Himal Gusain dominates 1st Eklavya Rapid Rating Open 2026

IM Himal Gusain scored an unbeaten 8.5/9 to win 1st Eklavya Rapid Rating Open 2026.

Himal’s third triumph of the year

The top seed of the tournament – IM Himal Gusain made a perfect start by winning eight games in-a-row. FM Priyanshu Patil, Shriraj Bhosale and Sudhanshu Ranjan were trailing by a full point at 7/8 each. Himal just needed a draw to become a clear champion and that’s what he did against Shriraj who finished third. Priyanshu drew against Sudhanshu and the former finished second.

The total prize fund was ₹200000. The top three prizes were ₹31000, ₹25000 and ₹20000 with a trophy each.

Champion – IM Himal Gusain 8.5/9 | Photo: Eklavya International School

Runner-up – FM Priyanshu Patil 7.5/9 | Photo: Eklavya International School

Second Runner-up – Shriraj Bhosale 7.5/9 | Photo: Eklavya International School

Top 3 (L to R): 2nd FM Priyanshu Patil 7.5/9, 1st IM Himal Gusain 8.5/9 and 3rd Shriraj Bhosale 7.5/9 | Photo: Eklavya International School

IM Himal Gusain scored an unbeaten 8.5/9, finished a full point ahead of the rest and gained 12.4 Elo rating points

Various prize winners with organizers and guests | Photo: Eklavya International School

A total of 216 players including an IM took part from all over India. The two-day nine-round Rapid Rating Open tournament was organized by Unicorn Chess Academy at Eklavya International School in Itari, Madhya Pradesh on 19th and 20th September 2026. The time control of the tournament was 25 minutes + 10 seconds increment.

Final standings

Links

Eklavya International School: Official site, facebook and instagram