19th Annual SPICE Cup Open 2025
The SPICE Cup Open 2025 returns to the Pacific Northwest for a powerful week of classical chess in Bellevue, Washington (USA). Co-hosted by the Susan Polgar Foundation and the Washington Chess Federation, this event attracts a deep international field, offers norm chances, and runs with professional standards at a top hotel venue.
With a 9-round dual USCF & FIDE-rated Swiss, a robust prize fund, and a clear schedule, the SPICE Cup Open is designed for serious competitors who want a no‑nonsense battleground before the holiday season.
Event Details
| 📅 Dates | 19–24 November 2025 |
| 📍 Location | Hilton Bellevue, 300 112th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98004, USA |
| 🏆 Prize Fund | $12,500 guaranteed |
| ♟️ Tournament Type | Dual USCF & FIDE-rated (one section) |
| 🧩 Tournament System | Swiss |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 9 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | G/90; +30 |
| ⏰ Late Arrival | Forfeit time: 60 minutes |
| WashingtonChessFederation@gmail.com | |
| ☎️ Phone | +1 206-769-3757 (Josh Sinanan) |
| 🔗 Official Website | spicecup64.com |
| 🗺️ Google Map | Hilton Bellevue |
Prize Fund & Breakdown
| Place / Prize | Amount (USD) | Specials | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5,000 | Top U2450 | 500 / 250 |
| 2nd | 3,000 | Top U2300 | 500 / 250 |
| 3rd | 2,000 | Top Female • Top Senior 50+ | 500 • 500 |
| — | — | Brilliancy Prize | 100 |
GM/IM/WGM/WIM norms possible.
Time Control & Pairings
- System: 9-round Swiss
- Rate: G/90; +30
- Rated: USCF & FIDE
- Byes: Up to two ½‑point byes (Rds 1–7 if requested before start)
Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Open | FIDE ≥2000 or USCF ≥2200 |
Schedule
| Day | Round / Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wed 19 Nov | Check‑in • Round 1 | 15:00–16:30 • 17:00 |
| Thu 20 Nov | Round 2 • Round 3 | 10:00 • 16:00 |
| Fri 21 Nov | Round 4 • Round 5 | 10:00 • 16:00 |
| Sat 22 Nov | Round 6 • SPICE Blitz (9SS) | 11:00 • 19:00 |
| Sun 23 Nov | Round 7 • Round 8 | 11:00 • 17:00 |
| Mon 24 Nov | SPICE Rapid (5SS) • Round 9 • Closing | 10:00 • 16:00 • 20:00 |
Registration
- GMs: Free
- Foreign IMs: $250 by 9/15 • $300 by 10/15 • $350 after
- US‑flag IMs: $395 • $445 • $495
- Foreign FIDE‑rated (2000+): $395 • $445 • $495
- US players 2200+ FIDE: $595 • $645 • $695
- US players 2000–2199 FIDE: $895 • $945 • $995
- Refunds: Partial (less fees) until 11/18 12:00 PM PT
Organizer
A collaboration between the Susan Polgar Foundation and the Washington Chess Federation.
- Email: WashingtonChessFederation@gmail.com
- Phone: +1 206-769-3757
- Website: spicecup64.com
Venue
Hilton Bellevue, 300 112th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98004 — restaurants nearby, easy access.
Accommodation
$199/night (King or 2 Queens). Complimentary Wi‑Fi & event‑day parking; $18/night discounted overnight parking. Group code WACFRL.
How to Get There
- Air: Seattle‑Tacoma (SEA) → ~25 min to hotel
- Transit: Link light rail + short rideshare
- Road: I‑405 or I‑90 to Bellevue
Make your push for norms and prizes at the SPICE Cup Open — a focused, elite classical challenge in Bellevue!
