The University of Gdańsk Cup – Masters Tournament 2025 celebrates its 55th edition as one of Poland’s premier chess competitions. Hosted by the University of Gdańsk, this high-level international tournament draws strong titled players and rising stars to compete in a dynamic and friendly academic setting. With a robust prize fund and fair play standards, the event ensures exciting games, cultural enrichment, and an excellent chess experience in the historic coastal city of Gdańsk.

📅 Tournament Dates and Daily Schedule

The tournament takes place from August 1 to August 10, 2025, in Gdańsk, Poland.

🕒 Round Schedule:

• August 1 – Round 1 at 17:00
• August 2 – Round 2 at 17:00
• August 3 – Round 3 at 17:00
• August 4 – Round 4 at 17:00
• August 5 – Round 5 at 17:00
• August 6 – Rest Day
• August 7 – Round 6 at 17:00
• August 8 – Round 7 at 17:00
• August 9 – Round 8 at 17:00
• August 10 – Round 9 at 10:00

⏳ Time Control and Tournament Format

Participants play 9 rounds using the accelerated Swiss system (Baku system).
Each game follows the FIDE Classical time control:
90 minutes for the entire game + 30-second increment per move starting from move one.

💰 Total Prize Fund and Breakdown

The total prize fund exceeds 45,000 PLN (approx. €10,500) and covers main standings, category prizes, and rating groups.

🏅 Main Prizes (Top 10 Overall):

🧒 Category Prizes:

👩 Women’s Category:

• 1st – 1,300 PLN (€310)
• 2nd – 850 PLN (€202)
• 3rd – 450 PLN (€107)

🧑 Junior Category:

• 1st – 1,300 PLN (€310)
• 2nd – 850 PLN (€202)
• 3rd – 450 PLN (€107)

👴 Senior Category:

• 1st – 1,300 PLN (€310)
• 2nd – 850 PLN (€202)
• 3rd – 450 PLN (€107)

🎯 Rating Prizes:

• U2400 – 850 PLN (€202)
• U2200 – 750 PLN (€178)
• U2000 – 650 PLN (€155)
• U1800 – 450 PLN (€107)

📝 Prize Conditions:

• All prize winners must attend the closing ceremony.
• Organizers transfer all prizes via bank account after receiving a signed statement.
• Prizes are not divisible and not combinable.
• Organizers apply tax deductions according to Polish law.

📝 Registration and Eligibility

Players with a minimum FIDE rating of 2100 (July or August 2025 list) are eligible to participate.

💵 Entry Fees:

• Adults: 250 PLN / €60
• Players born in 2011 or later: 200 PLN / €50
• Students, PhD candidates, UG staff: 200 PLN (with valid ID sent to szachy@ug.edu.pl)
• Titled players (GM, WGM, IM, WIM): Free entry

📆 Registration deadline: July 28, 2025, at 24:00
👥 Participation cap: 300 players

🔗 Register now: ChessManager Registration

💳 Payment Details

EUR Transfers:

• IBAN: PL89 1600 1459 1086 2682 4000 0001
• SWIFT/BIC: PPABPLPK
• Recipient: FUNDACJA S. I A. UG
• Reference: International Chess Tournament “Entry Fee” – Your Full Name

PLN Transfers:

• Account: 30 2340 0009 0230 2500 0000 0020
• Recipient: FUNDACJA S. I A. UG
• Reference: International Chess Tournament “Entry Fee” – Your Full Name

📍 Venue Information

📚 Tournament Venue:

Main Library, University of Gdańsk
📍 Wita Stwosza 53, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland

This modern venue offers excellent lighting, spacious halls, and proximity to city infrastructure, making it ideal for chess competition.

✈️ Travel and Accommodation

Players can arrive via Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN) or Gdańsk’s central railway station. The venue has easy access via public transport.

Participants are responsible for booking their own accommodation. The organizer recommends hotels near the university and city center. All players must arrange their own insurance.

🧑‍💼 Organizers and Contact

The University of Gdańsk, in partnership with the Foundation for UG Students and Alumni, organizes the tournament.

📧 Email: szachy@ug.edu.pl
🌐 Official Website: https://turniejszachy.ug.edu.pl

👨‍⚖️ Tournament Officials

• Tournament Director: Kacper Wiśniewski
• Chief Arbiter: FA Jan Kozak

They ensure smooth tournament operations and compliance with FIDE rules.

⚖️ Tie-Break and Fair Play

Organizers apply the following tie-break criteria:

1. Direct Encounter
2. Tournament Performance Rating (TPR)
3. Buchholz Cut 1
4. Average Opponents’ Performance
5. Average Opponents’ Buchholz

The tournament follows strict fair play regulations, including metal detector checks. Game broadcasts (top 20 boards) are delayed by 15 minutes.