Commentator or strong GM? Harshit Raja’s inspiring run at Saint Louis Masters

After a small break, GM Harshit Raja made a fine return to classical chess at the Saint Louis Masters, an elite invitational tournament featuring a powerhouse lineup of just 70 players. Facing a gauntlet of opponents with an average rating of nearly 2580, Harshit proved what a strong player he is, leading to a performance rating of 2600+ and a gain of 13 Elo points. From daring “coffeehouse complications” against Grigoriy Oparin to a strategic masterclass in the Najdorf, Harshit shares the insights behind his “chill” and inspired approach to the game. | Photo: Lennart Ootes