The MPL Indian Chess Tour exploded onto the scene last month with the teenager Arjun Erigaisi scoring a stunning +7 to clinch victory in the first leg.

But before it returns, we have a very special opportunity for chess fans in India: you can take part in MPL’s own Indian Chess Tour Qualifier. All you have to do is register and play.

MPL have made up to 20,000 spots available for a very special tournament hosted for users of the esports gaming giant’s own app. Out of the entrants, two will go forward to take on India’s top talent in the next MPL Indian Chess Tour event.

What’s the format?

The format is simple: the tournament has two stages, 20,000 places — or “slots” — are available in the first Qualifier Stage, from which 4,096 will go through to the Knockout Stage.

To progress, players will have to win two out of three 4+0 blitz matches, but slots in the Knockout will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. So once they’re gone, they’re gone. The KO will be 12 rounds spread over two days: 9 on the first day and then the quarters, semis and final on the second.

When does it start?

The tournament’s first stage starts on May 11 and runs until May 13. The two-day Knockout starts on May 14 and finishes the next day.

Commentary on the best games will be available on chess24 when the event reaches the quarter-final stage on May 15.

To enter, download the MPL app from this page and register to play

How do I enter?

All you need to do is download the MPL app and head over to the speed chess game within it. From there you just follow the instructions. There is no registration window so you can register at any time as long as there are slots available — even if the tournament has started. Remember, there are only 20,000 places available, so get in quick!

What are the prizes? 

The prizes for winning the event are a golden ticket to take part in Leg 2 of the MPL India Chess Tour on June 2-4, a chessboard signed by GM Anish Giri and one free month of chess24 Premium membership.

The runner-up will also get a chance to take on the top players in Leg 2 of the MPL India Chess Tour, plus a chess24 hoodie and one free month of chess24 Premium membership.

The third-placed player will win a chess24 T-shirt and one free month of chess24 Premium membership.

See also:

• Register for MPL and enter the Qualifier
• Leg 1 of the MPL Indian Chess Tour: all the games
• $100,000 MPL Indian Chess Tour starts March 31st
• MPL Indian Chess Tour starts today