Dubai Open Chess Tournament wrapped up on June 4, leaving chess fans with unforgettable moments and a surprising champion. Russian grandmaster Aleksey Grebnev emerged as the winner after nine intense rounds of strategic warfare at the Dubai Chess and Culture Club.
The tournament, which took place from May 27 to June 4, featured 163 talented players from around the world. Among them were grandmasters, international masters, and young rising stars, all fighting for the prestigious title and a share of the prize pool.
This year’s competition was tougher than ever. With several top-seeded players, including past champions and high-ranking international grandmasters, no one could have predicted the final outcome. But Grebnev proved his skill, calmness, and consistency round after round, eventually securing the top spot with 7.5 points.
A Tight Race at the Top
Going into the final round, the leaderboard was tight. Multiple players had a chance to take the title, and nerves were high in the tournament hall. Grebnev played a powerful and composed game against Indian grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa’s younger sister R. Vaishali, holding her to a draw and finishing the tournament undefeated.
With four wins and five draws, Grebnev showed not just tactical brilliance but also deep patience and preparation. His careful yet confident playstyle helped him avoid major mistakes while steadily gaining ground.
Three players—American grandmaster Hans Niemann, Armenian GM Manuel Petrosyan, and Filipino GM Mark Paragua—also finished with 7.5 points. However, based on tiebreak rules, Grebnev came out on top.
A Career-Boosting Moment
For Aleksey Grebnev, this victory is more than just another trophy. It is a big step forward in his chess career. Winning a respected tournament like the Dubai Open brings global recognition and can lead to invitations to even stronger international events.
Grebnev, who became a grandmaster in recent years, has slowly been building a name for himself in the competitive chess world. His performance in Dubai has shown he can compete with—and defeat—some of the best.
Big Names and Surprises
The 2024 Dubai Open welcomed some famous names in the chess world, including Hans Niemann, who was closely watched by fans and media alike. Niemann played with his usual aggressive style, winning some key games and tying for first. However, his tiebreak score placed him second overall.
Meanwhile, Indian chess star Vaishali Rameshbabu continued to impress. Though she didn’t win, her performance was strong, and she finished in the top group with 6.5 points. Vaishali, who has been on the rise recently, showed that she can compete with male grandmasters on equal footing.
Other top finishers included Indian GM Abhimanyu Puranik and Armenian GM Manuel Petrosyan, both known for their solid gameplay and past international success.
One of the biggest surprises came from 16-year-old International Master Ramesh Avinash from India, who defeated a grandmaster in round 6 and ended the tournament with a strong 6-point finish. Performances like his show how the future of chess is in good hands with young talents stepping up.
Strong Female Representation
This year’s tournament also stood out for its strong female representation. Players like Vaishali R., Batkhuyag Munguntuul from Mongolia, and Nurgyul Salimova from Bulgaria gave impressive performances, showing that women’s chess continues to grow and gain respect in the global scene.
While no female player made it into the top three, several finished in the upper half of the table. Their matches were often tough, well-fought, and closely followed by fans on online platforms.
A Celebration of Global Chess
With players from over 30 countries, the Dubai Open was once again a true celebration of international chess. Languages, cultures, and backgrounds differed, but everyone shared the same passion for the game. The tournament created a unique space where grandmasters and young hopefuls could face each other across the board, learn from one another, and build friendships.
The Dubai Chess and Culture Club, which hosted the tournament, is one of the most respected chess centers in the Middle East. Known for its high-quality organization and professional playing conditions, it has been home to many top events over the years.
Why the Dubai Open Matters
The Dubai Open isn’t part of the World Championship cycle, but it remains one of the most important open tournaments globally. It offers a platform for lesser-known players to make their mark, and for top players to stay in shape between elite events.
For young players, it is a chance to gain experience and pick up norms needed for international titles like International Master (IM) and Grandmaster (GM). For fans, it’s a chance to see exciting, open-format chess—where upsets are common and every round can shift the rankings.
The event also boosts Dubai’s reputation as a hub for international chess. With past players including world champions and elite grandmasters, the Dubai Open continues to play a key role in shaping the global chess scene.
What’s Next for Grebnev?
Following this win, Aleksey Grebnev will likely see a boost in both rating and recognition. He may receive more invitations to top tournaments and could even break into elite circles if he maintains this level of play.
With chess growing fast across the world, especially online and among younger generations, players like Grebnev stand as new role models. Calm, focused, and humble, he represents the new wave of players who are redefining what it takes to reach the top.
A Grand Ending
As the final game clock ticked down and the last moves were played, the 2024 Dubai Open came to a close. The excitement, the pressure, the quiet battles over the board—everything added to a week that chess fans won’t forget anytime soon.
With Aleksey Grebnev’s win, the tournament proved again that chess is not just a game of old champions, but also of rising stars, surprises, and endless possibilities.
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