How Costly Is Chess In India? The Path To Becoming A Grandmaster For D Gukesh & Vishwanathan Anand

While the Indian Men and Women’s teams have taken a double gold at the Chess Olympiad, a historic feat, this journey takes years and decades to bring them where they are today. Here is a closer look at how costly this Journey of becoming a professional and a Grand Master is.

Over the past two decades, chess in India has experienced a profound resurgence, largely driven by the extraordinary accomplishments of Viswanathan Anand. Anand's triumph in 2000, when he became the World Chess Champion, marked a pivotal moment in the country's chess history.

His victory not only reignited national interest in the game but also served as a powerful inspiration for a new generation of players. By linking the ancient roots of chess, which originated as Chaturanga in 6th century AD India, to its modern-day prominence, Anand effectively bridged the gap between the past and the future of chess in India.

Today, Anand’s legacy is carried forward by a dynamic group of young prodigies, including Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, and Gukesh, who are making significant waves on the global stage. These young talents have risen rapidly through the ranks, showcasing India’s growing dominance in the world of chess. 

As of now, the country boasts of 84 Chess Grandmasters, a testament to its thriving chess culture. This surge in talent and interest is also reflected in the market value of chess in India, which was estimated at an impressive USD 25.5 billion in 2022. This figure underscores the dynamic chess revolution that is currently unfolding across the nation.

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The finances involved in becoming a Grandmaster

However, behind the glamor and recognition lies a path fraught with challenges. The journey to becoming a professional chess player, particularly a Grandmaster, is often marked by intense struggle and sacrifice along with a high monetary investment. 

Cofounder at MGD1, Sreekar Channapragada has broken down the finances that are involved in pursuing Chess professionally. 

According to Sreekar Channapragada, many of India’s chess Grandmasters began their training as early as age five, dedicating countless hours to mastering the complexities of the game. The fees for engaging a coach even at that level to teach the basics of the game ranges from ₹500 to ₹1,500 per hour and if any renowned Grandmasters are involved for the coaching, the charges can go up ₹2500 to ₹3000 per hour.

As the players start chasing Grandmasters norms they need coaching support from some of the most renowned names in world chess and the fees of these expert coaches can oscillate between USD 150 to USD 200 per session (approx ₹13000 to ₹15000 per session) in which they work with players for about six to eight hours in a day. This cost gets compounded by the traveling and lodging cost of the coach or the player, three to five lakh per international tournament and ₹50,000- ₹1,00,000 nationally, depending on who is traveling to which location.

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To become a Grandmaster, every player needs to earn 3 GM norms and an ELO rating of 2500. The rules of earning GM norms are not easy as the tournament they participate in needs to be of a minimum nine rounds, played over five days and the player has to face at least three GMs and players from other nationalities and register a performance rating of 2600 in the tournament.

Considering that India did not have a long list of Grandmasters, many Indian players had to travel abroad at their own cost to try and earn the GM norms. Though conditions have improved over the years and the All India Chess Federation is organising many higher rated tournaments in the country now, the entry fees to these tournaments also create a sizable dent in one’s pocket.

Entry fees for local tournaments can range from ₹1,200 to ₹12,000, while national tournaments are often even more expensive. In some instances, the fees for prestigious national and international tournaments can soar to ₹100,000.

In addition to coaching, players must also invest in essential training materials such as books, software, and online courses. These resources are indispensable for staying updated with the latest strategies and techniques in chess, but they come at a cost. While books may be priced at a few hundred rupees, comprehensive software packages can cost several thousand rupees. For serious competitors, these materials are not optional but necessary tools for continuous improvement and success.

Competing in tournaments also involves extensive travel, both domestically and internationally. Travel expenses, coupled with accommodation costs, can collectively amount to several lakh rupees. These costs are recurring and, for many players, unavoidable if they wish to compete at higher levels. High-quality chess sets, clocks, and other equipment, which are essential for practice and competition, add to the financial strain. The cost of such equipment ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹20,000, and investing in reliable and durable gear is crucial for players to perform at their best.

To put it simply, chess players end up spending a couple of crores to earn the right to be called Grandmaster and the journey upwards of 2700 points then have to spend yet another crore or so to perform consistently and be able to compete in prestigious tournaments like the Candidates, Olympiad and the World Championships.

The adage, “becoming a superstar takes about 10,000 days of hard work,” is particularly true for these players, who spend years honing their skills. Yet, despite the immense dedication and talent required to excel, many professional chess players remain unrecognized, overshadowed by athletes from more mainstream sports who enjoy greater media attention and public support.

The competition in chess is undeniably fierce. Even the most skilled players must constantly strive to stand out in a crowded field where the margin between success and obscurity can be razor-thin.

Despite the significant financial challenges, many Indian chess players remain undeterred in their pursuit of excellence. Sponsorships and support from chess federations can help alleviate some of the financial strain, but for most players, the journey to achieving chess glory is a costly endeavor. The passion for the game, combined with the dedication to overcoming these challenges, continues to drive countless players across the country to pursue chess at the highest levels.

In conclusion, the resurgence of chess in India is not only a testament to the country’s rich heritage in the game but also to the resilience and determination of its players. While the path to becoming a professional chess player is undoubtedly challenging, both in terms of the fierce competition and the significant financial burden, the passion for the game remains a powerful motivator.

As India continues to produce world-class chess talent, the country’s place in the global chess community is becoming increasingly prominent. The challenges faced by these players, while daunting, only serve to highlight the extraordinary commitment required to succeed in this demanding sport. Chess in India is more than just a game; it is a journey of perseverance, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.