“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!
Organizer
Founded in 2002 by GM Smbat Lputian, the Chess Academy of Armenia is a flagship chess tournament organizer and training center in Yerevan. The Academy delivers a year-round calendar of FIDE-rated open, rapid, and blitz events, alongside structured youth programs and coach education. Its mission is to raise competitive standards in Armenian chess while giving players reliable pathways to rating gains, title norms, and international experience across the region.
Recognized for meticulous organization, certified arbiters, and welcoming venues, the Academy attracts both developing juniors and titled masters. Players value its fair-play standards, efficient pairing and results services, and community-first approach that supports families, schools, and local clubs. For competitors seeking professionally managed chess events in Yerevan, the Academy offers a proven blend of reliability, development focus, and competitive depth.
Over the years, the Academy has hosted standout fixtures on the regional calendar, including the Andranik Margaryan Memorial (elite January round-robin), the Stepan Avagyan Memorial / Jermuk International Youth series, the Tsaghkadzor Open, the Goris Open, and the nationwide Armenian School Chess Olympiad—events known for strong fields, excellent conditions, and consistent international interest.