Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of chess, culture, and competition at the Imperia Chess Festival 2025, set to take place from August 31 to September 7, 2025, in the charming seaside city of Imperia, Italy. This prestigious classical chess tournament will unfold inside the Palestra Maggi, a venue nestled in the historic Parasio district. Known for its scenic Ligurian coastline and deep-rooted chess tradition, Imperia will once again welcome international masters, rising talents, and passionate enthusiasts for an unforgettable week of strategic brilliance.
♜ EVENT DETAILS
Dates: August 31 – September 7, 2025
Tournament Type: Classical
Total prize fund (calculated in EUR): €6,550
Place: Imperia, Italy
Venue: Palestra Maggi
Address: Via Silorata, 18, 18100 Imperia IM, Italy
Organizer: Circolo Scacchistico Imperiese
Federation: Italian Chess Federation (FSI)
Chief Arbiter: Antonella Lay
Time Control: Each player receives 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, then 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment per move from move one.
Number of rounds: Open A – 9 rounds, Open B & C – 8 rounds
Official website: www.imperiascacchi.it
⏱️ TIME CONTROL
The tournament uses a time format that promotes deep concentration and thoughtful gameplay. Each participant starts the game with 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game. From move one, each player also receives a 30-second increment per move. This format ensures players have sufficient time to plan, execute, and adapt their strategies during each phase of the game.
📅 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
| Date | Time | Round/Event |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 31 | 15:00 | Round 1 |
| Sep 1 | 15:00 | Round 2 |
| Sep 2 | 15:00 | Round 3 |
| Sep 3 | 15:00 | Round 4 |
| Sep 4 | 15:00 | Round 5 |
| Sep 5 | 15:00 | Round 6 |
| Sep 6 | 15:00 | Round 7 |
| Sep 7 | 09:00 | Round 8 (Open B & C only) |
| Sep 7 | 15:00 | Round 9 (Open A only) |
| Sep 7 | 19:00 | Closing Ceremony |
Organizers will share any last-minute changes directly at the playing venue.
💰 PRIZE FUND
Organizers have allocated a total prize fund of €6,550 for the 2025 edition, with prizes spread across all major categories to recognize top players and encourage wide participation.
| Prize Category | Prize Amount (EUR) |
|---|---|
| 1st Place Open A | €1,000 |
| 2nd Place Open A | €700 |
| 3rd Place Open A | €500 |
| Best Woman | €200 |
| Best Senior (65+) | €200 |
| Best Junior (U18) | €200 |
| Additional Category & Rating Prizes | €3,750 approx. |
The tournament also offers bonus prizes for special rating sections and performance-based achievements. Organizers will provide a full breakdown at the start of the event.
📝 REGISTRATION
Entry Fees:
- Open A/B/C: €75
- Women and players under 18: €55
- U16 Youth Tournament: €30
- GMs and IMs: Free
- Group Discount: €10 off per player for club groups of 6 or more (must register together)
Payment Information:
- Bank IBAN: IT98T0538710502000003784896
- BIC/SWIFT: BPMOIT22XXX
- Account Holder: Circolo Scacchistico Imperiese
Registration Deadline: August 29, 2025 at 23:00
To complete registration, players should make the payment and send their full name, federation, category, and FIDE ID. Organizers recommend registering early to secure a spot and simplify the check-in process.
🧳 TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
How to Get to Imperia:
- By Train: Trains from Milan, Turin, and Genoa arrive regularly at Imperia Station, which is only a short taxi ride from the venue.
- By Car: You can easily access Imperia via the A10 motorway. Use the exits at Imperia Est or Imperia Ovest.
- By Air: Fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (France) or Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (Italy), both about 100 km from Imperia. Travel the final stretch by rental car or train.
Where to Stay:
Imperia offers accommodations for every budget:
- Hotel Rossini al Teatro – Elegant 4-star hotel in central Imperia
- Hotel Ariston – Affordable and comfortable, walking distance from the beach
- Residence Hotel Edy – Great for families and groups
- Airbnb & Apartments – Dozens of short-term rentals near the venue and seaside
Players should book their stay as early as possible, as September is a popular tourist season in Liguria.
🏢 ORGANIZER
The Circolo Scacchistico Imperiese has organized the Imperia Chess Festival since 1959. The club’s dedicated team continues to support competitive chess in the Ligurian region with a deep sense of pride and professionalism. Their rich legacy ensures a well-run, friendly tournament atmosphere appreciated by players of all ages.
Contact Information:
- Email: scacchi.imperia@libero.it
- Phone: +39 331 6980914 / +39 335 6310217
- Address: Via Silorata, 18, 18100 Imperia IM, Italy
🌟 WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE
The Imperia Chess Festival 2025 offers much more than just competitive chess. It brings together scenic Italian coastline, decades of chess heritage, and a diverse field of international participants. You’ll sharpen your tactics in a world-class tournament while enjoying sun, sea, and Italian hospitality. Whether you’re a rising talent or a seasoned master, Imperia promises the perfect mix of challenge, charm, and camaraderie. Make your move—experience chess and culture like never before.
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Palestra Maggi
Prize Fund - €6,550
Organizer - Circolo Circolo Scacchistico ImperieseScacchistico Imperiese
Organizer Phone - +39 331 6980914
Organizer email - scacchi.imperia@libero.it
Chief Arbiter - Antonella Lay
Time control - Each player receives 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, then 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment per move from move one
Number of rounds - Open A – 9 rounds, Open B & C – 8 rounds
Tournament system - SWISS
Rating - FIDE
Organizer
Circolo Scacchistico Imperiese stands as one of Italy’s most respected local chess clubs, with a legacy that stretches back to 1959. Based in the heart of Imperia, the club has played a vital role in fostering a vibrant chess community in the Liguria region. Over the decades, it has welcomed countless players—both amateurs and professionals—offering them a platform to grow, compete, and connect through the game. The club’s greatest achievement is its long-standing organization of the prestigious Imperia Chess Festival, a hallmark of quality and tradition in the European chess calendar.
Driven by a passion for chess and community, Circolo Scacchistico Imperiese focuses on inclusivity, youth engagement, and promoting chess education. Through workshops, youth tournaments, and partnerships with schools and federations, the club continues to shape the next generation of chess enthusiasts. Their team of volunteers, arbiters, and organizers maintains a strong commitment to professionalism and hospitality, making every event—especially the annual festival—a warm and memorable experience for all participants.