aluru, 22nd July 2026: Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru successfully concluded the Battle of the Boards, a week-long chess festival held from 13–19 July 2026, bringing together chess enthusiasts of all ages for seven days of strategy, learning and competition. The festival witnessed an overwhelming response with 275 participants across it’s the week, reinforcing the growing popularity of chess among Bengaluru’s youth and families.
The key highlight of the festival was the Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Praveen Sagar, who led the Masters Showcase & Workshop. Conducted in two interactive batches, the workshop attracted participants from across the city, with the Grandmaster sharing strategic insights, analysing games in real time and interacting personally with aspiring players. The session offered young chess enthusiasts a unique opportunity to learn directly from one of India’s accomplished chess professionals.
The excitement continued 18th July with the much-awaited Challenge the Arena Grandmaster, where participants tested their skills against AGM Praveen Sagar. The simultaneous chess exhibition featured selected players competing against the Grandmaster, followed by the Face the Master Challenge, allowing additional participants to play individual games in an engaging and memorable experience.
The festival concluded on 19th July with the Grand Chess Tournament, which saw 60 participants compete across. The tournament showcased exceptional talent, strategic thinking and sportsmanship, making for a thrilling finale to the week-long celebration.
