Experience the thrill of international chess at the Biel International Chess Festival 2025, taking place from July 12 to July 25, 2025, in the picturesque city of Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. Celebrating its 58th edition, this iconic festival offers a diverse range of tournaments for players of all levels—from elite grandmasters to passionate amateurs. Set in the heart of Switzerland, the festival blends competitive play with cultural discovery, making it a must-attend event on the global chess calendar.

📅 Dates and Schedule

Festival Duration:
🗓️ July 12–25, 2025

🔹 Main Events

• Grandmaster Triathlon (GMT Masters): July 12–25
• Master Tournament (MTO): July 15–25
• Amateur Tournament (ATO): July 15–25
• Freestyle Chess Tournament (FSC): July 21–25
• Rapid & Blitz Tournaments, Youth Simuls: Dates to be announced

📍 Venue Information

Venue:
🏛️ Congress Centre Biel/Bienne
📍 Zentralstrasse 60, 2502 Biel/Bienne, Switzerland

Enjoy world-class playing conditions in a modern, well-equipped congress center, located in a vibrant, bilingual Swiss city rich in history, nature, and hospitality.

⏱️ Time Control and Format

Grandmaster Triathlon

• Format: Combination of Classical, Rapid, and Blitz
• Time Controls:

  • Classical: 120 mins/40 moves + 30 mins + 30s increment
  • Rapid: 15 mins + 5s increment
  • Blitz: 3 mins + 2s increment

Master & Amateur Tournaments

• Format: 9-round Swiss system
• Time Control: 90 mins/40 moves + 30 mins + 30s increment

Freestyle Chess

• Format: 5-round Swiss
• Time Control: 90 mins + 30s increment

All tournaments count for FIDE rating.

🏆 Prize Fund and Prizes

💰 Master Tournament (MTO)

• Total Prize Fund: CHF 23,800
• Top 8 prizes: CHF 6,000, 4,500, 3,500, 2,800, 2,300, 1,800, 1,500, 1,400
• Special awards: Best U16, best non-titleholder, best Swiss player

👨‍🎓 Amateur Tournament (ATO)

• Total Prize Fund: CHF 5,000
• Top 8 prizes: CHF 1,200, 1,000, 800, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200
• U16 category winner receives a non-cash award

🧩 Freestyle Chess Tournament (FSC)

• Total Prize Fund: CHF 1,900
• Top 3 prizes: CHF 800, 600, 500
• Special prize for best U16 player

Organizers guarantee all prizes. They will adjust prizes only if minimum participation thresholds are not met.

📝 Registration and Participation

🎯 Who Can Play?

All participants must have a valid FIDE ID. The festival welcomes international and Swiss players of all ages and ratings.

📥 How to Register

• Fill out the official registration form
• Submit the form with entry fee payment
• Register early to secure your place and benefit from discounts

💳 Payment Details

You must pay all entry fees as per the tournament instructions. Organizers provide payment methods during the registration process. Confirm your payment promptly to finalize your registration.

✈️ Travel and Accommodation

🛬 Getting There

Biel/Bienne lies in central Switzerland and connects easily to major Swiss airports and cities via rail or road.

🏨 Lodging Options

You can choose from a wide range of hotels and guesthouses. Organizers recommend early booking and offer special rates through selected partner hotels during the festival.

🌐 Official Communication

Stay informed through official email updates and event bulletins posted onsite throughout the festival. The organizing team provides timely announcements before every round and during key events.

👤 Tournament Management

Tournament Director: Florian Zarri
Chief Arbiter: IA Laurent Freyd

The experienced leadership team ensures professional operations, fair play, and top-tier event quality.

🏛️ About the Organizer

The Biel International Chess Festival is organized by a passionate and professional team under the banner of Schachklub Biel. With over five decades of experience, the festival team curates one of Europe’s most prestigious chess events. The organization works closely with local authorities, volunteers, and international arbiters to promote the game of chess at every level.

📍 Address: CH-2500 Biel/Bienne, Switzerland
📧 Email: info@bielchessfestival.ch
📱 Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube (search “Biel Chess Festival”)

✨ Why You Should Participate

You should join the Biel International Chess Festival 2025 to experience high-level chess in an inspiring location. With its blend of tradition, innovation, and inclusivity, the festival invites you to compete, improve, and connect with a global chess community. Whether you aim for a title norm, prize money, or an unforgettable adventure, Biel is the perfect place to make your next chess move.

For more information, please visit the official website.