Arjun Erigaisi stuns legendary Anand in all-India final to win Jerusalem Masters 2025: 'My quality wasn’t the best'

Reigning India No 1 Arjun Erigaisi admitted that he wasn’t at his best at the Jerusalem Masters 2025 but it's all about the results as he defeated legendary Viswanathan Anand in an all-India final on Wednesday to clinch the title and a mega prize money of $55,000. After the first two Rapid games ended in a draw, the final was decided in the tie-breakers as Erigaisi defeated Anand in the first Blitz game.

While five-time world champion and chess legend Anand rarely takes part in chess competitions these days, he made an exception for the Jerusalem Masters 2025, which marks the return of a high-profile tournament to Israel.

Erigaisi fends off tough Anand challenge to win in Jerusalem

Israeli chess players have recently faced discrimination at tournaments across the globe due to Israel’s military onslaught on Gaza that left many dead, including children.

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The Jerusalem Masters 2025, which included one of the best players of all time, Anand, Erigaisi, World Chess Championship finalist Ian Nepomniachtchi and former World Cup winner Peter Svidler, was an attempt by the Israel Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Jerusalem Municipality and the Israel Chess Association to bring a top-quality tournament to the country.

Eventually, it was Anand who defeated Nepomniachtchi in the semi-final to proceed to the final, while Erigaisi overcame Svidler’s challenge in the last-four match.

In Game 1 of the final, Anand, playing with black pieces, survived against Erigaisi to register a draw as both players made multiple blunders. The match ended in a draw after 58 moves as both Grandmasters squandered winning positions.

Erigaisi vs Anand: Game 1

The second game was a more peaceful battle as both players played with almost full accuracy and took little risk to finish on a draw.

Erigaisi then drew the first blood in the first game of the tie-breaker, winning the Blitz match in 45 moves with white pieces. Mistakes like 30…Re8 and 32…e5 led to Anand’s defeat.

Erigaisi vs Anand: Tie-break Game 1

The final tie-break game ended in a draw as Erigaisi won the Jerusalem Masters. Anand collected $35,000 for coming second.

Arjun Erigaisi: 'Matches were very tense with Anand'

Speaking after his victory, Arjun admitted that he wasn’t at his best in the tournament, but he was happy with how he found his way to the title.

“It wasn’t easy, definitely,” Arjun Erigaisi said. “There were a lot of challenges and my quality wasn’t the best, but I am glad I managed to make it through and today both matches were very tense with Anand sir. First game, we both missed our chances and Blitz, I think I played quite well.”

On losing control of Game 1 in the final despite having a white pieces advantage, Erigaisi said that he was “very worried,” but managed to recover and win the final.

“During the game, I was very worried. I knew I was winning and I knew I messed it. So, I was definitely worried. But okay, all I had to do was to fight back and that is what I was trying to do.”

Meanwhile, Russian Grandmaster Svidler defeated compatriot Nepomniachtchi 2.5-1.5 in the third-place playoff.