Kara Riggs The global chess calendar is packed with high-profile events and vibrant open tournaments in the coming months. Whether you follow elite grandmaster clashes, women’s competitions, or major open festivals, there’s something for every chess enthusiast. Here’s a look at the most anticipated tournaments on the horizon.
June 2025
Delhi International Open 2025
- Dates: June 7–14
- Location: New Delhi, India
- One of Asia’s largest open tournaments, attracting top grandmasters and rising stars from around the world.
UzChess Cup 2025
- Dates: June 18–28
- Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- Features strong international participation and is part of the FIDE Circuit.
Aktobe Open 2025
- Dates: June 21–July 1
- Location: Aktobe, Kazakhstan
- Noted for its competitive field and importance in the Central Asian chess circuit.
SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia
- Dates: June 30–July 7
- Location: Zagreb, Croatia
- Part of the Grand Chess Tour, this event brings together elite grandmasters for rapid and blitz action.
Cairns Cup 2025
- Dates: June 10–20
- Location: Saint Louis, USA
- One of the top women’s tournaments globally, featuring leading female grandmasters and world championship contenders.
July 2025
Biel International Chess Festival
- Dates: July 12–25
- Location: Biel, Switzerland
- Includes Masters, Open, and Challengers sections, renowned for its mix of established stars and emerging talents.
Jihlava Open
- Dates: July 7–13
- Location: Jihlava, Czech Republic
- Popular European open with international participation.
22nd Karpov International Chess Tournament
- Dates: July 14–26
- Location: Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia
- Named after former world champion Anatoly Karpov, this round-robin event attracts strong grandmasters.
Dole Open
- Dates: July 10–27
- Location: Aix-en-Provence, France
- A major open on the French chess calendar.
August 2025
2025 British Chess Championship
- Dates: August 2–10
- Location: Liverpool, UK
- The premier event for British chess, crowning national champions in multiple categories.
Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2025
- Dates: August 6–15
- Location: Chennai, India
- A new elite invitational event in India’s chess capital.
Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz
- Dates: August 9–16
- Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Part of the Grand Chess Tour, with many of the world’s top players.
Sinquefield Cup
- Dates: August 16–29
- Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- One of the most prestigious classical tournaments, often featuring the world’s top 10 players.
Maia Chess Open
- Dates: August 22–30
- Location: Maia, Portugal
- A strong open event in Western Europe.
1st Fujairah Global Chess Championship
- Dates: August 24–September 9
- Location: Fujairah, UAE
- A new addition to the international circuit, expected to attract a diverse field.
Other Notable Events
- Women’s World Cup 2025 (July): The top knockout event for women, with world championship implications.
- European Youth Team Chess Championship 2025 (July): A showcase for the continent’s brightest young talents.
- 132nd New Zealand Chess Congress (January 2026): New Zealand’s premier chess event, already open for entries.
Summary
Chess fans can look forward to a busy and exciting summer, with elite tournaments like the Cairns Cup, Sinquefield Cup, and SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia, as well as major open festivals in India, Switzerland, and beyond. Women’s events and youth championships add further depth to the calendar, ensuring top-level action for every follower of the game.
