The Craiova Grand Prix Rapid 2025 closes the Romania Grand Prix series with an exhilarating weekend of top-tier rapid chess in the cultural capital of southern Romania. This final leg of the five-stage celebration marks the culmination of the centenary festivities for the Romanian Chess Federation. Over two intense days, players from across Europe and beyond will battle on the 64 squares for generous prizes, prestigious titles, and lasting memories. Set in a modern sports arena in one of Romania’s most dynamic cities, this rapid tournament offers the perfect mix of competition, entertainment, and community celebration.

📅 Dates

September 13–14, 2025
The tournament takes place across Saturday and Sunday, offering fast-paced chess action over a well-structured schedule.

📍 Venue

Sala Polivalentă, Craiova – Bulevardul Știrbei Vodă, Craiova, Romania
The tournament unfolds in the state-of-the-art multipurpose hall “Sala Polivalentă,” a premier indoor venue built to host national and international sports events. With excellent lighting, ventilation, and spectator space, the venue creates an ideal atmosphere for intense chess battles.

⏱️ Time Control

Each player receives 15 minutes with a 5-second increment per move starting from move one.

🗓️ Tournament Schedule

The competition will follow a 10-round Swiss system, with five rounds per day to ensure balanced rest and focus for players.

🔢 Number of Rounds

10 Rounds
This FIDE-rated rapid tournament uses a Swiss pairing format, ensuring competitive and varied matchups across all rounds.

💰 Prize Fund and Prizes

The Craiova Grand Prix Rapid 2025 features a €25,000 prize fund, distributed across top overall finishers and special performance categories.

🥇 Main Prizes

• 1st Place: €3,000
• 2nd Place: €2,000
• 3rd Place: €1,500
• 4th Place: €1,000
• 5th Place: €800
• 6th–10th Place: From €700 to €300

🎯 Special Prizes

• Best Female Player
• Best Junior (Under 18)
• Best Senior (Over 60)
• Best Craiova-based Player
• Best Elo Performance: U1800, 1800–1999, 2000–2199

Organizers will award only one prize per player, prioritizing the highest-value prize in the event of multiple wins.

📝 Registration and Participation

💸 Entry Fees

• General Participants: €40
• FIDE Masters (FM, WFM): €20
• GM, IM, WGM, WIM: Free of charge

🧾 How to Register

Players can register through email or the official Romania Grand Prix registration system. All registrations must include full name, federation, FIDE ID, title (if any), rating, and proof of payment. Registration closes on September 10, 2025, or earlier if the player cap is reached.

💳 Payment Details

• Account Holder: Romanian Chess Federation
• Bank: Banca Transilvania
• IBAN: ROXX BTXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX
• SWIFT/BIC: BTRLRO22
• Reference: “Craiova GP 2025 – [Player Name]”

Participants must finalize payments by September 10, 2025 to confirm their registration.

✈️ Travel and Accommodation

✈️ How to Get to Craiova

Craiova is a well-connected city located in southern Romania:

• By Air: Craiova International Airport (CRA) provides direct flights from several European cities
• By Train: Regular trains connect Craiova with Bucharest, Timișoara, and other major cities
• By Road: The city is accessible via E70 and DN65 highways

🏨 Where to Stay

Craiova offers diverse accommodation options, including:

• Luxury Hotels: Prestige Boutique Hotel, Hotel Europeca
• Mid-Range Options: Hotel Splendid 1900, Hotel Green House
• Budget Friendly: Guesthouses and short-term rentals in central Craiova

Players should book early due to increased demand during event weekends.

👨‍⚖️ Tournament Officials

• Tournament Director: Alin-Vivian Campeanu

The organizers ensure international standards, fair play, and smooth logistical management throughout the tournament.

🏢 Organizer – Romanian Chess Federation

The Romanian Chess Federation concludes its centenary Romania Grand Prix series with this prestigious rapid tournament in Craiova. For 100 years, the federation has cultivated chess excellence, organized top-tier events, and built a robust community of players across Romania. By organizing this final leg of the series, the federation continues its legacy of delivering world-class chess experiences.

📬 Contact Information

• Address: Strada Vasile Conta 16, Sector 2, Bucharest, Romania
• Email: contact@frsah.ro
• Phone: +40 21 317 12 58

The federation welcomes inquiries and registrations via phone or email.

🌟 Why You Should Participate

The Craiova Grand Prix Rapid 2025 offers the ultimate conclusion to Romania’s most prestigious chess circuit. With a generous prize pool, professional organization, and high-level competition, this tournament invites you to end your summer chess season on a high note. Craiova’s vibrant culture, modern facilities, and warm chess community will energize your game and enrich your experience. Whether you chase trophies or seek a memorable challenge, this tournament guarantees fast action, fair play, and friendships forged over the board. Seize your place in chess history—your final move in the Grand Prix awaits in Craiova.