New Delhi: The Skillhub Online Games (SOG) Federation has partnered with two global technology platforms, Tornelo and RummyCulture, to power the inaugural SOG Grandmasters Series. Tornelo, a FIDE (International Chess Federation)-approved platform, will handle the Indian Chess Masters (ICM) and Indian Chess Masters for Blind (ICMB) events, while RummyCulture, one of India’s fastest-growing online rummy platforms, will oversee the Indian Rummy Grandmasters (IRG). The collaboration ensures seamless participation and fair competition for players across the country.
The SOG Grandmasters Series aims to bring together over 1 lakh participants from all over India, providing a platform to showcase talent and identify individuals who can represent the nation in global mind sports competitions. Registration for the championship is open for free on the official SOG Grandmasters website (www.soggrandmasters.com).
The platform will feature both online qualifiers and physical zonal rounds, culminating in the grand finals in March 2025. The Grandmasters Series is designed to foster a robust competitive ecosystem for India’s mind sports community, making it accessible to players of all skill levels while maintaining the highest standards of ethical gameplay and fair competition. Notably, there are no registration fees for participants, reinforcing SOG Federation’s commitment to inclusivity and talent discovery.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Tornelo and Rummyculture, two renowned leaders in their fields, to bring unparalleled technological rigour and expertise to the SOG Grandmasters Series. Together, we’re not only setting a new standard for competitive skill gaming in India but also ensuring that this journey is grounded in stringent regulatory practices and an unwavering commitment to fair and free display of talents. These cutting-edge platforms’ expertise will only be used to conduct the game and the players can expect a highly secure, transparent, and level playing field that welcomes all the competitors and provides an environment where skill truly shines and real talents get the platform to play for India globally in mind sport platforms,” said Shankar Aggarwal, President, SOG Federation
Tornelo, known for its FIDE certification and a strong commitment to inclusivity, will handle the Indian Chess Masters and Indian Chess Masters for Blind tournaments. The platform’s support for both e-Chess and Blind Chess ensures an accessible and equal opportunity for all participants, creating a fair environment for competitive play.
“Partnering with SOGF for the SOG Grandmasters Series is a significant step forward in elevating mind sports in India. We are honoured to provide the technical platform for both the Indian Chess Masters and Indian Chess Masters for the Blind, supporting SOGF’s mission to spotlight India’s top strategic talents. Together, we’re setting a new standard for competitive chess and fostering a culture of skill, strategy, and resilience,” said David Cordover, CEO of Tornelo.
RummyCulture, one of India’s largest and most popular online rummy platforms, will oversee the Indian Rummy Grandmasters (IRG) segment of the SOG Grandmasters Series. Known for its user-friendly interface and fair, RNG-certified gameplay, RummyCulture boasts more than 25 million players and holds the Guinness World Record for hosting the world’s largest online rummy tournament.
“Indian Rummy Grandmasters (IRG) is redefining the game of rummy, instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment in players across the country. By encouraging individuals to unlock their potential and master their skills, IRG empowers players to excel in this strategic and intellectual game. Through dynamic tournaments and opportunities for growth, IRG provides a platform to showcase talent and dedication. Players can register and begin their journey to greatness at playirg.com”, said Amit Kushwama, AVP Strategic Initiatives, Gameskraft (RummyCulture’s parent company).
The online qualifiers for the SOG Grandmasters Series are now live, with the first phygital zonal rounds scheduled for December 19-20, 2024, in Bengaluru (South Zone). The grand finals are set to take place in March 2025, marking the culmination of a journey that could take some of India’s best mind sports players to the international stage.
Registration is now open for the SOG Grandmasters Series. Participants can sign up for free at www.soggrandmasters.com and www.playirg.com to take part in this prestigious event.
