Michael Khodarkovsky and Garry Kasparov have been friends for many years. He has, among other things, worked for Garry for his World Championship Matches in 1995 and 2000
The GCT began as a shared vision between Kasparov and Khodarkovsky, who said:
The beginning actually started in 2014 when Garry and I went to Saint Louis and shared our idea with Rex Sinquefield and his team. It was basically brainstorming and Rex liked the idea, and we started to prepare.
One of the driving forces behind the Grand Chess Tour was US Billionaire Rex Sinquefield
Launched in 2015, the tour initially featured three classical legs in Norway, Saint Louis and London. When the format shifted to include rapid and blitz chess in 2016 to accommodate new European organizers, the GCT found its modern, dynamic identity.
Michael Khodarkovsky and Garry Kasparov | Photo: Grand Chess Tour
While the elite competition draws headlines, the GCT is fundamentally a non-profit endeavour driven by the St. Louis Chess Club and the Superbet Foundation.
The actual goal is outreach... to bring awareness of chess and chess in education. Of the importance of chess as a cognitive tool in education - as as socially important tool for people to get together from different parts of the world.
This mission has taken the tour to diverse locations, from Cote d'Ivoire to Kolkata. By incorporating side events like simuls and youth tournaments at every stop, the tour ensures that "the chess culture of that place also grows".
The Grand Chess Tour event of 2019 saw Magnus Carlsen and Vishy Anand inaugurated India's first pink ball test match at the Eden Gardens! | Photo: Grand Chess Tour
In a field where many tournaments struggle to maintain consistency, Khodarkovsky attributes the GCT's success to professional standards and a deep understanding of the players. The Grand Chess Tour has an amazing prize fund for the players. This year, the fund has increased to US$ 2 million. While the money is impressive, Michael knows that it is not the only element.
First and foremost, we treat players with respect... I know what is required on one hand. And money not always bring happiness, as you know. Money comes and goes, but you need to have stability.
This stability is built on transparency. Unlike events announced at the last minute, the GCT plans years in advance. "We are already planning everything for 2027", Michael reveals, noting that they work to avoid collisions with other major organizers like FIDE or Norway Chess.
Michael Khodarkovsky's own career - spanning roles as a coach, author, and official - is fuelled by a singular drive. "The secret is passion", he explains. "If you are not giving your 100% to this project, nothing will come out".
A look at Michael's Wikipedia page shows the tremendous number of things he has achieved in his career. Here are a few:
Central to his management style is the ability to empower his team rather than micromanaging every detail.
I select the best people in their field and bring them together. I trust people with different skills who can deliver. And I am not micromanaging them.
This philosophy is evident in the inclusion of figures like Deputy Director Alexander Onischuk. Michael notes, "I always would like to bring new people", and describes Onischuk as "the right person to be with us on the Grand Chess Tour for many more years".
The new Deputy Director of the Grand Chess Tour, Alexander Onischuk, with his better half, Natalia Zhukova | Photo: Grand Chess Tour
The tour’s existence is inextricably linked to the involvement of the 13th World Champion. "Garry is one of the co-founders... and without Garry this Tour wouldn't be possible", Michael states. Kasparov remains a "driving force" who actively secures sponsorship and remains involved in the tour's day-to-day trajectory.
The Grand Chess Tour celebrated its first decade with finals in Brazil. Now the 11th edition has begun! Michael is confident in the foundation they have built: "We are in good shape to continue for the next decade," he says.
It's amazing what Garry has managed to create with Grand Chess Tour - it is benefitting so many players and gives the world of chess something to look forward to each year! | Photo: Grand Chess Tour
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