Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi: From Accidental Chess Player to Global Chess League Competitor

Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi, a self-proclaimed accidental chess player, is gearing up to represent Mumba Masters in the upcoming Global Chess League in London. Despite initially considering sports as a more “stable” career option, Gujrathi found himself drawn to chess at a young age after being advised to put his cricket ambitions on hold.

Recalling his introduction to the game, Gujrathi shared, “I saw it as a good opportunity to learn and beat him,” referring to playing chess with his father. What started as a happy accident has now led him to become one of the top chess players in India, with an impressive Elo rating of over 2700.

In 2017, Gujrathi joined the elite club of Indian players with a 2700+ Elo rating, following in the footsteps of legends like Viswanathan Anand. Despite facing tough competition in this year’s Candidates Tournament, he continues to strive for improvement and success in the chess world.

Looking ahead to the Global Chess League, Gujrathi expressed his team’s determination to clinch the trophy this year. With a strong lineup including Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Alexander Grischuk, Mumba Masters is poised for a competitive season. The team’s camaraderie and positive atmosphere from the previous season are expected to carry them through the upcoming challenges.

As Gujrathi and his teammates prepare for the tournament, they are focused on not only achieving victory but also enjoying the experience together. With a mix of seasoned players and promising talents like Raunak Sadhwani, Mumba Masters is ready to make their mark in the world of chess.