Last night, the SOG Grandmasters Series grand finale took place at the luxurious Sahara Star Hotel in Mumbai, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The event was a dazzling celebration of chess, esports, and entertainment, bringing together a stellar mix of celebrities and visionaries from various industries.
Among the many high-profile attendees were cricket star Ajinkya Rahane, Bollywood icons Anil Sharma, Arjun Rampal, Farah Khan, and Subhash Ghai, as well as prominent figures like Ashish Shelar, Firoz Nadiadwala, Ashok Dhyanchand, Tanush Kotian, Shams Mulani, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Angad Bedi, Siwet Tomar, and Jannat Zubair. Their presence added a touch of glamour and excitement to the already buzzing atmosphere.
However, the real star of the evening was Padma Shri awardee Koneru Humpy, India's youngest-ever Woman Grandmaster and a national chess icon. As the Brand Ambassador for the SOG Grandmaster Series, Humpy’s presence was a testament to the growing influence of chess in India, highlighting the importance of both chess and esports in shaping the country’s future.
The grand finale showcased the brilliant minds of the Indian Chess Masters (ICM) and the Indian Chess Masters for the Blind (ICMB), as the finest chess players from India's West Zone competed in an intense battle of intellect and strategy. The event, organized by the Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF), was a platform for these talented players to showcase their skills and gain recognition on the national stage.
Adding further prestige to the event were esteemed dignitaries Geoffrey Borg, former CEO of FIDE, and Ajeet Kumar Verma, Head of Operations at the All India Chess Federation (AICF), who were also present to support the tournament. Their involvement underscored the significance of such events in promoting the game of chess and taking India’s esports scene to new heights.
With a crowd of prominent personalities, the event was a blend of glamour, excitement, and celebration of intellectual prowess. The SOG Grandmasters Series has undoubtedly set the stage for a bright future for competitive gaming and chess in India, and last night’s grand finale was a true testament to the growing influence of both fields in the country.