Join the international chess community at the Serbia Chess Open 2025, taking place from July 14 to 23, 2025, in the heart of Belgrade, Serbia. This vibrant summer chess festival brings together professionals, amateurs, and enthusiasts from around the world for an unforgettable competitive and cultural experience. The event welcomes players of all skill levels with various rating categories and offers a generous prize fund, masterfully organized under the banner of the Chess Federation of Serbia.

📅 Dates & Location

• Tournament Dates: July 14–23, 2025
• Venue: Metropol Palace Hotel
• Address: Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 69, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

The luxurious Metropol Palace Hotel in central Belgrade provides an elegant and comfortable atmosphere, perfect for focused gameplay and social interaction. Its central location offers easy access to iconic landmarks, shops, and local attractions.

⏱️ Time Control

Each classical tournament round uses the following time control: 90 minutes for 40 moves plus 30 minutes to finish the game, with a 30-second increment from move one.

🗓️ Tournament Schedule

• Masters Tournament: July 14–23
  (9 rounds, one round daily with one rest day)
• Challengers & Amateurs: July 14–20
  (9 rounds, includes two days with double rounds)
• Rating Tournament: July 20–23
  (6 rounds, double rounds on two days)
• Rapid Tournament: July 19
• Blitz Qualifiers: July 15–21 at 9:00 PM
• Blitz Finals: July 22 at 9:00 PM

Each section offers its own pace and rhythm, making this festival a multi-tiered celebration of the game.

🏆 Prize Fund and Awards

Total Prize Fund: Over €28,000
Breakdown by tournament:

Masters Tournament (€20,500 Total)

• 1st place: €5,000
• 2nd place: €3,000
• 3rd place: €2,000
• Down to 15th: €200
• Special Prizes (Women, Veterans): €3,500

Challengers Tournament (€3,000 Total)

• Regular prizes: €2,460
• Special categories (Women, U1900): €540

Amateurs Tournament (€1,000 Total)

• Top prizes for U1800-rated players

Rating Tournament (€2,000 Total)

• Prizes awarded across various sub-rating categories

Final Blitz Tournament (€1,800 Total)

• 1st: €500
• 2nd: €300
• 3rd–6th: €100 each
• 7th–10th: €75 each
• 11th–16th: €50 each

All players can compete for valuable prizes and recognition in their rating bands, giving everyone a fair and exciting opportunity to shine.

📝 Registration and Participation

Who Can Play:

• Masters: Players rated 2000+ (a limited number of female players rated 1900+ may also enter)
• Challengers: Players rated between 1700 and 2300
• Amateurs: Players rated under 1800
• Rating Tournament: Players rated under 2300

Entry Fees (Per Player):

Masters Section

• GM/WGM: Free
• IM or 2450+: €30 (with organizer accommodation), €80 (without)
• 2200–2449: €60 / €110
• 2100–2199: €80 / €130
• 2000–2099: €120 / €170

Other Sections

• Challengers: €40 (with accommodation), €65 (without)
• Amateurs: €25 (with accommodation), €35 (without)
• Rating Tournament: €30
• Blitz Qualifier Events: RSD 600 per entry

Organizers accept a wide range of ratings and provide lower fees for those staying in official accommodations.

💳 Payment Details

All registration payments must be completed by the specified deadlines. Players must confirm their participation by email or phone and complete payment upon arrival or through advance bank transfers. Organizers will provide payment instructions directly upon registration.

🧳 Travel and Accommodation

The Metropol Palace Hotel offers deluxe rooms at discounted rates for participants. Its central location ensures access to nearby budget-friendly hotels, hostels, and apartment rentals. Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport connects the city globally, and reliable public transportation links the airport with the city center. Taxis and buses also operate efficiently, making travel to and from the venue seamless.

Participants can explore the cultural and culinary gems of Belgrade during free time, including the Kalemegdan Fortress, Knez Mihailova Street, and the buzzing Savamala district.

👥 Tournament Officials

• Tournament Director: Marijan Stričević
• Chief Arbiter: Zoran Stanimirović

These highly experienced officials guarantee smooth and fair operations throughout the festival.

🏢 Organizer Information

Chess Federation of Serbia

The Chess Federation of Serbia proudly organizes the Serbia Chess Open 2025 as part of its mission to foster chess excellence and promote international sportsmanship.

• Email: serbiaopen@serbiachess.org
• Phone: +381 66 265 684
• Address: Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 69, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

The federation maintains a long-standing reputation for organizing world-class chess competitions and creating professional opportunities for players of all backgrounds.

🌟 Why You Should Participate

If you dream of competing in a prestigious international chess event, the Serbia Chess Open 2025 offers the perfect opportunity. You will play in a high-quality tournament structure, meet titled players, earn rating points, and enjoy Belgrade’s legendary hospitality. Whether you aim to chase grandmaster norms or simply enjoy your summer playing the game you love, this festival promises rich memories, exciting games, and lifelong connections. Don’t miss your chance to make your move on Serbia’s grandest chess stage.