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 noβnonsense battleground before the holiday season.
Event Details
| π Dates | 19β24 November 2025 |
| π Location | Hilton Bellevue, 300 112th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98004, USA |
| π Prize Fund | $12,500 guaranteed |
| βοΈ Tournament Type | Dual USCF & FIDE-rated (one section) |
| 𧩠Tournament System | Swiss |
| π’ Number of Rounds | 9 |
| β±οΈ Time Control | G/90; +30 |
| β° Late Arrival | Forfeit time: 60 minutes |
| π§ Email | WashingtonChessFederation@gmail.com |
| βοΈ Phone | +1 206-769-3757 (Josh Sinanan) |
| π Official Website | spicecup64.com |
| πΊοΈ 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 β’ Top Senior 50+ | 500 β’ 500 |
| β | β | 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 Β½βpoint byes (Rds 1β7 if requested before start)
Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Open | FIDE β₯2000 or USCF β₯2200 |
Schedule
| Day | Round / Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wed 19 Nov | Checkβin β’ Round 1 | 15:00β16:30 β’ 17:00 |
| Thu 20 Nov | Round 2 β’ Round 3 | 10:00 β’ 16:00 |
| Fri 21 Nov | Round 4 β’ Round 5 | 10:00 β’ 16:00 |
| Sat 22 Nov | Round 6 β’ SPICE Blitz (9SS) | 11:00 β’ 19:00 |
| Sun 23 Nov | Round 7 β’ Round 8 | 11:00 β’ 17:00 |
| Mon 24 Nov | SPICE Rapid (5SS) β’ Round 9 β’ Closing | 10:00 β’ 16:00 β’ 20:00 |
Registration
- GMs: Free
- Foreign IMs: $250 by 9/15 β’ $300 by 10/15 β’ $350 after
- USβflag IMs: $395 β’ $445 β’ $495
- Foreign FIDEβrated (2000+): $395 β’ $445 β’ $495
- US players 2200+ FIDE: $595 β’ $645 β’ $695
- US players 2000β2199 FIDE: $895 β’ $945 β’ $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 β restaurants nearby, easy access.
π Google Maps
Accommodation
$199/night (King or 2 Queens). Complimentary WiβFi & eventβday parking; $18/night discounted overnight parking. Group code WACFRL.
How to Get There
- Air: SeattleβTacoma (SEA) β ~25 min to hotel
- Transit: Link light rail + short rideshare
- Road: Iβ405 or Iβ90 to Bellevue
Make your push for norms and prizes at the SPICE Cup Open β a focused, elite classical challenge in Bellevue!
Hotels Near the Venue
Find nearby accommodation for this tournament location.
