Free FIDE-rated classical chess tournament to be held in Kerala from 20th March to 23rd March
Kerala’s Premier Chess Academy is set to organise a different kind of classical chess tournament from 20th to 23rd March. Chess for Everyone, a FIDE-rated tournament, will have no entry fee and no cash prizes! The sole purpose of this event is to focus on learning and long-term growth of chess in Kerala. By bringing opponents to Kerala, the organisers hope to strengthen the state's chess base. This is a unique approach to developing more chess players in India. Read the article to know more. Photo: Premier Chess Academy
A tournament with free entry & no cash prizes
Kerala’s Premier Chess Academy has taken a unique step to strengthen the chess ecosystem in the region. They are launching “Chess for Everyone”, a FIDE-rated Classical tournament with zero entry fee and zero prize money! The purpose of this event is to nurture talent and provide exposure to players.
An event with no prize money in a world where chess tournaments are often driven by cash rewards seems intriguing. This idea took shape in June 2025, when Renjith Balakrishnan, CEO of Premier Chess Academy, reviewed data from the Kerala Premier Chess League. He realized that the state had barely 20 active players with a 2000+ classical rating. “It was a wake-up call and led to Project Vision 2000, aimed at creating stronger classical players through training, exposure, and support. Chess for Everyone was designed to reverse the system, bringing international Grandmasters to Kerala instead of sending our children abroad while removing entry fees and prize money to eliminate financial barriers and keep the focus purely on long-term development,” he says.
The tournament encourages players to focus on experience, improvement, and genuine learning, rather than chasing cash prizes. There will be a mix of rated and unrated players, so that everyone gets the chance to play strong opponents and learn from them. So far, 79 players, including out-of-state participants and 5 international players, have registered: 3 from Nepal, 1 from Sri Lanka, and 1 from Zimbabwe. The initiative is definitely gaining momentum. The tournament will accommodate a maximum of 175 players.
Renjith also emphasizes why classical time control was chosen over rapid or blitz formats. “If we want more 2000+ rated players from Kerala, classical play is essential. Rapid and blitz formats are popular, but they do not provide the depth of calculation, preparation, and endurance required at higher levels. This initiative is focused on long-term player development, and classical chess is the foundation for that growth,” he explains.
For international players
Premier Chess Academy will fully support participating international players. They will cover their flight tickets and provide accommodation in 4/5 star hotels for the duration of the tournament. They will also take care of local hospitality including transport and on-ground arrangements. International players can contact Renjith Balakrishnan at renjithb@premierchessacademy.com for any queries related to participation and to check seat availability.
No. |
| Name | FideID | FED | Rtg | sex | Typ | Club/City | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | IM | IND | 2359 | West Bengal | |||||
2 | IM | IND | 2130 | Gujarat | |||||
3 | CM | NEP | 1967 | Nepal | |||||
4 | NEP | 1884 | Nepal | ||||||
5 | IND | 1791 | Trivandrum | ||||||
6 | IND | 1778 | U15 | Trivandrum | |||||
7 | IND | 1761 | U15 | Trivandrum | |||||
8 | NEP | 1723 | Nepal | ||||||
9 | AFM | IND | 1717 | U15 | Trivandrum | ||||
10 | IND | 1717 | U15 | Trivandrum | |||||
11 | IM | ZIM | 1689 | Zimbabwe | |||||
12 | IND | 1683 | Malappuram | ||||||
13 | IND | 1673 | U12 | Trivandrum | |||||
14 | AFM | IND | 1654 | U15 | Trivandrum | ||||
15 | IND | 1641 | Trivandrum | ||||||
16 | AFM | IND | 1633 | U12 | Hyderabad | ||||
17 | IND | 1610 | Trivandrum | ||||||
18 | IND | 1601 | U12 | Trivandrum | |||||
19 | AIM | IND | 1573 | U15 | Trivandrum | ||||
20 | IND | 1569 | Alappuzha |
Financially, the tournament is sustained as part of Premier Chess Academy’s social commitment. Over the years, the academy has invested over Rs. 1 crore annually in Kerala chess, supporting player development, medical aid, international travel assistance, and free training initiatives. Chess for Everyone is a planned investment in the future of Kerala chess, prioritizing growth and accessibility over profits.
If the event proves successful, the academy plans to conduct similar tournaments every three months, refining the format based on outcomes and data. Special attention will also be given to inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities for all participants, including specially abled players. With this initiative, Premier Chess Academy is taking a bold step toward building stronger classical players and a healthier chess ecosystem. If successful, this model could inspire other regions in India to replicate the approach!
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