6th Paul Keres Memorial Festival – Pärnu 2025
The 6th Paul Keres Memorial Festival returns to the beautiful seaside city of Pärnu, Estonia, from August 11 to 17, 2025. The 6th Paul Keres Memorial Festival – Pärnu 2025 will be a highlight of the chess calendar. Hosted at the Estonia Resort Hotel & Spa Conference Center, this internationally respected tournament honors the legacy of chess legend Paul Keres, while offering a dynamic blend of elite competition and vibrant coastal atmosphere.
📅 Schedule
- August 11–16: Classic Open A & B
- August 16: Blitz Tournament
- August 17: Rapid Tournament
All events are FIDE-rated, providing a valuable opportunity to improve international rankings and achieve norms.
💰 Prize Fund
This Festival features a guaranteed prize fund of €16,000, distributed across multiple tournaments and rating categories.
🔹 Classic Open A
- 🥇 1st: €2,200
- 🥈 2nd: €1,500
- 🥉 3rd: €1,200
- 4th–6th: €900, €700, €500
Special Prizes:
- Top Female Players: €500 / €300 / €200
- Best Estonian Player & Estonian Woman: €200 each
- Seniors (50+): €175 / €150 / €125
- Women 50+: €150
- Best U2100: €150
- Best U20, U18, G18: €150 each
🔹 Classic Open B
- 🥇 1st: €500
- 🥈 2nd: €350
- 🥉 3rd: €200
- 4th–5th: €150, €100
Special Prizes:
- Best Female: €100
- Best 65+ & 50+: €100 each
- Best ≤1500/Unrated: €75
- Best U14, U10, U8: Gifts worth €75 each
🎁 All participants receive souvenirs, and foreign GMs/WGMs may be eligible for free accommodation (limited, by prior agreement).
🕒 Time Controls
- Classic Opens: 9-round Swiss | 90 minutes + 30s increment
- Blitz (Aug 16): 11-round Swiss | FIDE-rated
- Rapid (Aug 17): Details TBA
📝 Registration
- On-site Registration: August 11, 2025 | 12:00–14:30
- Round 1 Begins: August 11, 2025 | 16:00
Players are encouraged to register early via the official website to secure their spot and accommodation options at the Paul Keres Memorial Festival 2025 in Pärnu.
🌟 Why Play?
This festival isn’t just a tournament—it’s a tribute to one of Estonia’s greatest chess heroes. With generous prizes, title norm chances, and a summer escape by the sea, the Paul Keres Memorial blends chess excellence with memorable experiences. This tournament aims to provide an outstanding experience for all participants.
Whether you’re a grandmaster or an aspiring talent, Pärnu welcomes you for a week of strategic brilliance and Baltic charm during the 6th Paul Keres Memorial Festival – an event not to be missed in 2025.
You may find other exciting tournaments at mychess.events.
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Resort Hotel & Spa conference center, Pärnu
Prize Fund - 16000 EUR
Organizer - Tallinn Chess Club
Organizer Phone - +3726446174
Tournament Director - IO Hendrik Olde
Chief Arbiter - IO Hendrik Olde
Tournament system - SWISS
Rating - FIDE
Regulations -
Organizer
♟️ Chess Activities and Facilities
The Paul Keres Chess House serves as the headquarters of the Estonian Chess Federation and offers a variety of chess-related activities:
Chess Education: Provides lessons and training sessions for players of all levels.
Tournaments: Hosts local and international chess tournaments, including the Estonian Championships.
Casual Play: Welcomes enthusiasts for casual games and practice sessions.
The venue also accommodates other mind sports, such as draughts, and has hosted events like the 2017 World Draughts Championship.
🖼️ Museum and Exhibits
In 2004, the Paul Keres Museum Room was established within the Chess House.
- A wax figure of Paul Keres.
- A collection of photographs and medals from his illustrious career.
- A guest book featuring entries from individuals who knew Keres or have visited the site.
🕒 Visiting Hours
The Chess House operates on a seasonal schedule:
- September 1 – May 31: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
- June 1 – August 31: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Closed on weekends and public holidays.