Experience the thrill of competitive chess by the sea at the City of Chess Ostend Open 2025, taking place from September 6 to 12, 2025, in the charming coastal city of Ostend, Belgium. Hosted at the renowned De Grote Post, this classical chess tournament offers players of all levels an opportunity to engage in intense battles of strategy and skill. With its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, Ostend provides the perfect backdrop for a week of unforgettable chess action.
🗓️ EVENT DETAILS
| Dates: | September 6–12, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Tournament Type: | Classical |
| Total prize fund: | €8,000 |
| Place: | Ostend, Belgium |
| Venue: | De Grote Post |
| Address: | Hendrik Serruyslaan 18A, 8400 Ostend, Belgium |
| Organizer: | Cocoon |
| Federation: | Belgian Chess Federation |
| Tournament Director: | Ruben Decrop |
| Chief Arbiter: | Geert Bailleul |
| Time Control: | 90 minutes for 40 moves, then 30 minutes for the rest, with 30-sec increment from move 1 |
| Number of rounds: | 9 |
| Chess-results: | Available on chess-results.com |
| Official website: | cocoon.kosk.be |
⏱️ TIME CONTROL
The tournament employs a classical time control format: each player has 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the remainder of the game, with a 30-second increment per move starting from move one. This structure encourages deep strategic play and ensures a fair and competitive environment for all participants.
📅 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
| Date | Time | Round |
|---|---|---|
| September 6, 2025 | 14:00 | Round 1 |
| September 7, 2025 | 10:00 | Round 2 |
| September 7, 2025 | 16:00 | Round 3 |
| September 8, 2025 | 14:00 | Round 4 |
| September 9, 2025 | 14:00 | Round 5 |
| September 10, 2025 | 14:00 | Round 6 |
| September 11, 2025 | 10:00 | Round 7 |
| September 11, 2025 | 16:00 | Round 8 |
| September 12, 2025 | 10:00 | Round 9 |
| September 12, 2025 | 16:00 | Award Ceremony |
💰 PRIZE FUND
The total prize fund is €8,000, distributed as follows:
| Position | Prize (€) |
|---|---|
| 1st | 2,000 |
| 2nd | 1,500 |
| 3rd | 1,000 |
| 4th | 700 |
| 5th | 500 |
| 6th | 400 |
| 7th | 300 |
| 8th | 250 |
| 9th | 200 |
| 10th | 150 |
Additional category prizes will be awarded for best female player, best senior player (55+), best junior player (U18), and best performance in various rating categories.
📝 REGISTRATION
Entry Fees:
- Open Tournament: €50
- U1800 Tournament: €40
- Senior Tournament (55+): €40
Payment Details:
- Bank Transfer:
- Account Name: Cocoon
- IBAN: BE00 0000 0000 0000
- BIC: ABCD BE22
- Reference: Ostend Open 2025 – [Your Name]
Registration Deadline: August 31, 2025
Participants can register online through the official website or by contacting the organizer directly.
🧳 TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
Getting There:
Ostend is accessible by train, with direct connections from major Belgian cities like Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges. The city is also reachable by car via the E40 motorway.
Accommodation Options:
- Hotel Mercure Oostende
- Hotel Bero
- Leopold Hotel Ostend
- Hotel Prado
- Thermae Palace Hotel
Many of these hotels are within walking distance of the venue, De Grote Post. Early booking is recommended due to high demand during the tournament period.
🏢 ORGANIZER
The tournament is organized by Cocoon, a dedicated team committed to promoting chess in Belgium. With a history of hosting successful events, Cocoon ensures a professional and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Contact Information:
- Email: info@cocoon.kosk.be
- Address: Hendrik Serruyslaan 18A, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
🎯 WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE
The City of Chess Ostend Open 2025 offers a unique blend of competitive chess and seaside charm. Whether you’re aiming for the top prize or looking to enjoy a week of high-quality games, this tournament provides an ideal setting. Engage with players from around the world, improve your skills, and experience the vibrant culture of Ostend. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a memorable chess event by the sea.
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Ostend, Belgium
Prize Fund - €8,000
Organizer - Cocoon
Tournament Director - Ruben Decrop
Chief Arbiter - Geert Bailleul
Time control - 90 minutes for 40 moves, then 30 minutes for the rest, with 30-sec increment from move 1
Number of rounds - 9
Tournament system - SWISS
Rating - FIDE
Organizer
Cocoon is a dynamic Belgian cultural organization known for its innovative contributions to community development through the arts, education, and inclusive projects. Based in Ostend, Cocoon curates a wide range of activities and events, including performing arts, workshops, and international gatherings that promote creativity and social connection. Within the chess world, Cocoon has established itself as a reputable organizer of major tournaments such as the City of Chess Ostend Open, blending cultural vitality with strategic excellence.
What sets Cocoon apart is its mission to build bridges between generations, cultures, and disciplines. The organization not only supports the local community but also reaches international audiences through projects in partnership with schools, municipalities, and cultural hubs. Their chess tournaments reflect the same commitment to quality, accessibility, and human connection — making Cocoon a key player in Belgium’s cultural and chess scenes.