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- The Ethugalpura International Rating Chess Championship is not just any chess event; it is the crown jewel in Sri Lanka’s chess calendar. Having created a
- history of excellence, unmatched participation, and international acclaim, this tournament has gained popularity as the country’s prime stage for chess enthusiasts.
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- The Ethugalpura Chess Tournament has grown since its inception in 2009 into a fixture of chess culture in Sri Lanka. Organized around the historical city of Kurunegala, known as Ethugalpura, the tournament grew from a humble local competition to an international festival because of its great organization and high-caliber field.
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- It has grown and transformed with every year, something that sets it in a league of its own. From the meager beginnings when 204 competitors came into the arena in 2009 to now, almost 1,000 players each year prove its status as the number one chess battlefield in Sri Lanka.
Why Ethugalpura Is the Best
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- Unmatched Prestige: The Ethugalpura Chess Tournament is the most awaited event in the Sri Lankan chess calendar because of its professional organization, world-class facilities, and a spirit of great competitiveness.
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- Massive Participation: No other chess event in the country can match its scale. The 2023 edition alone saw 965 participants in the classical event and 582 in blitz, thus marking the highest numbers in Sri Lanka’s chess history.
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- World-Class Prizes: With a prize pool exceeding 2,000,000 LKR, along with trophies, medals, and certificates, the Ethugalpura Tournament rewards excellence like no other event in the region.
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- International Prestige: As one of the largest international chess festivals in Sri Lanka, Ethugalpura consistently attracts top players from around the world, raising the competition to a global standard.
Unrivaled Growth in Participation
One of the most telling signs of its dominance was when it built on participation numbers rather phenomenally. Year after year, it breaks new barriers as no other tournament could boast such an appeal to players across all levels.
| Year | Classical Event | Blitz Event |
| 2009 | 204 | – |
| 2010 | 350 | – |
| 2011 | 311 | – |
| 2012 | 441 | – |
| 2013 | 520 | – |
| 2014 | 520 | – |
| 2015 | 639 | – |
| 2016 | 653 | – |
| 2017 | 644 | – |
| 2018 | 735 | – |
| 2019 | 726 | – |
| 2022 | 661 | 248 |
| 2023 | 965 | 582 |
2023: A record-breaking 965 players in the classical event and 582 in blitz
This unparalleled growth reflects the trust and admiration of players in Ethugalpura as it remains Sri Lanka’s premier chess event.
The 14th Edition: Chess at Its Finest
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- The Knight Flame Chess Club proudly presents the 14th edition of the Ethugalpura International Chess Festival, promising another year of superlative chess.
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- Venue: The event will take place at the air-conditioned Hotel Blue Sky, Kurunegala.
- offering a world-class experience for participants and spectators alike.
- Venue: The event will take place at the air-conditioned Hotel Blue Sky, Kurunegala.
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- Prestigious Rewards: With a prize pool of over 2,000,000 LKR, this year’s tournament guarantees that top talent is recognized and celebrated.
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- A Global Gathering: Players from across the world will compete, ensuring a vibrant mix of strategies and styles.
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- A Legacy of Champions The Ethugalpura Chess Tournament has stood the test of time, crowning some of the finest champions in Sri Lanka’s history, a proving ground for local and international talent.
Open Section
| Year | Current Title | Previous Title | Champion Name | FIDE ID | Country |
| 2009 | FM | ****** | R S Kalugampitiya | 9901124 | Sri Lanka |
| 2010 | ****** | ****** | W. S. Vidura K. Koggala | 9905979 | Sri Lanka |
| 2011 | ****** | ****** | Arun Karthik R | 5021030 | India |
| 2012 | ****** | ****** | Daverkausen Bernd | 4602919 | Germany |
| 2013 | FM | CM | Chinthaka Anuruddha Galappaththi | 9900438 | Sri Lanka |
| 2014 | ****** | ****** | C M S Praneith Kumara | 9901888 | Sri Lanka |
| 2015 | FM | ****** | R S Kalugampitiya | 9901124 | Sri Lanka |
| 2016 | I’m | ****** | Khamtagaleev Alexej | 4123549 | Russia |
| 2017 | ****** | ****** | W. S. Vidura K. Koggala | 9905979 | Sri Lanka |
| 2018 | I’m | I’m | Rahul Sangma | 5013615 | India |
| 2019 | FM | I’m | L M S T De Silva | 9953698 | Sri Lanka |
| 2020 | NOT HELD | ||||
| 2021 | NOT HELD | ||||
| 2022 | FM | FM | Chinthaka Anuruddha Galappaththi | 9900438 | Sri Lanka |
| 2023 | ****** | ****** | Praneith Chandrasekara | 9901888 | Sri Lanka |
Women’s Section
| Year | Current Title | Previous Title | Champion Name | FIDE ID | Country |
| 2009 | WFM | ****** | Dinushki Premanath | 9903542 | Sri Lanka |
| 2010 | WIM | WCM | Tejaswini Sagar | 5054290 | India |
| 2011 | ****** | ****** | U G S S S Udupitiya | 9904921 | Sri Lanka |
| 2012 | ****** | ****** | Samasha Sayanjalee Udapitiyage | 9905189 | Sri Lanka |
| 2013 | WFM | WFM | Manisha Suchini Gunaratne | 9903933 | Sri Lanka |
| 2014 | ****** | ****** | S C T Kumari | 9917390 | Sri Lanka |
| 2015 | ****** | ****** | T H D Niklesha Tharushi | 9918264 | Sri Lanka |
| 2016 | ****** | ****** | H M R K Herath | 9942386 | Sri Lanka |
| 2017 | ****** | ****** | Shalini Ranasinghe | 9942398 | Sri Lanka |
| 2018 | ****** | ****** | W Bethmee V Epa | 9955453 | Sri Lanka |
| 2019 | ****** | ****** | D W A G H Danawalavithana | 9903860 | Sri Lanka |
| 2020 | NOT HELD | ||||
| 2021 | NOT HELD | ||||
| 2022 | ****** | ****** | Nemindi Linaya Ramanayake | 9991069 | Sri Lanka |
| 2023 | ****** | ****** | R M Dulinma Hemalni Rathnayake | 29953707 | Sri Lanka |
Each champion represents the commitment of the tournament to nurturing excellence and offering a platform for the cream of talents to emerge.
Sri Lanka’s Chess Pride Star The Ethugalpura Chess Tournament is more than just a chess event; it is an institution in Sri Lankan chess. The combination of history, competitive spirit, and world-class organization sets it apart as the undisputed best chess tournament in the country.
Year after year, it raises the bar for chess in Sri Lanka, inspiring players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a budding chess enthusiast or a seasoned grandmaster, Ethugalpura is where the best gather to make their mark.
As the 14th Edition unfolds, one thing is certain: the Ethugalpura International Rating Chess Championship reigns supreme as the pinnacle of chess excellence in Sri Lanka, offering a stage where every move counts and every player is celebrated.
