At a buzzing entertainment hub in Noida, silence took center stage, broken only by the ticking of clocks, the clink of trophies, and the quiet hum of genius in motion.

This wasn’t your usual day at Smaaash, India’s most thrilling gaming arena. There were no bowling pins falling or arcade cheers echoing through the space. Instead, on June 27th and 28th, the spotlight shifted to 64 squares, as over 200 young minds faced off at the Smaaash Chess Master – Noida Edition.

The venue was alive with anticipation. Parents stood at the edge of their seats. Children sat upright, eyes locked on the board, hands hovering over knights and bishops. Some had come for their first ever tournament, others were returning with medals already at home. But for every single player, one thing was clear: this was no game. This was chess with stakes, glory, headphones, medals and bragging rights.

As the rounds progressed, the crowd witnessed more than just sharp moves, they witnessed stories unfold.

Like the quiet boy in the Under-16 category who, with unwavering focus, beat a seasoned tournament regular. A gasp rippled through the spectators. An underdog had just flipped the script. That single game? It became the talk of the day.

There were tears, there were cheers. There were kids who held their breath for ten whole seconds before a final check. And there were parents who looked more nervous than the players.

But in the end, there were smiles everywhere.

The top five in each category were awarded shining trophies, and the top three walked away with not just victories, but also stylish headphones as a reward for their sharp minds and steady nerves.

For many, it wasn’t just about winning. It was about learning how to lose with grace, win with humility, and play with heart. That’s what Smaaash set out to create, not just a competition, but a stage for potential.

And this stage? It’s going on tour.

After Noida’s smashing success, the Smaaash Chess Master Tournament is heading to Mangalore and Hyderabad next. New cities, new challengers, and new stories waiting to be written.