The figures were not comparable, but there was some post-IPL-auction-like talk of who earned how much, after the Las Vegas leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour. This format is not becoming popular among the elite players only because of its built-in novelties. Pay is one of its major attractions. For the players, it’s about making the right moves and the right kind of money.
Levon Aronian, the American of Armenian lineage, won the title to pocket $200,000, which comes approximately to Rs 1.7 crore. Hans Niemann of the USA earned $140,000 (Rs 1.2 cr) for finishing second. Magnus Carlsen was third and took home $100,000 (Rs 1.03 cr). Peanuts compared to basketball, football, tennis, IPL or even the World Championship of chess, this is above par in the game of 64 squares in general. The first prize at the strongest classical event of the year — Norway Chess — was Rs 59.17 lakh. D Gukesh bagged around Rs 17 lakh for finishing third in the meet.
What the Indians earned despite finishing outside the top five in Las Vegas was much more than they would in most other tournaments. Arjun Erigaisi was richer by $40,000 (Rs 34.52 lakh) for finishing sixth and R Praggnanandhaa by $30,000 (Rs 25.9 lakh) at seventh. Even Vidit Gujrathi took home $7,500 (Rs 6.47 lakh) for sharing the 13th spot with four others.
However, it’s tempting to say that for Erigaisi and Pragg, this outing was more than just prize money. That is vital for their growth and development as players and other needs, but these youngsters come back richer also because of the magnitude of their achievements.
Erigaisi became the first Indian ever to reach the semi-finals of a Freestyle Grand Slam event. Players from the country were finding it difficult in this format despite taking the world by storm in the classical version. There was nothing noteworthy in their previous freestyle outings. By making it to the last four, Erigaisi removed a mental block for Indians.
Pragg ended up doing the unthinkable by beating Carlsen not once but twice. The first one put the Norwegian world No. 1 across formats out of title contention. He loves this format so much that he is apparently prepared even to quit classical for this. Carlsen humbled twice in one event is something that the rest will talk about. Pragg gets the credit for making them discuss something that they seldom did in the past.
Those who finished at the top and near the top can smile their way to the bank. Erigaisi and Pragg will remember this Las Vegas trip for other reasons. The money they earned is substantial. The confidence and experience they gained on top of that is no less valuable.
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