The 2025 British Chess Championships transform Liverpool into a grand chess festival from 31 July to 10 August. St George’s Hall and nearby venues host the 111th Championship alongside Major Open, Senior, Junior, Congress, Rapidplay and Blitz events. Whether you’re chasing national titles over nine classical rounds or seeking lightning thrills in blitz, you’ll find your perfect tournament here.

Liverpool’s historic St George’s Hall gives every game epic gravitas, while the Liverpool Holiday Inn on Lime Street buzzes with side-events—simultaneous displays, masterclasses, film screenings and team matches. World-class players, ambitious juniors and seasoned veterans unite for nine days of competition, camaraderie and celebration under the banner of the English Chess Federation.

🎖️ Championship & Major Open

Dates: 31 July – 10 August 2025
Format & Time Control: Nine-round Swiss system, classical time control (90 min/40 moves + 30 min; 30 sec increment).
Who: Open to all titled players, ambitious amateurs and top juniors. Champions and Major Open winners earn trophies, titles and generous cash prizes.

🏆 Prize Fund

Enjoy a combined prize fund of £18 625 across core events:

• British Championship (£15 000 total)

  • Champion: £6 000
  • Runner-up: £3 000
  • 3rd place: £2 000
  • 4th place: £1 500
  • 5th place: £1 000
  • 6th place: £750
  • 7th place: £500
  • 8th place: £250

• Major Open (£1 850 total)

  • Winner: £1 000
  • 2nd place: £500
  • 3rd place: £250
  • 4th place: £100

• Seniors Over 50 (£925 total)

  • 1st place: £500
  • 2nd place: £250
  • 3rd place: £100
  • 4th place: £75

• Seniors Over 65 (£850 total)

  • 1st place: £500
  • 2nd place: £250
  • 3rd place: £100

Every section features special category prizes—best junior, best female score, best unbeaten performance—and brilliancy awards for standout games. Whether you target the top or sectional glory, there’s a prize for every ambition.

👴 Seniors Over 50 & Over 65

Dates: 31 July – 10 August
Rounds: Nine
Format: Same classical timing as the Championship. Two age-graded sections offer dedicated prizes and titles in a supportive, experienced community.

👶 Junior Championships (U16, U14, U12, U10, U8)

Dates: 28 July – 3 August
Rounds: Seven
Format: Classical time control (90 min + 30 sec increment). Five age bands give young talents a stage, with coaching clinics, fun team matches and medal ceremonies enhancing the experience.

☀️ Weekday Congresses (AM & PM)

Dates: 4 – 8 August
Rounds: Five
Sections:

• AM Open, U1900 & U1600 (mornings, 60 min + 30 sec increment)
• PM U2050, U1750 & U1450 (afternoons, same timing)

Fit competitive chess into your daily rhythm, improve your rating and enjoy prize-limited fields in a relaxed schedule.

📅 Weekend Congresses

Dates: 2 – 3 August
Rounds: Four
Sections: Atkins (U2000), Penrose (U1750), Soanes (U1500) & Yates (U1500)
Enjoy lively weekend play with themed trophies, evening social mixers and team challenges.

⚡ Rapidplay Festival

Dates: 1 – 2 August
Rounds: Seven
Format: 25 min + 10 sec increment
Sections: Open, U2000, U1500 & Junior Rapid
Test your tactical acumen in fast-paced classics. Follow live boards and commentary in the festival lounge.

🚀 Blitz Bonanza

Date: 5 August
Rounds: Nine
Format: 5 min + 3 sec increment
Sections: Open 1 & 2, U1600 1 & 2 & Junior Blitz
Lightning games reward instinct, courage and sharp reflexes.

📍 Venue & Travel

Main rounds unfold in the majestic St George’s Hall (St George’s Place, Liverpool L1 1JJ). Side-events and lounges take place at the Liverpool Holiday Inn on Lime Street.

• By Rail: Liverpool Lime Street station sits steps from the venue.
• By Air: Liverpool John Lennon Airport offers shuttle and taxi services to the city center.
• Local: Extensive bus and ferry networks make city exploration effortless on rest days.

📝 Registration & Fees

Secure your spot online early for discounted rates. Early-bird pricing runs through mid-June, standard rates until late July, with a small late-entry surcharge thereafter. Entry fees cover main events; side-events require separate signup. Pay by credit card or bank transfer.

🏢 Organizer

The English Chess Federation (ECF) partners with Liverpool City Council and St George’s Hall to deliver this festival. Since 2005, the ECF has promoted English chess through national championships, team events and educational programs.

ECF Contact:

• Address: The Watch Oak, Chain Lane, Battle, East Sussex TN33 0YD
• Email: office@englishchess.org.uk / support@englishchess.org.uk
• Phone: +44 1424 775222 / +44 1424 775904
• Social: facebook.com/englishchess | twitter.com/ecfchess

🤩 Why You Should Participate

Don’t miss Britain’s premier chess gathering of 2025! You’ll face top competitors by day and dive into chess culture by night—masterclasses, simul displays, film showings and a buzzing social scene. Forge friendships, boost your rating, chase titles and become part of a legacy stretching back over a century. Pack your pieces, sharpen your tactics and join the chess celebration in Liverpool!