The BPB Limburg Open 2025 returns with another exciting edition from June 6 to June 9, 2025, hosted in the charming city of Maastricht, Netherlands. As one of the largest and most prestigious open chess tournaments in the Benelux region, this event attracts players from all over Europe, offering a perfect blend of competitive chess, generous prizes, and an unforgettable atmosphere. With multiple playing groups tailored to various rating levels, both seasoned masters and ambitious amateurs will find themselves challenged and inspired.

📅 Tournament Dates and Schedule

You can compete in the Limburg Open from Friday, June 6 to Monday, June 9, 2025. The event spans 6 rounds over 4 days, making it an ideal tournament for weekend warriors and professionals alike.

• Round 1: Friday, June 6 – 19:00
• Round 2: Saturday, June 7 – 10:00
• Round 3: Saturday, June 7 – 16:00
• Round 4: Sunday, June 8 – 10:00
• Round 5: Sunday, June 8 – 16:00
• Round 6: Monday, June 9 – 10:00
• Closing Ceremony: Monday, June 9 – 15:30

🏛️ Venue Information

The tournament takes place at the Geusselt Sports Hall in Maastricht, a spacious and accessible venue designed to accommodate hundreds of players in a professional setting.

Venue Address:
Sporthal De Geusselt
Olympiaweg 68
6225 XX Maastricht, Netherlands

The hall provides a comfortable environment with excellent lighting, quiet conditions, and on-site refreshments.

⏱️ Time Control

The tournament follows standard FIDE time control to ensure fair and quality play:

• 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment from move one.

🗂️ Tournament Format and Groups

Organizers divide players into four groups based on rating:

• Group A: Open for players rated 2000+
• Group B: 1750 – 2099
• Group C: 1400 – 1849
• Group D: Below 1450 or unrated

Each group runs as a 6-round Swiss system, ensuring pairings remain fair and competitive throughout the event.

🏆 Prize Fund and Awards

The BPB Limburg Open 2025 features a generous total prize fund of €12,500, distributed across all rating groups with additional special prizes.

Group A (Top Group) Prizes:

• 🥇 1st Prize: €2,500
• 🥈 2nd Prize: €1,500
• 🥉 3rd Prize: €1,000

Other groups also award top finishers and include women’s prizes, youth awards, and performance-based bonuses.

📝 Registration and Participation

You can register online in advance to secure your place, as the number of participants is limited and often fills quickly.

Eligibility:

• Open to all FIDE-registered players, from beginners to grandmasters
• Organizers recommend early registration, especially in Group A

To register:
Submit your name, FIDE ID, rating group, and payment to the tournament organizer. Registration closes once the capacity is reached.

💳 Entry Fees

The entry fees vary based on the selected group:

• Group A: €60
• Group B: €50
• Group C: €45
• Group D: €40
• GMs, IMs, WGMs, and WIMs play for free (upon prior confirmation)

✈️ Travel and 🛌 Accommodation

Travel:
You can reach Maastricht easily via Maastricht Central Station, with direct connections from Amsterdam, Brussels, and Cologne. The venue lies just a short bus or taxi ride from the city center and main train stations.

Accommodation:
The organizer suggests several partner hotels offering special chess-player rates. Options include:

• Hotel Van der Valk Maastricht
• Amrâth Grand Hotel de l’Empereur
• Local guesthouses and hostels near the city center

Early booking is highly recommended due to high demand during the event weekend.

👨‍⚖️ Tournament Director and Chief Arbiter

• Tournament Director: Tournament Committee Limburg Open
• Chief Arbiter: IA Geert Borm

🧩 About the Organizer – Limburg Chess Union

The Limburg Chess Union (Limburgse Schaakbond) organizes the Limburg Open as part of its mission to promote chess excellence in the Netherlands. The union collaborates with local chess clubs, sponsors, and volunteers to deliver a world-class event that draws hundreds of participants annually. Their team ensures smooth logistics, hospitality, and strict adherence to FIDE standards.

Organizer Name: Limburgse Schaakbond
Address: Bredeweg 63, 6245 EH Eijsden, Netherlands
Phone: +31 6 42 18 67 01
Email: info@limburgopen.nl

🔥 Why You Should Play in Limburg Open 2025

You should play in the BPB Limburg Open 2025 because it offers a rare mix of strong competition, generous prizes, and warm Dutch hospitality in a vibrant cultural city. Whether you’re chasing norms, seeking exciting games, or exploring beautiful Maastricht, this event promises a memorable experience on and off the board. Join the community of international chess players and write your own story in one of Europe’s most beloved chess opens!