The 6th Paul Keres Memorial Festival returns to the beautiful seaside city of Pärnu, Estonia, from August 11 to 17, 2025. The 6th Paul Keres Memorial Festival – Pärnu 2025 will be a highlight of the chess calendar. Hosted at the Estonia Resort Hotel & Spa Conference Center, this internationally respected tournament honors the legacy of chess legend Paul Keres, while offering a dynamic blend of elite competition and vibrant coastal atmosphere.

📅 Schedule

• August 11–16: Classic Open A & B
• August 16: Blitz Tournament
• August 17: Rapid Tournament

All events are FIDE-rated, providing a valuable opportunity to improve international rankings and achieve norms.

💰 Prize Fund

This Festival features a guaranteed prize fund of €16,000, distributed across multiple tournaments and rating categories.

🔹 Classic Open A

• 🥇 1st: €2,200
• 🥈 2nd: €1,500
• 🥉 3rd: €1,200
• 4th–6th: €900, €700, €500

Special Prizes:

• Top Female Players: €500 / €300 / €200
• Best Estonian Player & Estonian Woman: €200 each
• Seniors (50+): €175 / €150 / €125
• Women 50+: €150
• Best U2100: €150
• Best U20, U18, G18: €150 each

🔹 Classic Open B

• 🥇 1st: €500
• 🥈 2nd: €350
• 🥉 3rd: €200
• 4th–5th: €150, €100

Special Prizes:

• Best Female: €100
• Best 65+ & 50+: €100 each
• Best ≤1500/Unrated: €75
• Best U14, U10, U8: Gifts worth €75 each

🎁 All participants receive souvenirs, and foreign GMs/WGMs may be eligible for free accommodation (limited, by prior agreement).

🕒 Time Controls

• Classic Opens: 9-round Swiss | 90 minutes + 30s increment
• Blitz (Aug 16): 11-round Swiss | FIDE-rated
• Rapid (Aug 17): Details TBA

📝 Registration

• On-site Registration: August 11, 2025 | 12:00–14:30
• Round 1 Begins: August 11, 2025 | 16:00

Players are encouraged to register early via the official website to secure their spot and accommodation options at the Paul Keres Memorial Festival 2025 in Pärnu.

🌟 Why Play?

This festival isn’t just a tournament—it’s a tribute to one of Estonia’s greatest chess heroes. With generous prizes, title norm chances, and a summer escape by the sea, the Paul Keres Memorial blends chess excellence with memorable experiences. This tournament aims to provide an outstanding experience for all participants.

Whether you’re a grandmaster or an aspiring talent, Pärnu welcomes you for a week of strategic brilliance and Baltic charm during the 6th Paul Keres Memorial Festival – an event not to be missed in 2025.

You may find other exciting tournaments at mychess.events.