Anuj Shrivatri Becomes India’s 100th Chess Grandmaster
Anuj Shrivatri has made history by becoming India’s 100th Chess Grandmaster after winning the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship in the Philippines on November 8, 2026. The 22-year-old from Katni, Madhya Pradesh, has also become the first Grandmaster from his state.
Shrivatri’s achievement came after a remarkable comeback in the nine-round tournament. Despite losing his opening game, he recovered to finish with seven points, securing the championship and the landmark Grandmaster title through a special tournament provision.
Anuj Shrivatri Wins ASEAN Plus Chess Championship
The 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship was held in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, in the Philippines.
Shrivatri started the competition with a defeat against Filipino player Arca Karlo. However, he bounced back strongly and won the final two rounds to finish at the top of the standings.
He scored 7 points out of 9 rounds, finishing half a point ahead of Vietnam’s Grandmaster Nguyen Duc Hoa, who secured second place with 6.5 points. Filipino player Nouri Alekhine finished third with six points.
The victory made Shrivatri the tournament champion and brought India to the historic milestone of 100 chess Grandmasters.
How Anuj Shrivatri Secured the Direct Grandmaster Title
One of the most significant aspects of Anuj Shrivatri’s achievement was the special tournament format through which he earned the Grandmaster title directly.
Under the conventional FIDE system, a player generally needs to achieve three Grandmaster norms over at least 27 games and reach a FIDE rating of 2,500.
However, certain recognised championships can offer a direct Grandmaster title to the winner when specific FIDE conditions are met.
According to tournament coverage, the ASEAN Plus championship’s special provision required at least four Grandmasters and six International Masters to participate in every round. The winner could then earn the Grandmaster title directly.
By winning the event, Shrivatri secured the title through this special provision rather than the conventional three-norm route.
Who Is Anuj Shrivatri? Career and Chess Background
Anuj Shrivatri is a 22-year-old chess player from Katni, Madhya Pradesh. Before achieving the Grandmaster title, he had already established himself as an International Master.
He earned the International Master (IM) title in 2020 and continued competing in national and international chess tournaments.
His latest victory is particularly significant because it makes him the first chess Grandmaster from Madhya Pradesh.
Shrivatri’s achievement also highlights the growing strength of India’s chess talent and the increasing presence of Indian players in international competitions.
India’s Journey from First to 100 Grandmasters
India’s journey to 100 Grandmasters began with Viswanathan Anand, who became the country’s first Grandmaster in 1988.
Over the following decades, Indian chess developed into a major force on the international stage, producing several talented players.
The latest milestone follows the achievements of other Indian players who earned Grandmaster titles in 2026. Anuj Shrivatri’s victory has now taken the country’s Grandmaster count to 100.
For Madhya Pradesh, the achievement is equally historic, as the state celebrates its first-ever chess Grandmaster.
A Historic Achievement for Indian Chess
Anuj Shrivatri’s success is an important milestone for both Indian chess and Madhya Pradesh. His comeback in the Philippines, finishing with seven points after an opening-round defeat, made the championship victory even more memorable.
Becoming India’s 100th Grandmaster places his name in the country’s chess history and adds another chapter to India’s growing presence in international chess.
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