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Polar Night Cup 2025 (Murmansk)
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The Polar Night Cup 2025 brings classical chess to the Arctic Circle! Hosted in Murmansk, Russia, the event combines serious competition with the unique ambience of the winter polar night.
Organized by the Pedagogical Chess Union (VPHC), the tournament offers warm hospitality, professional arbiters, and comfortable playing conditions.
Event Details
| 📅 Dates | 4–10 December 2025 |
| 📍 Location | Murmansk, Russia |
| 💰 Prize Fund | 300,000 RUB total |
| 🏁 Tournament Type | International Open • FIDE rated |
| 🧩 Tournament System | Swiss system |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 9 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move 1 |
| ⏰ Default Time | 30 minutes |
| 📆 Registration Deadline | 2 December 2025 |
| 👥 Maximum Players | 150 participants |
| 🏢 Organizer | Pedagogical Chess Union (VPHC) |
| ✉️ Email | vphs@vphs.ru |
| ☎️ Phone | +7 (495) 123-45-67 |
| 🔗 Official Website | www.vphs.ru |
Prize Fund & Breakdown
| Place / Category | Prize (RUB) |
|---|---|
| 1st place | 60,000 |
| 2nd place | 45,000 |
| 3rd place | 35,000 |
| 4th–10th places | 25,000 – 10,000 |
| Best Woman | 10,000 |
| Best Junior (U18) | 10,000 |
| Best Senior (50+) | 10,000 |
| Best Local Player | 10,000 |
Time Control & Pairings
- System: 9-round Swiss
- Rated: FIDE Classical
- Time Control: 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment
- Tiebreaks: Buchholz, Sonneborn-Berger, direct encounter, number of wins
Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility / Notes |
|---|---|
| Open | All players with FIDE ID |
| Juniors | Under 18 years |
| Veterans | 50+ years |
| Women’s Category | Separate prizes inside main event |
Schedule
| Date | Event / Round | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Dec | Arrival & Registration | All day |
| 4 Dec | Opening & Round 1 | 15:00 |
| 5–9 Dec | Rounds 2–8 | 15:00 daily |
| 10 Dec | Final Round & Closing | 11:00 |
| 10 Dec | Departure | After 14:00 |
Registration
- Deadline: 2 December 2025
- Entry Fee: 2,500 RUB (free for GMs, IMs, WGMs, WIMs)
- Payment: On-site before Round 1 or via online registration
- Confirmation: Valid after payment and organizer confirmation
Organizer
The Pedagogical Chess Union (VPHC) promotes chess education and organizes competitive events throughout Russia, including the annual Polar Night Cup.
- Email: vphs@vphs.ru
- Phone: +7 (495) 123-45-67
- Website: www.vphs.ru
Venue
Murmansk Regional Palace of Culture and Arts
Lenina Ave 82, Murmansk, Russia
📍 Google Maps
Accommodation
- Azimut Hotel Murmansk
- Partner hotels near venue (details via organizer)
How to Get There
- By Air: Murmansk International Airport (MMK) → ~40 minutes by taxi/shuttle
- By Train: Overnight trains from St. Petersburg and Moscow
- By Bus: Regional services
Experience chess under Arctic lights — join the Polar Night Cup 2025 in Murmansk!