India chess stars Anand, Arjun Erigaisi lead star-packed Jerusalem Masters 2025 in major boost for Israeli chess

Chess in Israel is set to receive a massive shot in the arm as five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, who is also the deputy president at global body FIDE, is set to headline the Jerusalem Masters 2025 along with India's No 1 Arjun Erigaisi.

The Israeli chess players and tournaments in the country have been, in a way, cut off from the mainstream in recent years due to the conflict between the Asian country and Hamas. But the scenario is set to change as one of the best chess players of all time, Anand, would be competing at the Rapid tournament, which will take place from 30 November to 3 December.

The tournament is being organised by Israel’s Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Jerusalem Municipality, and the Israel Chess Association.

Besides the Indian duo, top players like two-time World Chess Championship finalist Ian Nepomniachtchi, Russian Grandmaster Vladimir Fedoseev and former World Cup winner Peter Svidler would also be part of the Masters competition along with five Israeli Grandmasters: FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky, Maxim Rodshtein, Ido Gorshtein, Yahli Sokolosky and Avital Boruchovsky.

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The Jerusalem Masters 2025 would offer a record prize fund of $140,000.

A few Israeli chess players have faced boycotts in overseas competitions in recent years, including several withdrawing from a tournament in Spain in September after being refused permission to represent their flag. In light of this, Israel hosting a major event with top players competing alongside local Grandmasters is sure to benefit the sport in the country.

Jerusalem Masters 2025 tournament format and rules

The Jerusalem Masters 2025 will be played in an 11-round Rapid round-robin using 15 minutes + 5 seconds increment time control. The top four players will progress to the semi-finals, followed by a final and a third-place playoff.

If knockout matches are tied, a 3+2 Blitz game will be used to decide a winner, followed by an Armageddon decider, if required.

Jerusalem Masters 2025 prize money   

1st: $55,000

2nd: $35,000

3rd: $20,000

4th: $12,000

5th: $6,000

6th: $3,000

7th–12th: $1,500 each