Facilitated by MGD1, this collaboration aims to provide chess students with structured mentorship and expert guidance
National, April 16, 2025: Olympiad Gold Medal winning coach GM Srinath Narayanan, who has mentored the likes of Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin, and more, has joined Chessbrainz as its brand ambassador in a partnership designed to create a more impactful experience for chess students at all levels. The collaboration, conceptualised and facilitated by MGD1, merges Srinath’s expertise and Chessbrainz’s learning model to boost chess education in more than 50 countries.
One of India’s top chess coaches and a key force behind the Chennai Grand Masters, Srinath has built platforms that elevate Indian chess, whose mentorship will now enhance Chessbrainz’s curriculum, enrich coach development, and provide students with direct access to elite training. As part of a year-long partnership, Chessbrainz will also gain access to Srinath’s name, image, and credibility, integrating his expertise into its training programs.
Speaking about the collaboration, GM Srinath Narayanan, said, “Chess education is evolving, and platforms like Chessbrainz are making structured learning accessible to more players. I’m excited to be part of this journey, mentoring young talent and working with trainers to create an environment where players can grow. MGD1 has once again played a key role in bringing the right people together, and I look forward to what we can achieve through this partnership.”
MGD1, which secured Arjun Erigaisi’s first sponsorship, fostered this partnership, reinforcing its mission to connect top talent with organisations that elevate chess. Commenting on the occasion, MGD1’s Sreekar Channapragada: “Our goal at MGD1 is to bridge the gap between top chess talent and platforms that can help grow the game. Pairing Srinath with Chessbrainz felt like the right move, it provides students with insights from an experienced player and trainer, strengthens the platform, and contributes to the overall chess ecosystem.”
Chessbrainz, with its 150+ expert instructors, is a leading global online chess academy, providing round-the-clock training, structured assignments, and weekly tournaments. Operating with a team of FIDE-rated trainers, the platform will use Srinath’s expertise to enhance its global coaching framework, refine player development strategies, and bring elite-level insights to students worldwide.
Speaking on the partnership, Pratik Vaidya, Founder, Chessbrainz said: “Having Srinath onboard adds a new dimension to what we offer. His experience as both a player and a coach gives our students a unique opportunity to learn from one of the best. We also would like to thank MGD1 for facilitating this partnership and we are confident that this will take our online chess coaching to the next level.”
With Srinath on board, Chessbrainz gains an expert of the field, students receive direct access to grandmaster-level insights, and MGD1 further cements its role in shaping the future of Indian chess.
