India, Feb. 11 -- Arjun Erigaisi, the Indian chess player ranked fourth in the world, asserts that despite the ongoing power struggles between the global chess governing body, FIDE, and the Magnus Carlsen-supported Freestyle Chess Tour, Fischer Random represents the future of the game.

"Chess is currently vibrant, featuring a variety of tournament formats. The World Championship has traditionally been FIDE's flagship event, alongside competitions like the Grand Swiss and the World Cup," Erigaisi remarked. "The Freestyle Tour, which utilizes the Fischer Random format, is particularly thrilling, with tournaments taking place across different continents and prominent players such as Magnus, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana involved. I intend to participate in several Tour events, including the one in Paris. While Fischer Random may not be the immediate future, it undoubtedly holds promise for the next generation of chess players," he stated in an interview with HT.

In the Fischer Random format, the initial arrangement of pieces on the back rank is randomized, thereby reducing the significance of opening theory.

"I am not well-versed in the specifics of the disputes between FIDE and Freestyle Chess, so I cannot provide extensive commentary on the World Championship title. However, it is certainly beneficial if there are no significant complications involved."

The organizers of the Freestyle Chess (Fischer Random) Tour and FIDE have been in conflict regarding the World Championship title. The Freestyle Chess Tour aims to confer a 'world champion' title upon its Tour winner, a proposition that FIDE has firmly rejected, asserting that the Championship is within their jurisdiction.

Arjun is set to participate in the Esports World Cup in Riyadh this July, marking the inaugural inclusion of chess in this prestigious event. He expressed, "Chess uniquely straddles the line between an eSport and a traditional over-the-board sport. This is the first occasion it will be featured as an eSport, which certainly paves the way for new opportunities. I am quite enthusiastic about it."

This year, a primary objective for the 21-year-old Indian player is to qualify for the Candidates Tournament. Having missed the previous opportunity, he is optimistic about his chances this time around. "The Grand Swiss is scheduled for September, and I will initially aim to qualify through that. I prefer not to concentrate solely on one qualification path, as missing out can be mentally challenging. By maintaining a high rating and improving throughout the year, I still have a significant chance of qualifying based on my rating, even if I do not succeed in the tournaments."

Being ranked among the top five has alleviated the pressure he once faced in securing tournament invitations. "Currently, my focus is on selective participation rather than competing in numerous tournaments, while also dedicating time to enhance my skills." Arjun is slated to compete in the Norway Chess tournament, part of the FIDE circuit, in May.

The Indian player encountered a challenging beginning to the year at Wijk Aan Zee but managed to mount a commendable comeback in the final two rounds, assisting his friend, R Praggnanandhaa, in achieving the most significant title of his career. In the concluding round, Arjun triumphed over Gukesh, who was tied for the lead with Praggnanandhaa, thereby preventing the reigning world champion from securing an outright victory, before Praggnanandhaa won in the tiebreaks.

"During the final round against Gukesh, my primary goal was to perform well for myself. However, I was also aware that my success could potentially aid Pragg in winning the title," Arjun remarked.

The camaraderie between the two players blossomed when they were teammates at the Global Chess League two years ago.

In the course of the 2023 World Cup, we often took walks together. On the day we faced each other in a match, and I emerged victorious in the first game, I was convinced that he would not invite me for a walk. I hesitated to extend the invitation myself, fearing that he might not be inclined to join me after his defeat. However, he surprised me by asking, and we proceeded to take our usual walk, which brought me great joy. I am fortunate to have such a wonderful friend now.

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