International Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament Concludes Successfully in Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam witnessed high-quality competitive chess at the International Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2025, held at the S3 Sports Arena, A/C Indoor Stadium, MVP Colony. The event attracted an overwhelming response from players across India and abroad, reaffirming the city’s growing stature as a major chess hub.
After the completion of 8 intense rounds, Kushal O of Andhra Pradesh emerged as the Champion, scoring 7.5 points, and lifted the winner’s trophy along with a cash prize of ₹50,000. Kota Kalpak Harsha Keertan (AP) secured the Runner-up position with 7 points and received ₹40,000, while Akhil Sriprasad (AP) finished as the Second Runner-up, also with 7 points, winning ₹30,000.
The tournament carried a total prize fund of ₹6,00,000, which was distributed among 80 prize winners. A total of 582 players participated, representing states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, along with international players from Israel, South Africa, USA, and Zimbabwe.
The prestigious event was organized by Sri Chess Academy and Chaitanya Chess Academy.
The tournament was inaugurated by Dr. Rangala Babu Rao, Tournament Director and President, AVCA; S. Manikanta Rao, FA Secretary, AVCA; Vappangi Srikanth, Director, Sri Chess Academy; Sahani, Managing Director, S3 Sports Arena; S. Bheema Rao, AICF Chess-in-Schools Member and IA Venkata Kumar G, Chief Arbiter.
The valedictory function was graced by Shri Prabhakar Varma garu, Director, Sarvani Sweets; Dr. Rangala Babu Rao, Tournament Director and President, AVCA; S. Manikanta Rao, FA Secretary, AVCA; Vappangi Srikanth, Director, Sri Chess Academy; Sahani, Managing Director, S3 Sports Arena; V Balakrishna Rao, Honorable President AVCA and IA Venkata Kumar G, Chief Arbiter, who felicitated the prize winners and appreciated the organizers and arbiters for the smooth conduct of the tournament.
The successful organization and enthusiastic participation once again highlighted Visakhapatnam’s prominence in promoting chess, providing an excellent platform for young talents to gain competitive exposure and international rating opportunities.