and 59 trophies, players rated below 1800 found an incredible platform to showcase their talent.
A Grand Opening
The 2nd Kingdom of Chess International Below 1800 FIDE Rated Chess Tournament began with a grand inaugural ceremony, graced by esteemed guests Shri Vivek Singh Ji Rajawat, Shri Chandrajeet Singh Ji Rajawat, IAS Shri Ram Prakash Ji, and Shrimati Gunwanti Ji Rajawat.
In his opening speech, Chandrajeet Singh Ji Rajawat, Founder and CEO of Kingdom of Chess, highlighted the academy’s commitment to fostering chess talent across India, promoting the sport as a tool for strategic thinking, mental resilience, and personal growth. The dignitaries shared their perspectives on the transformative power of chess, setting an inspiring tone for the event.
Tournament Highlights
The event was a resounding success, drawing participation from over 300 players of varying skill levels. Here are some of the key highlights:
- Prize Distribution: The Open Category’s 1st prize of ₹1,11,000 was among the top attractions, alongside ₹1,01,000 each for the winners in the Below 1700 and Below 1550 categories.
- Inclusive Categories: Special prizes were awarded to women, veterans, and junior players, along with trophies for the youngest boy and girl participants and players with special needs.
- Memorable Moments: The tournament not only showcased intense chess battles but also fostered a sense of community.
- The venue added to the tournament’s grandeur. Held at a lush, green 3-star resort, the main playing hall was a beautifully designed, luxurious space. Parents enjoyed a spacious, air-conditioned lounge with plush sofas, offering a relaxing environment while players competed.
- Personal touches made the event even more special. Personalized ID cards distributed to each player on the first day helped streamline access to the tournament hall. Every participant also received a customized Kingdom of Chess pen as a thoughtful memento.
- The merchandise section showcased exclusive Kingdom of Chess hoodies and t-shirts, with an option for players and attendees to have their names customized or printed, offering a personalized keepsake to cherish.
- For the younger participants, snacks were thoughtfully provided, ensuring they had the energy to stay sharp during the games. One highlight of the culinary arrangements was the addition of Rajasthan’s famous dish, Raab (made of makki and chaach or buttermilk)—a local touch that was deeply appreciated by players and families alike.
Culinary Delights: A Feast for All Tastes
The 2nd Kingdom of Chess International Below 1800 FIDE Rated Chess Tournament not only excelled in chess but also delighted participants and their families with its thoughtful culinary arrangements. The menu was carefully curated and rotated daily, offering a rich array of cuisines including South Indian, North Indian, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali, and Rajasthani flavors.
This diversity ensured that guests could enjoy a comforting taste of home while exploring new culinary delights. Comfortable seating and spacious dining arrangements were thoughtfully provided, allowing everyone to relish their meals in a relaxed and inviting setting. The attention to detail in catering reflected the organizers’ commitment to creating a holistic and memorable experience for all attendees.
Memorable Conclusion
The tournament concluded with a grand prize distribution ceremony that celebrated the dedication and achievements of the players across various categories. Among the esteemed guests who graced the occasion and presented the awards were Shri Phool Singh Ji Meena, CI Shri Himanshu Singh Ji Rajawat, Shri Vivek Singh Ji Rajawat, Shri Chandrajeet Singh Ji Rajawat, Shri Radhey Ji Choksi, and Shrimati Gunwanti Ji Rajawat. Their presence added prestige to the event, as they applauded the players’ exceptional performances and reaffirmed the tournament’s success. The ceremony ended with a shared commitment to hosting more such outstanding tournaments in the future.
Top Finishers in the Main Category:
1st Place: Vaibhav Gautam – 8 points, ₹111,000 + Trophy
2nd Place: Shikhar Karn – 7½ points, ₹71,000 + Trophy
3rd Place: Lakshit Pusri – 7½ points, ₹41,000 + Trophy
4th Place: Rudradaman Mertia – 7½ points, ₹31,000
5th Place: Jain Aayush – 7 points, ₹21,000
6th Place: Kandke Sachin – 7 points, ₹15,000
7th Place: Rishaan Jain – 7 points, ₹13,000
8th Place: Aaradhya Jain – 7 points, ₹12,000
9th Place: Soni Vivan – 7 points, ₹11,000
10th Place: Krishna Kundu – 7 points, ₹10,000
1701-1551 Category:
1st Place: Raj Kapoor – 8 points, ₹101,000 + Trophy
2nd Place: Ishmeet Singh – 7 points, ₹51,000
3rd Place: Aashutosh Jamwal – 7 points, ₹25,000
4th Place: Sheikh Jahan – 7 points, ₹15,000
5th Place: Vishwanath Kannam – 7 points, ₹12,000
1550-1400 Category:
1st Place: Shanmukha Pulli – 7½ points, ₹101,000 + Trophy
2nd Place: Dhiraj Patil – 6½ points, ₹51,000 + Trophy
3rd Place: Saurabh Somvanshi – 6½ points, ₹31,000 + Trophy
4th Place: Sharma Mohit – 6½ points, ₹15,000
5th Place: Vibhor Atal – 6 points, ₹13,000
Unrated Category:
1st Place: Ankur Mankodi – 6 points, ₹51,000 + Trophy
2nd Place: Chouhan Kuldeep – 5½ points, ₹31,000 + Trophy
3rd Place: Uday Veer Sharma – 5½ points, ₹20,000 + Trophy
4th Place: Tegfateh Singh – 5½ points, ₹15,000
5th Place: Arjun Negi – 5 points, ₹10,000
Kingdom of Chess Category:
1st Place: Amay Jain – 5 points, ₹12,000 + Trophy
2nd Place: Aadhya A Shetty – 4½ points, ₹10,000 + Trophy
3rd Place: Hriddhan Agarwal – 4½ points, ₹8,000 + Trophy
4th Place: Nikunj Kushija – 4½ points, ₹6,000
5th Place: Khush Sharma – 4½ points, ₹5,000
About the Organizers
Kingdom of Chess proudly celebrates the success of its 2nd International Below 1800 FIDE Rated Chess Tournament 2024, staying true to its mission of inspiring a love for chess among players of all age groups. This exceptional event was made possible through the tireless efforts and dedication of a committed team.
Heartfelt gratitude is extended to our Organizing Secretary, Mr. Chandrajeet Singh Ji Rajawat, and the Organizing Committee members: Mr. Suryajeet Rajawat, Ms. Pooja Yadav, Mr. Naman Porwal, Mr. Gautam Kataria, Mr. Dhruv Dak, Ms. Nyasa Rao, and Ms. Saloni Gupta.
A special mention goes to our Chief Arbiter, IA Narendra Shrimali, and Deputy Chief Arbiter, IA Bhaskar V, along with the dedicated team of officials: IA Prashant Raval, IA Kajal Budhiraja, FA Gautam Kataria, FA Akash Payasi, SNA Leena Bhattacharya, SNA Laxmi Kumari, SNA Dev Karan Vasita, SNA Yashraj Vasita, SNA Rohit Menaria, SNA Hemendra Singh Jhala, SNA Bhavesh Patel, SNA Bhupendra Patel, SNA Nikita Jain, SNA Udit Yagnik, SNA Ayush Jain, and SNA Mayurdhwaj Singh Jadav.
Their expertise, dedication, and hard work ensured the tournament’s seamless execution and unforgettable success. A heartfelt thank you to each individual who contributed to making this event a grand success and an inspiring experience for all participants.
