The Arad Grand Prix Classic 2025 offers a spectacular week of intense classical chess competition in one of Romania’s most charming western cities. As the fourth stage of the Romania Grand Prix circuit, this event invites players from around the world to test their skills against a strong, diverse field in a high-stakes tournament. Arad’s rich cultural atmosphere, combined with world-class organization and a generous prize fund, ensures that every participant will experience both competitive satisfaction and a warm community spirit. Whether you’re fighting for the crown or rising through the ranks, Arad delivers an unforgettable chess journey.
📅 Dates
August 3–9, 2025
Players will compete across seven full days of classical chess in the peak of summer.
📍 Venue
Gemi Conference & Events Center – Bulevardul Nicolae Titulescu, Arad, Romania
This modern venue provides a spacious, comfortable, and fully equipped environment for international chess events. Situated close to Arad’s central area, Gemi Center offers convenient access to restaurants, hotels, and cultural attractions.
⏱️ Time Control
Each player receives 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 15 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment starting from move one.
🗓️ Tournament Schedule
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| August 3 | 14:00 | Technical Meeting |
| August 3 | 15:00 | Round 1 |
| August 4 | 15:00 | Round 2 |
| August 5 | 15:00 | Round 3 |
| August 6 | 15:00 | Round 4 |
| August 7 | 15:00 | Round 5 |
| August 8 | 15:00 | Round 6 |
| August 9 | 10:00 | Round 7 |
| August 9 | 15:00 | Round 8 |
| August 9 | 19:00 | Round 9 & Award Ceremony |
The tournament follows a classical 9-round Swiss system played over seven days.
🔢 Number of Rounds
9 Rounds
This event uses the FIDE-rated Swiss pairing system. The field is expected to feature both professional and amateur players from across Europe and beyond.
💰 Prize Fund and Prizes
The Arad Grand Prix Classic 2025 presents a total prize fund of approximately €38,000, distributed across open, category, and special prizes.
🥇 Main Prizes
- 1st Place: €5,000
- 2nd Place: €3,000
- 3rd Place: €2,000
- 4th Place: €1,500
- 5th Place: €1,000
- 6th–10th Place: Ranging from €800 to €300
🎯 Special Prizes
- Best Female Player
- Best Junior (U18)
- Best Senior (60+)
- Best Local Player
- Best in Rating Groups: Under 1800, 1800–1999, 2000–2199
Participants may receive only one prize, with the highest-value award given in the case of multiple qualifications.
📝 Registration and Participation
💸 Entry Fees
- General Participants: €60
- FIDE Masters (FM, WFM): €30
- Grandmasters (GM), International Masters (IM), Women GM/IM: Free
🧾 How to Register
Players must register via email or through the Romania Grand Prix portal. Registrants must provide their full name, FIDE ID, rating, federation, and proof of payment. Early registration is encouraged to secure a place in the tournament due to limited capacity.
💳 Payment Details
- Account Holder: Romanian Chess Federation
- Bank: Banca Transilvania
- IBAN: ROXX BTXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX
- SWIFT/BIC: BTRLRO22
- Payment Reference: “Arad GP 2025 – [Player Name]”
All entry fees must be paid by July 30, 2025 to confirm participation.
✈️ Travel and Accommodation
✈️ Travel Options
Arad enjoys strong transport connections and lies near Romania’s border with Hungary:
- Air: Arad International Airport (ARW) serves regional flights; Timișoara Airport (TSR) offers more extensive connections and is just 45 minutes away
- Rail: Direct trains link Arad to Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Budapest
- Car/Bus: Easy access via E68 highway and regional coach services
🏨 Where to Stay
- Nearby Hotels: Hotel Continental Forum, Hotel Coandi, and Maxim Arad
- Budget Options: Local guesthouses and apartments offer affordable, cozy stays
- All major hotels are within 10–15 minutes of the venue and the city center
We recommend that players book accommodation early, especially during summer festival season in Arad.
👨⚖️ Tournament Officials
- Tournament Director: Alin-Vivian Campeanu
🏢 Organizer – Sah Club Vados Arad
Sah Club Vados Arad leads the local organization of this event in partnership with the Romanian Chess Federation. With decades of experience in promoting chess at regional and national levels, the club hosts events ranging from youth competitions to international opens. Their commitment to fair play, education, and competitive excellence makes them a key driver of chess growth in western Romania.
📬 Contact Information
- Address: Strada Mihai Eminescu 15, Arad, Romania
- Email: contact@vados.ro
🌟 Why You Should Participate
The Arad Grand Prix Classic 2025 gives you the perfect opportunity to compete in a top-tier classical tournament set in one of Romania’s most scenic and culturally vibrant cities. You will enjoy a professionally organized chess event with a generous prize pool, face strong opponents from around the world, and experience the warmth of the Arad chess community. Whether you’re fighting for glory, gaining rating points, or enjoying a chess-focused holiday, this tournament will challenge and inspire you. Make your move this August in Arad—where tradition meets competition.
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Bulevardul Nicolae Titulescu, Arad, Romania
Prize Fund - €38,000
Organizer - Sah Club Vados Arad
Organizer email - contact@vados.ro
Tournament Director - Alin-Vivian Campeanu
Time control - 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 15 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment starting from move one.
Number of rounds - 9
Tournament system - SWISS
Rating - FIDE
Organizer
Șah Club Vados Arad, founded in 2006, stands as one of Romania’s most respected chess organizations. Operating as a nonprofit sports association, the club has introduced over 600 young players to the game through educational partnerships, school programs, and structured training sessions. Its commitment to excellence extends to the national stage, where its senior team has earned multiple titles and regularly competes at the highest level in Romania’s Superliga. The club’s mission goes beyond trophies—it fosters a lifelong love for chess, promotes discipline and critical thinking, and builds a supportive community for all ages.
Led by President Alin Câmpeanu, the club plays a vital role in advancing Romanian chess by organizing top-tier events like the Arad Open and Cupa Vados. These tournaments attract international talent and contribute significantly to Romania’s growing reputation in global chess circles. With a strong foundation in youth development and a track record of hosting elite competitions, Șah Club Vados Arad continues to shape the future of chess in Romania while nurturing a deep-rooted culture of passion, professionalism, and performance.