Hong Kong International Open 2025
The vibrant city of Hong Kong invites chess players worldwide to the Hong Kong International Open Chess Championship 2025 and its accompanying Challengers event. The open section runs from 23 to 29 December 2025, offering a full 9-round, FIDE-rated format with norm possibilities, set at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Expect strong participation, professional organization by the Hong Kong China Chess Federation and an unforgettable chess experience in one of Asia’s great cities.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | Tuesday 23 December – Monday 29 December 2025 |
| 📍 Location | Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Wan Chai, Hong Kong |
| ♟️ Format | 9-Round Swiss System (Open & Challengers) |
| 💵 Entry Fee | Varies by section and player category (see Registration) |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE Standard rated (Open section with norm potential) |
| ✅ Eligibility | Open to all players with valid FIDE ID; Challengers section for lower-rated/unrated players |
| 🔧 Organizer | Hong Kong China Chess Federation Limited |
| 🔗 Website | https://2025.hongkongchessopen.com |
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Notes |
|---|---|
| Open | Top section; norm eligible; free entry for GMs/IMs/WGMs/WIMs |
| Challengers | Players under certain rating threshold (1800+ etc) or unrated; separate fee |
| Both sections adhere to same 9-round schedule and playing hall |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Time Control: 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move from move 1.
Swiss pairings each round.
Default time: 30 minutes from scheduled start.
Two no-shows/defaults will lead to withdrawal from pairing list.
Tiebreaks in order: Direct Encounter → More wins with Black → Buchholz cut 1 → Buchholz → Drawing of lots.
No joint cash prizes: eligible players receive only one prize.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Tue, 23 Dec | 15:30 | Players’ Meeting |
| Tue, 23 Dec | 16:00 | Round 1 (Open & Challengers) |
| Wed, 24 Dec | 10:00 | Round 2 |
| Wed, 24 Dec | 16:00 | Round 3 |
| Thu, 25 Dec | 10:00 | Round 4 |
| Fri, 26 Dec | 10:00 | Round 5 |
| Fri, 26 Dec | 16:00 | Round 6 |
| Sat, 27 Dec | 10:00 | Round 7 |
| Sun, 28 Dec | 10:00 | Round 8 |
| Mon, 29 Dec | 10:00 | Round 9 (Final) |
| Mon, 29 Dec | After last game | Prize-Giving & Closing Ceremony |
📝 Registration
Open section free for players holding GM/IM/WGM/WIM titles.
Entry fees for Open section: HK$1,500 for rated players 1800+; smaller fee for FMs, CMs etc (HK$1,200).
Challengers section: HK$800 for 1800-1999 rated; HK$1,200 for 1799 and below/unrated.
Registration deadline: 12 noon (HKT) on 20 December 2025.
Foreign players must complete payment no later than 22 December 2025.
Valid FIDE ID required; players without it may be refused.
Registration via: http://2025.hongkongchessopen.com (online form).
No refunds for registered players who do not attend.
List of participants published from 1 November 2025; players not on list may be excluded.
👥 Organizer
Organised by the Hong Kong China Chess Federation Limited, in collaboration with local government and sponsors.
Technical Director / Chief Arbiter: K.K. Chan.
Contact: WhatsApp +852 5628 3315 • Email: kkchan.hkg@gmail.com
🏨 Venue & Accommodation
Venue: Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Wan Chai, Hong Kong – easily accessible by MTR, bus or taxi.
Accommodation details: Special conditions for GMs: five (5) free double-sharing rooms from 22-29 Dec 2025; single rooms priority for GMs rated 2550+. Participants advised to book early due to Hong Kong holiday rates.
🚗 How to Get There
By Air: Fly into Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), then airport express / taxi to Wan Chai.
By Train/Bus: MTR Wan Chai station, local buses connecting Kowloon / Hong Island.
By Car/Taxi: Taxi fares reasonable; traffic is heavy, allow ample time for arrival.
Other
Dress code: Smart casual or formal attire required inside the tournament hall.
Electronic devices: Phones, smart watches and similar are prohibited in the playing area; deposit service offered at entrance.
Two defaults/no-shows count as withdrawal and player will not be paired subsequently unless appeal accepted.
Accommodations: Special free rooms for top titled players as noted; general booking rates high in Hong Kong – early booking recommended.
Title norms: Open section may allow GM/IM/WGM/WIM norms depending on participants and conditions.
Bank transfer details: Payment to be made to HKCCF account (details on website/entry form).
Participants must attend the Players’ Meeting at 15:30 on 23 Dec; failure to attend may result in not being paired.
Challengers section: Title-holders (except WCM) not permitted without approval.
We look forward to seeing strong global participation and a high-quality chess event in Hong Kong this December — the Hong Kong International Open Chess Championship 2025 promises to be a highlight of the year!
Additional Details
Regulations -
Organizer
Hong Kong China Chess Federation Limited (HKCCFL) is the official governing body for chess in Hong Kong, responsible for promoting and organizing chess activities across the region. As a member of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), HKCCFL plays a pivotal role in developing chess talent and representing Hong Kong in international competitions.