The LUGANO-PARADISO Chess Festival 2025 invites chess enthusiasts to a dynamic one-day blitz tournament in the scenic town of Lugano-Paradiso, Switzerland. This exciting event brings together players of all levels for a fast-paced, friendly, and competitive atmosphere nestled near the beautiful Swiss lakeside. Organizers promise top-notch playing conditions, efficient scheduling, and a professional chess experience.
📅 Event Date
The festival will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
⏱️ Time Control
Each player will receive 5 minutes per game with no increment.
📆 Schedule
- Player check-in: 09:00–09:45
- Opening remarks: 09:50
- Round 1 starts: 10:00
- Rounds 2–9 continue throughout the day
- Closing ceremony: 18:00
Organizers will conduct all rounds on the same day, creating an action-packed chess marathon.
🔢 Number of Rounds
Players will compete in 9 Swiss-system rounds.
🏆 Prize Fund and Prizes
Organizers will award a total prize fund of CHF 2,000, recognizing top placements and category achievements.
General Standings:
- 1st Place: CHF 500
- 2nd Place: CHF 400
- 3rd Place: CHF 300
Category Prizes:
- Best U18 Player: CHF 100
- Best Senior Player (60+): CHF 100
- Best Female Player: CHF 100
Bonus Prizes:
- Special awards for local participants and fair play
Organizers will honor only one prize per player based on the highest-value category.
📝 Registration and Participation
Organizers welcome a maximum of 120 players. Participants must complete their registration by April 30, 2025. Players of all ratings and federations may join. Early sign-up guarantees a secured spot and helps tournament logistics.
💳 Payment Details
- Entry Fee: CHF 20 (flat rate for all participants)
- Participants must settle the fee during check-in at the venue
Organizers accept cash or contactless payment methods on site.
📍 Venue Information
The event will take place at the Hotel Meister, located at Via San Salvatore 11, 6902 Lugano-Paradiso, Switzerland. The hotel provides a spacious, elegant playing hall with ideal lighting and modern facilities, all within walking distance of the lake and train station.
Alt text for image: “Hotel Meister – Venue for LUGANO-PARADISO Chess Festival 2025”
✈️ Travel and Accommodation
Participants can travel to Lugano-Paradiso via Zurich or Milan airports, followed by a scenic train journey. Local buses and taxis connect directly to the venue. Organizers recommend staying in nearby hotels such as Hotel Meister, Hotel Admiral Lugano, or Paradiso Swiss Park. Discounted rates apply for early bookings through festival organizers.
🧩 Organizer Information
The Swiss Chess Tour manages and coordinates the LUGANO-PARADISO Chess Festival 2025. This organization fosters high-quality chess events across Switzerland and promotes inclusive participation.
- Organizer: Swiss Chess Tour
- Location: Lugano-Paradiso, Switzerland
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: swisschesstour.com
Alt text for image: “Swiss Chess Tour logo – Organizer of LUGANO-PARADISO Chess Festival 2025”
👤 Tournament Director and Chief Arbiter
- Tournament Director: Tiziana Balzarini
- Chief Arbiter: Jean Dominique Coqueraut
Both officials bring decades of tournament experience and ensure fair play, timely scheduling, and adherence to FIDE regulations.
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Sala Multiuso
Prize Fund - 2550 CHF
Organizer - SwissCHessTour - Claudio Boschetti
Organizer Phone - +4179 620 53 26
Organizer email - [email protected]
Tournament Director - IA Tiziana Balzarni (ITA)
Chief Arbiter - IA Tiziana Balzarni (ITA)
Time control - 90’ + 30’’
Number of rounds - 5
Tournament system - SWISS
Rating - Rating national, Rating international
Organizer
The Swiss Chess Tour stands as Switzerland’s foremost circuit of open tournaments, dedicated to promoting over-the-board chess across the country’s most scenic regions. Since its inception, the Tour has organized marquee events such as the Lenzerheide Amateur, the Pontresina Open, the Biel Masters, and the Lugano Summer Festival, drawing both aspiring talents and seasoned grandmasters. Each tournament under the Swiss Chess Tour banner features FIDE-rated, norm-eligible formats, live digital pairings, and professional side-events—ensuring a world-class experience for every participant.
Beyond its flagship opens, the Swiss Chess Tour sustains year-round activity through rapid and blitz series, scholastic workshops, and community outreach in partnership with local clubs and cultural institutions. Tournament Director Claudio Boschetti and his team of certified International Arbiters deliver precise pairings, clear rule enforcement, and multilingual support. Their commitment to hospitality extends to curated excursion packages—lake cruises, mountain tram rides, and guided Old-Town tours—that blend competitive chess with Swiss cultural immersion.