Gokula Vishnu convincingly clinches 11th BBCF Rating Open 2026

Gokula Vishnu R scored an unbeaten 8/9 to win 11th BBCF Rating Open 2026. He finished a half point ahead of the rest. FM M Vinoth Kumar and Rejath Renjith scored 7.5/9 each. They secured second and third places respectively, according to tie-breaks. The total prize fund was ₹700001. The top three prizes were ₹50001, ₹35000 and ₹30000 along with a trophy each. This is Gokula’s first tournament triumph of the year.

Gokula’s first tournament triumph of the year

19-year-old Gokula Vishnu R was the sole leader 7.5/8, going into the final round. FM M Vinoth Kumar and 14-year-old Rejath Renjith were trailing by a half point at 7/8 each. Gokula drew against Rejath to become a clear champion, the latter finished third. Vinoth shared the point with Sidharth Mohan to claim second place.

Champion – Gokula Vishnu R 8/9 | Photo: Balaji S / Brains Behind Chess Foundation

Runner-up – FM M Vinoth Kumar 7.5/9 | Photo: Balaji S / Brains Behind Chess Foundation

Second Runner-up – Rejath Renjith 7.5/9 | Photo: Balaji S / Brains Behind Chess Foundation

Gokula Vishnu R scored an unbeaten 8/9, finished a half point ahead of the rest and gained 43.8 Elo rating points

Mr. Stephen Balasamy, Secretary, Tamil Nadu State Chess Association, making the inaugural first move | Photo: Balaji S / Brains Behind Chess Foundation

Chief Guest – WFM Saranya J | Photo: Balaji S / Brains Behind Chess Foundation

Trophies for the prize winners | Photo: Balaji S / Brains Behind Chess Foundation

Players in action | Photo: Balaji S / Brains Behind Chess Foundation

Brains Behind Chess Foundation Team | Photo: Balaji S / Brains Behind Chess Foundation

A total of 314 players took part from all over the country, one from Canada, Egypt, Norway, South Korea and three from the USA. The five-day nine-round Rating Open tournament was organized by DI Balaji S at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, Tamil Nadu from 4th to 8th February 2026. The time control of the tournament was 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment.

Final standings

Details