First International Open FIDE Rapid Rating Chess Tournament 2025
Chess excellence meets international spirit at the First International Open FIDE Rapid Rating Chess Tournament 2025, to be held on Sunday, 14 December 2025, at Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat.
Organised by the Nihar Seva Foundation, this rapid event is conducted under the aegis of FIDE, AICF, and GSCA, bringing together top players and enthusiasts from across India and beyond for a single day of thrilling, high-speed chess action.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Date | Sunday, 14 December 2025 |
| 📍 Location | Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India |
| ♟️ Format | 9 Rounds, Swiss System |
| 💵 Entry Fee | ₹750 per player |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE Rapid Rated • AICF Code: 446087 / GJ (R) / 2025 |
| ✅ Eligibility | Open to all registered AICF / FIDE players |
| 🎯 Prize Fund | ₹1,50,000 total (150+ total prizes: 51 cash, 40 trophies, 50+ medals) |
| 🔧 Additional | Free entry for GM / IM / WGM / WIM / players rated 2300+ • Entry closes 11 December 2025 |
🏆 Prize Fund
Main Prizes
| Rank | Prize (₹) |
|---|---|
| 1st | 30,000 |
| 2nd | 15,000 |
| 3rd | 10,000 |
| 4th | 7,500 |
| 5th | 5,500 |
| 6th | 4,000 |
| 7th | 3,000 |
| 8th | 2,000 |
| 9th | 2,000 |
| 10th | 1,500 |
| 11–15th | 1,000 each |
Rating Category Prizes
| Category | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1800–1651 | 3,000 | 2,000 | 1,000 |
| 1650–1501 | 3,000 | 2,000 | 1,000 |
| 1500–1400 | 3,000 | 2,000 | 1,000 |
| Unrated | 3,000 | 2,000 | 1,000 |
Age & Special Prizes
| Category | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| U16 (Mix) | 2,500 | 1,500 | 1,000 |
| U14 (Mix) | 2,500 | 1,500 | 1,000 |
| U12 (Mix) | 2,500 | 1,500 | 1,000 |
| U10 (Mix) | 2,500 | 1,500 | 1,000 |
| Veteran (S-55) | 2,500 | 1,500 | 1,000 |
| Best Vadodara Player | 2,500 | 1,500 | 1,000 |
| Best Parul University Player | 2,500 | 1,500 | 1,000 |
| Best Academy | 2,500 | 1,500 | 1,000 |
🏅 All U10 players receive consolation medals
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
10 minutes + 5 seconds increment from move 1
9 rounds under Swiss League System
Latest FIDE Rapid Rules apply
No electronic devices or watches allowed in the playing hall
Prizes not shared; each player eligible for only one higher prize
Tie-breaks
Buchholz Cut 1
Buchholz
Sonneborn-Berger
Direct Encounter
Number of Wins
Wins with Black Pieces
Appeals & Withdrawals
Protest fee ₹2,000 (refundable if upheld)
Withdrawals must be informed in writing to the Chief Arbiter
📅 Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM | Reporting & Check-in |
| 9:30 AM | Round 1 begins |
| Throughout the day | 9 Rounds (Rapid Format) |
| Evening | Prize Distribution |
📝 Registration
Online form: https://forms.gle/UpnxPfr9RwvHoa2EA
AICF Registration (mandatory): https://prs.aicf.in/new-register
Entry closes on 11 December 2025
Payment details:
Account Name: Nihar Seva Foundation
Account No.: 7359551717
Bank: Kotak Bank, Rajhans House, Varaccha Road, Surat
IFSC: KKBK0000885
Account Type: Current Account
👥 Organizer & Contacts
Organised by Nihar Seva Foundation under the aegis of FIDE, AICF, and GSCA
Key Officials
Chief Arbiter: IA Pavan K. Rathi 📞 9960379912
Deputy Arbiters: IA Aagam Aditya, FA Nikunj Desai
Tournament Director: Mr. Shailesh Rawal 📞 9825552817
Advisor: Mr. Bhavesh Patel 📞 9426064702 (Ex-Vice President, AICF)
Entry Coordinators (Coaches & Representatives)
Maulik Raval – 7797577779 • Joy Chauhan – 9099050345 • Mayur Patel – 9898220553
Suresh Chavda – 9904577007 • Karan Trivedi – 8320601520 • Vikram Mishra – 9904901848
IA Prashant Raval – 9033206772 • Sam Seth – 9638127909 • Jeet Trivedi – 9426454588
…and many more across Gujarat (see full circular for regional contacts).
🏨 Venue
Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
🚗 How to Get There
By Air: Vadodara International Airport (9 km from venue)
By Train: Vadodara Junction (12 km away)
By Road: Regular bus and taxi services from major Gujarat cities
Join hundreds of players from across India at the First International Open FIDE Rapid Rating Chess Tournament 2025 — a day of speed, skill, and sportsmanship at Parul University, Vadodara!