The Superbet Chess Classic Romania 2025 sets the stage for world-class competition in the heart of Bucharest as part of the prestigious Grand Chess Tour. From May 7 to May 17, 2025, ten of the world’s elite Grandmasters will compete in a round-robin classical chess format for a $350,000 USD prize fund. The event highlights Romania’s growing influence in the global chess scene and promises fans an unforgettable experience of high-level strategy and thrilling battles over the board.
📅 Event Dates and Format
- Event Duration: May 7–17, 2025
- Opening Ceremony: May 6, 2025
- Closing Ceremony: May 17, 2025
- Rounds: 9 (one round per day)
- Format: 10-player round-robin
- Start Time: 15:00 EEST (final round starts at 14:00 EEST)
⏱️ Time Control
- Each player receives 90 minutes for the first 40 moves
- After move 40, players receive 30 minutes for the rest of the game
- A 30-second increment is added per move starting from move one
This classical format demands endurance and precision, rewarding deep preparation and strategic mastery.
🗓️ Round Schedule
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| May 6 | Opening Ceremony |
| May 7–11 | Rounds 1–5 |
| May 12 | Rest Day |
| May 13–16 | Rounds 6–9 |
| May 17 | Playoff (if needed) + Closing Ceremony |
🏆 Prize Fund and Awards
💰 Total Prize Fund: $350,000 USD
| Placement | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | $100,000 |
| 2nd Place | $65,000 |
| 3rd Place | $48,000 |
| 4th Place | $32,000 |
| 5th Place | $26,000 |
| 6th Place | $21,000 |
| 7th Place | $18,500 |
| 8th Place | $16,000 |
| 9th Place | $13,000 |
| 10th Place | $10,500 |
If players tie for first place, they will compete in a playoff to determine the champion.
📝 Registration and Participation
🎯 The event operates as an invitational tournament under the Grand Chess Tour.
- Organizers select the participants based on global rankings and tour invitations.
- No open registration or entry fees apply.
- Spectators may attend by purchasing a ticket at the venue entrance or official ticket desks.
💳 Payment Details
- Organizers do not charge entry fees for players.
- Spectator tickets may require a small fee depending on seating preferences and access level.
- On-site purchases for memorabilia and refreshments are available throughout the event.
📍 Venue Information
🏛 Venue: Grand Hotel Bucharest – Ronda Hall
📍 Address: Bulevardul Nicolae Bălcescu 4, Bucharest 010051, Romania
This five-star venue in the heart of Bucharest provides a luxurious and elegant atmosphere ideal for high-level chess. Ronda Hall features professional lighting, broadcast-ready facilities, and designated audience areas with live commentary.
✈️ Travel and Accommodation
✈️ How to Get There:
- Airport: Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) – 17 km from venue
- Transport Options: Airport shuttles, taxis, rideshare apps, metro (Universitate Station nearby)
🏨 Where to Stay:
- Official Hotel: Grand Hotel Bucharest (venue and player hotel)
- Nearby Alternatives: Hotel Capitol, Novotel Bucharest City Centre, Athénée Palace Hilton
🚶 Most accommodations lie within a 5–10 minute walk from the venue, offering comfort and convenience for chess tourists.
🧑💼 Organizer Information
🏢 Organizer: Grand Chess Tour, in partnership with the Romanian Chess Federation
🎯 Main Sponsor: Superbet Foundation
📞 Phone: +1 314 361 2437
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Official Website: www.grandchesstour.org (included in backend references only)
The Grand Chess Tour manages logistics, production, and international media rights, while the Superbet Foundation promotes chess development in Romania and Eastern Europe.
👨⚖️ Tournament Officials
- 🎟 Tournament Director: Tony Rich (USA)
- 🎓 Chief Arbiter: IA Radu-Cătălin Chirilă (Romania)
- 🤝 Deputy Chief Arbiter: IA Iulia-Ionela Ioniță (Romania)
- 🛡️ Fair Play Officer: IA Ignatius Leong (Singapore)
These experienced officials oversee all technical and ethical aspects of the tournament to ensure fair play and FIDE compliance.
📣 Join the excitement in Bucharest as the world’s greatest chess minds gather for the Superbet Chess Classic Romania 2025. Whether you’re attending live or following the action from home, this event promises strategy, drama, and unforgettable moments on every board.
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Grand Hotel Bucharest – Ronda Hall
Prize Fund - $350,000 USD
Organizer - Grand Chess Tour, in partnership with the Romanian Chess Federation
Organizer Phone - +1 314 361 2437
Organizer email - [email protected]
Tournament Director - Tony Rich (USA)
Chief Arbiter - IA Radu-Cătălin Chirilă (Romania)
Time control - 90 minutes for the first 40 moves After move 40, players receive 30 minutes for the rest of the game A 30-second increment is added per move starting from move one
Number of rounds - 9
Tournament system - SWISS
Rating - FIDE
Organizer
The Romanian Chess Federation (Federația Română de Șah) serves as the official governing body for chess in Romania. Established to promote, regulate, and develop chess across the country, the federation organizes national championships, youth programs, and international tournaments such as the Superbet Chess Classic. It works closely with schools, local clubs, and international organizations to foster a strong chess culture and support Romanian players on their journey from beginner to Grandmaster. With a commitment to education, fair play, and competitive excellence, the federation leads the growth of chess as both a sport and an intellectual pursuit throughout Romania.