“Goris Open” International Chess Tournament 2025
The “Goris Open” 2025 brings a full international festival to Goris, Syunik Province, Armenia, blending strong competition with mountain-town charm and warm hospitality. Organized by the Chess Academy of Armenia together with the Syunik Chess Federation, the event features two rating-based sections, generous prizes, and professional arbiters.
Played at the historic Goris Hotel, this FIDE-rated open offers a clear schedule, classical time controls, and great conditions for title norms — all in one of Armenia’s most scenic regions.
Event Details
| 📅 Dates | 11–21 November 2025 (Arrival 11 Nov • Closing 20 Nov • Departure 21 Nov) |
| 📍 Location | Goris Hotel, 53 Movses Khorenatsi St., Goris, Syunik Province, Armenia |
| 🏆 Prize Fund | 10,000,000 AMD (≈ USD 26,000; taxes per RA law) |
| ♟️ Tournament Type | FIDE-rated international open (Groups A & B) |
| 🧩 Tournament System | Swiss |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 9 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | Group A: 90’/40 + 15’ + 30″ • Group B: 90’ + 30″ |
| ⏰ Late Arrival | 30 minutes default time |
| tournaments@chessacademy.am | |
| ☎️ Phone | +374 10 44 84 73 • +374 43 44 84 73 • +374 91 19 25 14 |
| 🔗 Official Website | chessacademy.am |
| 📊 Pairings & Results | Chess-Results (event page) |
Prize Fund & Breakdown
Group A – Main Prizes (AMD)
| Place | Amount | Place | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2,400,000 | 6 | 350,000 |
| 2 | 1,800,000 | 7 | 250,000 |
| 3 | 1,400,000 | 8–10 | 150,000 each |
| 4 | 750,000 | — | — |
| 5 | 500,000 | — | — |
Special Prizes (A): U2200 (120k), U2100 (100k), Women 1st (130k) & 2nd (110k), U16 (100k), Best Syunik (100k). Prizes are not shared; one prize per player (main takes precedence).
Group B – Main & Special Prizes (AMD)
| Main (Places 1–7) | Amount | Special Categories | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 300,000 | Senior 50+ | 50,000 |
| 2 | 200,000 | Senior 65+ | 60,000 |
| 3 | 150,000 | Women 1st / 2nd | 60,000 / 50,000 |
| 4 | 100,000 | U14 / U14 Girls | 50,000 / 40,000 |
| 5 | 70,000 | U12 | 40,000 |
| 6 | 60,000 | Best Syunik | 60,000 |
| 7 | 50,000 | — | — |
Partner awards: ChessMood subscriptions • Chessify winner: $1,500 ChessifyCoin.
Time Control & Pairings
- System: 9-round Swiss
- Group A: 90’ for 40 moves + 15’ to finish, 30″ from move 1
- Group B: 90’ for the game, 30″ from move 1
- Pairings: Swiss-Manager • FIDE rated
- Tiebreaks: Cut-Buchholz-1, Buchholz, Direct Encounter, More Blacks, Most Wins
Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility / Notes |
|---|---|
| Group A | FIDE ≥2000 (limited exceptions for promising juniors <2000 with extra fee) |
| Group B | FIDE <2100; limited unrated entries |
Schedule
| Date | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tue 11 Nov | Arrival • Opening Ceremony | 14:00 • 18:00 |
| Wed 12 Nov | Round 1 | 15:00 |
| Thu 13 Nov | Round 2 | 15:00 |
| Fri 14 Nov | Round 3 | 15:00 |
| Sat 15 Nov | Round 4 | 15:00 |
| Sun 16 Nov | Round 5 | 10:30 |
| Sun 16 Nov | Round 6 | 16:00 |
| Mon 17 Nov | Free Day • Blitz | — • 19:30 |
| Tue 18 Nov | Round 7 | 15:00 |
| Wed 19 Nov | Round 8 | 15:00 |
| Thu 20 Nov | Round 9 • Closing | 10:30 • 17:00 |
| Fri 21 Nov | Departure | — |
Registration
Entry Fees (AMD) — Group A (tiered by rating/title & date):
| Category | ≤ 30.09 | 01–31.10 | 01–07.11 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GM/WGM; ≥2450 | Free | Free | Free |
| 2301–2450 (IM/WIM) | 15,000 | 20,000 | 40,000 |
| 2301–2450 (FM) | 20,000 | 25,000 | 50,000 |
| 2301–2450 (Untitled) | 25,000 | 30,000 | 60,000 |
| 2201–2300 (IM/WIM) | 20,000 | 25,000 | 50,000 |
| 2201–2300 (FM) | 25,000 | 30,000 | 60,000 |
| 2201–2300 (Untitled) | 30,000 | 35,000 | 70,000 |
| 2001–2200 (IM/WIM) | 30,000 | 35,000 | 70,000 |
| 2001–2200 (FM) | 35,000 | 40,000 | 80,000 |
| 2001–2200 (Untitled) | 45,000 | 50,000 | 100,000 |
Group B (AMD): • 1800–2100: 20,000 → 25,000 → 50,000 • Under 1800: 25,000 → 30,000 → 60,000 • Unrated (limited): 30,000 → 35,000 → 70,000
Discounts: Chess Academy students/coaches –20% • Syunik players –50% • Armenian U8–U18 medalists –50% (refunds deduct 20% handling).
Payment: Bank transfer to “Chess Academy of Armenia” Fund (Ameriabank CJSC).
Admin/Hotels/Transport: Chess Academy of Armenia, 34 Shevchenko St., Yerevan 0050.
Organizer
The Chess Academy of Armenia with the Syunik Chess Federation delivers a norm-friendly festival with experienced arbiters and partners.
- Organizer: Chess Academy of Armenia • Syunik Chess Federation
- Email: tournaments@chessacademy.am
- Phone: +374 10 44 84 73 • +374 43 44 84 73 • +374 91 19 25 14
- Website: chessacademy.am
Venue
Goris Hotel, 53 Movses Khorenatsi St., Goris, Syunik — Google Maps
Comfortable hall with mountain views, walkable city center, and easy access to cafés and services.
Accommodation
Partner hotels (limited rooms): Khoreayi Dzor, Mina Hotel, Mthnadzor Hotel (single/double/triple; breakfast or full board). Rates per person, per night; early booking strongly advised.
How to Get There
- By air: Fly to Yerevan (EVN) → approx. 4.5–5h road transfer to Goris (organizer can assist).
- By road: Intercity buses/minivans to Goris; taxis widely available.
Play classical chess at altitude — competitive rounds, generous prizes, and unforgettable Syunik landscapes!