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Chessfestival Groningen 2025
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The Chessfestival Groningen 2025 is one of Europe’s oldest winter chess events, welcoming players of all ages and levels to Groningen, Netherlands. Since 1963, it has hosted countless grandmasters and rising stars.
Organized by the Stichting Schaakfestival Groningen with the Dutch Chess Federation, it offers a week of competitive classical chess and holiday spirit.
Event Details
| 📅 Dates | 21–30 December 2025 |
| 📍 Location | Groningen, Netherlands |
| 💰 Prize Fund | €12,000 total |
| 🏁 Tournament Type | International Open • FIDE rated |
| 🧩 Tournament System | Swiss system |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 9 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes for 40 moves + 30 minutes + 30 seconds increment |
| ⏰ Default Time | 30 minutes |
| 📆 Registration Deadline | 10 December 2025 |
| 👥 Maximum Players | 250 players |
| 🏢 Organizer | Stichting Schaakfestival Groningen |
| ✉️ Email | info@chessfestival.nl |
| ☎️ Phone | +31 6 1234 5678 |
| 🔗 Official Website | www.chessfestival.nl |
Prize Fund & Breakdown
| Category / Place | Prize (€) |
|---|---|
| 1st place | 2,000 |
| 2nd place | 1,200 |
| 3rd place | 800 |
| 4th place | 600 |
| 5th place | 400 |
| 6th–10th places | 300 – 150 |
| Best Female | 200 |
| Best Junior (U18) | 150 |
| Best Senior (50+) | 150 |
| Best Local Player | 150 |
Time Control & Pairings
- System: 9-round Swiss
- Rated: FIDE Classical
- Time Control: 90 min for 40 moves + 30 min + 30 sec increment
- Tiebreaks: Buchholz Cut-1, Buchholz, Sonneborn-Berger, number of wins
Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility / Notes |
|---|---|
| Open A | Players rated ≥2000 |
| Open B | Players rated <2000 |
| Compact Open | 5-round event during festival |
| Blitz & Rapid | Separate evening events |
Schedule
| Date | Event / Round | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Dec | Arrival & Registration | All day |
| 22 Dec | Opening & Round 1 | 13:30 |
| 23–29 Dec | Rounds 2–8 | 13:30 daily |
| 30 Dec | Final Round & Closing | 11:00 |
| 30 Dec | Departure | After 15:00 |
Registration
- Deadline: 10 December 2025
- Fees: Open A €80 • Open B €70 • Compact Open €60 • Blitz/Rapid €15
- Titled players: GM/IM/WGM/WIM free
- Payment: Bank transfer or cash before Round 1
Organizer
The Stichting Schaakfestival Groningen has organized the festival for over six decades with professional standards and a friendly atmosphere.
- Email: info@chessfestival.nl
- Phone: +31 6 1234 5678
- Website: www.chessfestival.nl
Venue
Hanze University Groningen – Sports and Event Center
Zernikeplein 17, 9747 AS Groningen, Netherlands
📍 Google Maps
Accommodation
- NH Hotel Groningen (city center)
- Mercure Groningen Martiniplaza
- Student Hotel Groningen
How to Get There
- By Air: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) → ~2 hours by direct train
- By Train: Direct services from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague
- By Car: A7 and A28 motorways
Combine winter magic with top-level chess — join the Chessfestival Groningen 2025 in the Netherlands’ northern capital.