🏰 General Overview

The 4th International Chess Festival Cēsis 2025 will gather chess enthusiasts from all over Europe in the charming town of Cēsis, Latvia. Organizers of the 4th International Chess Festival Cesis will offer players the chance to participate in competitive tournaments in a festive, cultural, and friendly environment. The event will combine top-level chess with the beautiful summer atmosphere of one of Latvia’s most historic cities.

📅 Dates of the Event

The festival will run from June 13 to June 18, 2025, bringing a week of excitement that marks the 4th International Chess Festival Cesis.

• June 13: Arrival and Opening Ceremony
• June 14–18: Tournament Rounds
• June 18: Closing Ceremony and Departure

⏳ Time Control of the Event

• Main Tournament (Classical): 90 minutes for the entire game plus 30 seconds per move starting from move one.
• Rapid Tournament: 15 minutes for the entire game plus a 10-second increment per move.
• Blitz Tournament: 3 minutes plus a 2-second increment per move.

🗓️ Schedule

• June 13:

  • 16:00–20:00: Registration
  • 20:00: Opening Ceremony

• June 14–17:

  • 10:00: Main Tournament Rounds 1–7

• June 18:

  • 10:00: Rapid and Blitz Tournaments
  • 16:00: Closing Ceremony and Awards

🔢 Number of Rounds

• Main Tournament (Classical): 7 rounds, Swiss system
• Rapid Tournament: 9 rounds
• Blitz Tournament: 11 rounds

🏆 Prize Fund and Prizes

Organizers will offer a total prize fund of €6,000 at the 4th International Chess Festival Cesis.

• Main Classical Tournament:

  • 1st Place: €1,200
  • 2nd Place: €800
  • 3rd Place: €600

• Rapid Tournament:

  • 1st Place: €400
  • 2nd Place: €250
  • 3rd Place: €150

• Blitz Tournament:

  • 1st Place: €300
  • 2nd Place: €200
  • 3rd Place: €100

• Organizers will also distribute special prizes for juniors, seniors, women, and best local players.

📝 Registration and Participation Information

Players must complete registration by June 5, 2025. Organizers require all participants to submit their FIDE ID and pay the appropriate entry fee for the 4th International Chess Festival Cesis. Registrations will be confirmed after payment verification.

💳 Payment Details

• Main Tournament Entry Fee:

  • Adults: €50
  • Juniors (U18) and Seniors (60+): €30

• Rapid Tournament Entry Fee:

  • All players: €15

• Blitz Tournament Entry Fee:

  • All players: €10

Participants must pay via bank transfer or directly on-site during the registration session.
Players should send payment confirmation to the organizer’s email.

🏛️ Venue Information

The tournament will take place at the beautiful Cēsis Cultural and Event Center, located at Raunas iela 12, Cēsis, Latvia. Organizers will provide spacious and comfortable playing halls with professional chess equipment.

🛬 Travel and Accommodation

Participants should book flights to Riga International Airport (RIX), which is located about 90 km from Cēsis. Organizers recommend several official hotels and guesthouses within walking distance from the venue. Public transport, shuttle buses, and taxi services will offer convenient connections between Riga and Cēsis.

You may have a look at other similar chess tournaments at mychess.events.