The HelpChess Fundraiser during FIDE Candidates tournament 2026

by Rasika Ratnaparkhi - 30/03/2026

HelpChess is the charitable foundation of ChessBase India that stands firmly behind Indian chess players who need financial support. Over the past seven years, the foundation has helped talents with training, laptops, and opportunities that have pushed many players towards IM and GM titles. In 2024-25, we raised Rs. 1.6 crore to help players move forward in their chess journey. Now, with the FIDE Candidates 2026 underway, we are once again raising funds to support more promising talents. Check out the article to know more. You will also find a list of all contributors and their donations since the start of the event.

About the HelpChess Foundation

For the past seven years, HelpChess Foundation has been standing behind Indian chess players, giving them the push they need to move forward in their careers. Because of the support we have received from people, many players have been able to access high-level training, and some have received essentials like laptops for their preparation. Every contribution has made a real difference. We are committed to continuing this journey, and every time we see the incredible response from our believers, we feel recharged to keep pushing Indian chess forward!

Players we have supported in 2024-25. Read all about them here.

Check out the HelpChess Foundation Annual Impact Report 2024-25 here.

To support more talented players, we are raising funds during the FIDE Candidates 2026 livestreams.

Which Candidate are you rooting for?

The first round of the FIDE Candidates 2026 got underway yesterday. We have three Indians fighting for the title, Praggnanandhaa, Divya and Vaishali. Praggnanandhaa has already made a powerful start, winning his first-round game against Anish Giri. He has doubled the excitement among Indian fans. Meanwhile, Divya and Vaishali are carrying the hopes of the nation in the Women’s Candidates. The winner of the open section will challenge reigning World Champion D Gukesh, while the winner of the women’s section will face Ju Wenjun. It's a significant moment for Indian chess as we see young players as contenders to fight for the world title.

How can you support?

You can go to the official website www.helpchess.org. You can become a believer or a big believer in Indian chess after contributing to the cause. If you donate anything above Rs. 50,000, then you become a Big Believer!

As you go to the HelpChess.org website, you will see two options where you can contribute to becoming a believer...

... or a big believer.

Once you contribute, your name will appear on the livestream as a supporter.

The general layout of the ChessBase India livestreams for the FIDE Candidates 2026

Below the board is a widget that updates with the names and amounts of the people who have contributed.

Each and every person who contributes immediately gets this certificate of appreciation in their inbox.

A receipt that will help you claim 80G tax benefits when you file your income tax return.

People who have contributed during the FIDE Candidates 2026

At HelpChess, we believe in complete transparency when it comes to raising funds for chess players. Every contribution matters, and we want you to know that your support is making a real difference. Below is the list of people who have generously contributed during the FIDE Candidates 2026 livestreams. Our heartfelt thanks to each one of you! We deeply appreciate your trust in us, and together, we can continue to empower chess players.

29th March 2026

Date	Name	Amount
29-03-2026 17:10:05	Avnish Kumar Singh	535.62
29-03-2026 16:46:35	Saurabh Khandelwal	995.92
29-03-2026 16:46:20	Aarav singh	497.94
29-03-2026 16:45:22	Anant Giria	99.58
29-03-2026 16:44:29	Renuka Ajit Mujumdar	986.5
29-03-2026 16:41:01	JAYDEN COELHO	995.92
29-03-2026 16:38:59	Kanishk	995.92
29-03-2026 16:35:59	Amit Mantri	49796
29-03-2026 16:16:56	Gautham	1991.84
29-03-2026 16:02:07	Satyen	995.92
29-03-2026 16:01:37	Narendra Khandekar	597.56
29-03-2026 15:55:19	Harish V	97.09
29-03-2026 15:55:02	Pohe for amruta	99.58
29-03-2026 15:53:56	Swastik Patil	99.58
29-03-2026 15:52:52	Idli for amruta	97.09
29-03-2026 15:51:28	Sanglicha_Bond	99.58
29-03-2026 15:50:23	Samba	4979.6
29-03-2026 15:49:08	Gautam Ghaisas	497.94
29-03-2026 15:46:54	Srinath V	97.09
29-03-2026 15:44:01	Pravin Dudhade	99.58
29-03-2026 15:42:01	Ankesh C Chopde	497.94
29-03-2026 15:39:53	Swastik Patil	99.58
29-03-2026 15:18:22	π=3.14	99.58
29-03-2026 15:13:02	Vivek Iyer	1106.46
29-03-2026 14:52:05	Pranay Tiwari	99.58
29-03-2026 13:24:04	Syed Jamaluddin	995.92
29-03-2026 13:23:28	Azerbaizan to bhaijan, poland mein	100.57
29-03-2026 13:21:11	Sridaya	398.36
29-03-2026 13:20:26	Rammohan Kale	490.5
29-03-2026 13:19:54	GM shivam raj	99.58
29-03-2026 13:18:51	Sameer Ghela	497.94
29-03-2026 13:18:33	Vaibhav Pachange	97.09
29-03-2026 13:16:23	Rajesh D	199.2
29-03-2026 13:15:47	Raunak Mehra	99.58
29-03-2026 13:15:34	Kavish Viswanath	97.28
29-03-2026 13:15:09	opponent ka naam hai henis	100.57
29-03-2026 13:14:44	Bharathesh R	99.58
29-03-2026 13:12:55	Prachee Palsule	996.91
29-03-2026 13:04:57	Rajan Dewangan	99.58
29-03-2026 13:01:31	Chinmoy Chakravorty	200.19
29-03-2026 12:57:53	Varchas	498.93
29-03-2026 12:57:32	VickyVahini	497.94
29-03-2026 12:56:00	Vivek Bose	996.91
29-03-2026 12:55:18	Phoenix	496.94
29-03-2026 12:55:17	Priyankit Singh	199.2
29-03-2026 12:53:35	Asha Rani	981
29-03-2026 12:53:21	Raktim Bhattacharyya	199.2
29-03-2026 12:53:08	Pratik Dnyaneshwar Tayade	199.2
29-03-2026 12:53:04	RN37_Gaming	249.96
29-03-2026 12:53:04	Sabhari Natarajan	498.93
29-03-2026 12:50:38	Sanglicha_Bond	99.58