Basel Xmas Festival 2025
The Basel Xmas Festival 2025 is part of the Swiss Chess Tour, uniting international players for a prestigious FIDE-rated open in the heart of Basel.
Held during the holiday season, it offers a high-quality tournament experience with strong competition, excellent organization, and a festive Swiss setting.
Event Details
| 📅 Dates | 26 – 30 December 2025 |
| 📍 Location | Basel, Switzerland |
| 💰 Prize Fund | CHF 10 000 total |
| 🏁 Tournament Type | FIDE-rated International Open |
| 🧩 Tournament System | Swiss system |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 9 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment |
| ⏰ Late Arrival | 30 minutes default time |
| 📆 Registration Deadline | 24 December 2025 |
| 🏢 Organizer | Swiss Chess Tour |
| ✉️ Email | info@schachfestivalbasel.com |
| 🔗 Official Website | schachfestivalbasel.com |
Prize Fund & Breakdown
| Place | Prize (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 1st | 2 500 |
| 2nd | 1 500 |
| 3rd | 1 000 |
| 4th – 10th | 800 – 200 |
| Best Woman / Junior / Senior | 100 each |
Time Control & Tournament System
Masters & Experts: 9-round Swiss, FIDE-rated, 90 min + 30 sec increment.
Blitz: Swiss, 3+2 time control.
Tiebreaks: Buchholz, Sonneborn-Berger, direct encounter.
Sections / Groups
| Group | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Master | Elo ≥ 2000 | Main event |
| Expert | Elo < 2000 | Amateur section |
| Blitz | Open to all | 1-day side event |
Schedule
| Date | Event / Round | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 26 | Registration & Round 1 | 15:00 |
| Dec 27–29 | Rounds 2–8 | 10:00 & 16:00 |
| Dec 30 | Final Round & Awards | 09:30 |
Registration
Register via schachfestivalbasel.com by 24 Dec 2025. Entry fee: CHF 70 (adults) / CHF 50 (juniors). FIDE ID required.
Organizer
Swiss Chess Tour hosts the Basel Xmas Festival as part of its national series, bringing world-class tournaments to players of all levels across Switzerland.
Email: info@schachfestivalbasel.com • Website: schachfestivalbasel.com
Venue
Hotel Odelya Conference Hall — Missionsstrasse 21, 4055 Basel, Switzerland
Accommodation
Partner hotels in Basel offer discounts for players and families. Early booking is advised.
How to Get There
- By Air: Basel-Mulhouse Airport (10 km).
- By Train: Basel SBB main station – 10 min walk.
- By Car: Parking available around venue.
Celebrate the holidays with chess in the historic city of Basel — the Basel Xmas Festival 2025 combines Swiss precision and chess passion!