Brasov Grand Prix Chess Festival
Elevate your summer chess calendar with the Brasov Grand Prix Chess Festival, a two-part celebration of over-the-board play in the historic city of Brașov, Romania. This festival combines:
- Brasov Grand Prix Classic (FIDE-rated, norm-eligible)
- Brasov Grand Prix Rapid (FIDE-rated rapid Swiss)
All play takes place at the welcoming Aro Palace Conference Center, nestled at the foot of the Carpathians.
🎯 FESTIVAL OVERVIEW
Join us for a week of competitive intensity and community spirit as players vie for IM/GM norms and rapid-rating gains:
- Classic: Nine-round Swiss, classical time control
- Rapid: Seven-round Swiss, rapid time control
Both events feature FIDE ratings, generous prizes, and the chance to compete against international fields in a picturesque Transylvanian setting.
♟️ BRASOV GRAND PRIX CLASSIC
| Dates: | July 28 – August 3, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Format: | 9-Round Swiss (FIDE-rated, norm-eligible) |
| Time Control: | 90 min + 30 sec/move |
| Prize Fund: | €5,000 total (top five prizes + categories) |
| Place/Venue: | Brașov, Romania / Aro Palace Conference Center |
| Address: | Str. Mihai Viteazul 23, Brașov 500223 |
| Organizer: | Romanian Chess Grand Prix & FRSah |
| Federation: | FIDE & Romanian Chess Federation |
| Chief Arbiter: | IA Mihai Popescu |
| Rounds: | 9 |
⏱ Time Control
Each player receives 90 minutes for all moves plus a 30-second increment from move one.
🗓 Schedule
- Jul 28 (Mon): Registration & Round 1 (18:00)
- Jul 29–Aug 2: Two rounds daily (10:00 & 17:00)
- Aug 3 (Sun): Round 9 (10:00); Closing Ceremony (14:00)
💰 Prize Fund
Top five prizes plus category awards (U2000, U1800, Women, Veterans). Exact breakdown published on-site.
📝 Registration
- Early fee: €60 (by Jul 15)
- Standard fee: €75
- Exempt: GMs/WGMs, IMs/WIMs free entry
- How to register: Email brasovgp@frsah.ro or via the national portal
- Payment: Bank transfer to the FRSah account
⚡ BRASOV GRAND PRIX RAPID
| Date: | August 4, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Format: | 7-Round Swiss (FIDE-rated rapid) |
| Time Control: | 15 min + 10 sec/move |
| Prize Fund: | €1,500 total (top three + categories) |
| Place/Venue: | Aro Palace Conference Center |
| Rounds: | 7 |
⏱ Time Control
Fast-paced 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment from move one.
🗓 Schedule
- Aug 4 (Mon): All seven rounds starting at 11:00 with 30-minute intervals; Awards at 18:00.
💰 Prize Fund
Cups and cash for top three overall, plus best woman and best junior.
📝 Registration
- Fee: €30
- How to register: Same as Classic (brasovgp@frsah.ro)
- Payment: On-site or bank transfer
✈️ TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
- Airport: Brașov–Ghimbav (20 km) or Otopeni–Bucharest (160 km)
- By car: A1/E68 and DN1; free parking at venue
- By train: Brașov station; taxi/shuttle to Aro Palace
Nearby hotels:
- Aro Palace Hotel (festival headquarters)
- Hotel Ambient (0.3 km)
- Hotel Old Basilica (0.5 km)
🏛️ ORGANIZER
The Romanian Chess Grand Prix (under FRSah) has delivered top-tier events since 2015, including the Bucharest Masters, Cluj International, and the Sibiu Chess Festival. Their team combines professional TDs, FIDE-certified arbiters, and local partnerships to ensure smooth pairings, live broadcasts, and player support.
📞 Contact Details
- Address: Str. Mihai Viteazul 23, Brașov 500223, Romania
- Email (main): brasovgp@frsah.ro
- Phone (main): +40 268 471 000
🌟 WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE
The Brasov Grand Prix Chess Festival marries classical depth, rapid excitement, and Transylvanian charm. With dual FIDE-rated events, norm opportunities, and cash prizes—plus a stunning cultural backdrop—this festival offers unmatched value for masters and amateurs alike. Secure your spot and make your next chess adventure in the heart of Romania!
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Brașov, Romania / Aro Palace Conference Center
Organizer - Romanian Chess Grand Prix
Organizer Phone - +40 268 471 000
Organizer email - brasovgp@frsah.ro
Number of rounds - 9
Tournament system - SWISS
Rating - FIDE
Organizer
The Romanian Chess Grand Prix, operating under the auspices of the Federația Română de Șah (FRŞah), has delivered elite national and international events since 2015. Their flagship tournaments include the Bucharest Masters, the Cluj International Chess Festival, and the recent Sibiu Chess Festival, drawing grandmasters, international masters, and competitive amateurs to Romania’s top venues. Each event features FIDE-rated, norm-eligible formats, live broadcasts, and professional tournament direction.
Beyond these premier events, FRŞah and the Grand Prix team organize the annual Romanian Women’s Championship, National Junior Championships, and a nationwide circuit of rapid and blitz opens. Through partnerships with city councils and cultural institutions, they ensure seamless logistics, certified arbiters, and robust promotional support—fostering chess development at every level from grassroots to elite performance.