SOG Grandmasters Series: Revolutionizing Mind Sports in India

The SOG Grandmasters Series is transforming mind sports in India with its unique 'Phygital' tournament format. Following successful West Zone Finals, attention shifts to the North and East Zones. Standout champions include Tanaji Gargote in Rummy and Jval Saurin Patel in Chess, highlighting the series’ competitive spirit and wide-ranging talent.

The SOG Grandmasters Series, South Asia's pioneering Mind Sports Championship, is rapidly redefining cognitive competitions in India with its groundbreaking 'Phygital' approach. The West Zone Finals recently concluded in Mumbai, showcasing remarkable talent and determination among competitors.

Tanaji Bhimaji Gargote, hailing from Pune, emerged as the Indian Rummy Grandmaster (IRG) champion, demonstrating unparalleled consistency and strategic prowess. His triumph underscores the series' competitive nature, which witnessed over 150,000 registrations across its three disciplines: Indian Chess Masters (ICM), Indian Rummy Grandmasters (IRG), and Indian Chess Masters for the Blind (ICMB).

The finals were a grand spectacle, attended by notable figures such as Maharashtra's Information Technology and Cultural Minister Ashish Shelar, cricket icon and West Zone Brand Ambassador Ajinkya Rahane, and Padma Shri awardee Koneru Humpy, who also serves as the series' Brand Ambassador. As the series transitions to the North and East Zones, anticipation builds around the expanding recognition of mind sports in India and the opportunities they create for both established and emerging players.

(With inputs from agencies.)