The world’s most prestigious event for senior chess players returns to Italy — the 33rd FIDE World Senior Individual Chess Championships 2025 will be held from 20 October to 2 November 2025 in the beautiful seaside town of Gallipoli, Puglia, Italy.
Hosted at the luxurious Grand Hotel Costa Brada, the tournament welcomes legends and veterans of the royal game from around the world to compete for world titles in the 50+ and 65+ age categories.
With a combination of professional organization, Mediterranean charm, and top-quality playing conditions, this championship promises an unforgettable experience for every participant.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | 20 October – 2 November 2025 |
| 📍 Location | Grand Hotel Costa Brada, Gallipoli (LE), Puglia, Italy |
| ♟️ Format | 11-Round Swiss System (separate age categories – 50+ and 65+) |
| 💵 Entry Fee | Registration through national federations • Late fee applies after 1 September 2025 |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE Standard Rated |
| ✅ Eligibility | Open to players born in or before 1975 (50+) and 1960 (65+) |
| 🎯 Titles & Awards | FIDE World Senior Champion titles awarded to winners of each category (Open and Women) |
| 🔧 Additional | Complimentary airport transfers for players in official hotels • Social program & excursions |
🏆 Prize Fund
FIDE titles and cash prizes will be awarded across both age categories (50+ and 65+, Open and Women).
Exact prize distribution will follow official FIDE guidelines and be published closer to the event.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
90 minutes for the first 40 moves + 30 minutes for the rest of the game + 30 seconds increment from move 1.
11 rounds Swiss system.
Default time: 15 minutes after the scheduled start.
Draw offers not permitted before Black’s 30th move without arbiter approval.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| 50+ Open | Players born in 1975 or earlier |
| 65+ Open | Players born in 1960 or earlier |
| 50+ Women | Female players born in 1975 or earlier |
| 65+ Women | Female players born in 1960 or earlier |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Oct (Mon) | Arrival & Registration | |
| 20 Oct | 15:00 | Opening Ceremony |
| 20 Oct | 16:00 | Round 1 |
| 21 – 1 Nov | 10:00 | Rounds 2 – 11 |
| 1 Nov (Sat) | 18:00 | Closing Ceremony |
| 2 Nov (Sun) | Departure |
📝 Registration
All players must register through their respective national federations.
Registration deadline: 1 September 2025.
Late entries: subject to an additional fee.
Accommodation at official hotels is mandatory to qualify for FIDE benefits and official transport.
Official email: worldsenior@fide.com
Event website: https://www.worldseniorchampionship2025.com
👥 Organizer
Organised by FIDE (International Chess Federation)
in collaboration with local event partners and the Italian Chess Federation.
Contact Email: worldsenior@fide.com
Official Website: https://www.worldseniorchampionship2025.com
🏨 Venue
Grand Hotel Costa Brada, Gallipoli (LE), Puglia, Italy
A four-star beachfront hotel offering luxury accommodation, ocean-view playing halls, and exclusive amenities for participants and guests.
Full board packages available with daily meals and free transfers for registered guests.
🚗 How to Get There
By Air: Brindisi Airport (~80 km) and Bari Airport (~140 km). Free transfers from Brindisi for official hotel guests.
By Train: Nearest station – Lecce (~30 km). Shuttle service available for registered participants.
By Car: Easily accessible via A14 highway and SS101 road to Gallipoli. Parking available on site.
🌅 About Gallipoli & Puglia
Gallipoli, the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea,” is renowned for its historic old town, Mediterranean architecture, and crystal-clear waters. Participants can enjoy leisure activities, local Italian cuisine, vineyards and day tours around the Salento region while immersing in a world-class chess atmosphere.
Make your next move in Gallipoli — where tradition, elegance, and championship chess come together at the 33rd FIDE World Senior Individual Chess Championships 2025!
Additional Details
Playing Venue - GRAND HOTEL COSTA BRADA****
Prize Fund - 43.000 EUR
Organizer - CHESS PROJECTS ASD
Organizer Phone - +39 3496519747
Tournament Director - FIDE I.O. Cristina Rigo
Time control - 90min/40moves+30min/end+30sec increment per move starting from move 1
Number of rounds - 11
Tournament system - SWISS
Rating - FIDE
Regulations -
Organizer
Chess Projects Srl ASD is an Italian-based chess organization focused on promoting and organizing chess-related events and educational programs. Their activities typically include:
- Organizing national and international chess tournaments.
- Promoting chess in schools through educational projects.
- Offering chess lessons and training for all levels, from beginners to competitive players.
- Hosting online and over-the-board competitions.
- Supporting youth development in chess and fostering cognitive growth through structured learning.
The organization often collaborates with local governments, schools, and other institutions to spread the benefits of chess as a tool for critical thinking, discipline, and mental development.