24 February 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : The prestigious Prague International Chess Festival is set to return with a strong global field, and this year, Indian chess fans have special reason to follow the action closely. Teenage sensation Gukesh Dommaraju will headline the elite Masters section, while rising star Divya Deshmukh will lead India’s challenge in the competitive Challengers category.
Held annually in the Czech capital, the Prague International Chess Festival has quickly established itself as one of the most respected classical chess events on the global calendar. Known for its strong line-ups, professional organisation, and calm playing conditions, the tournament attracts a mix of elite grandmasters, ambitious youngsters, and experienced international contenders.
Gukesh Takes Centre Stage in Masters
All eyes will be on Gukesh as he competes in the Masters section, the top tier of the festival. Having already cemented his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in world chess, Gukesh enters the tournament with growing expectations. His recent performances against top-ranked players have shown maturity beyond his age, marked by deep preparation, fearless attacking play, and improved endgame technique.
The Masters section traditionally features a round-robin format, where each player faces every other participant. This structure tests consistency, stamina, and opening versatility. For Gukesh, the event represents another opportunity to measure himself against elite opposition and continue his push towards the very top of the world rankings.
Chess analysts see the Prague Masters as an ideal battleground for Gukesh. The field is strong but balanced, allowing ambitious players to take risks without the overwhelming pressure seen in super-elite tournaments. A strong showing here could further enhance his reputation as a future world title contender.
Divya Deshmukh Leads the Challengers
In the Challengers section, Divya Deshmukh will carry Indian hopes. The tournament is designed as a gateway to the Masters, with the winner often earning promotion to the elite group in the following edition. For Divya, this makes the event particularly significant.
Known for her fighting spirit and sharp tactical awareness, Divya has steadily risen through the ranks with consistent performances in national and international events. The Challengers section typically includes experienced international masters, young grandmasters on the rise, and seasoned professionals seeking a breakthrough. Success here demands resilience and the ability to convert small advantages across long classical games.
Divya’s participation also highlights the growing depth of Indian women’s chess. With several young players making their mark globally, her campaign in Prague will be closely watched as a measure of India’s expanding influence beyond traditional strongholds.
Tournament Format and Structure
The Prague International Chess Festival usually features multiple sections, including Masters, Challengers, and Futures. All games are played under classical time controls, placing emphasis on deep calculation and long-term planning rather than speed.
The festival is known for its player-friendly environment, offering rest days, well-lit playing halls, and live broadcasts that allow fans worldwide to follow every move. Commentary by experts adds to the appeal, making it accessible to both seasoned chess followers and casual viewers.
Why This Tournament Matters
For top players like Gukesh, the festival offers valuable rating points and high-quality opposition without the extreme pressure of world championship cycles. For emerging talents such as Divya, it is a platform to prove readiness for higher-level competition.
The event also reflects a broader trend in global chess, where young players are challenging established hierarchies earlier than ever. Indian chess, in particular, has become a major force, and strong performances in Prague would further underline the country’s status as a rising powerhouse.
What to Watch For
Fans can expect sharp opening battles, strategic endgames, and potential breakthroughs from young contenders. Gukesh’s opening choices, especially against experienced grandmasters, will be a key storyline, while Divya’s consistency over long games will determine her chances of challenging for the top spot in the Challengers.
As the festival unfolds, Prague once again becomes a focal point for classical chess, blending tradition with youthful ambition. With Gukesh and Divya representing India on different stages of the tournament, the event promises excitement, drama, and high-quality chess from start to finish.
Summary
Indian chess takes centre stage at the Prague International Chess Festival as Gukesh Dommaraju leads the Masters field while Divya Deshmukh carries India’s hopes in the competitive Challengers section.