The UzChess Cup 2025, now in its second edition, brings together global chess talents for a thrilling international competition in the heart of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Held from June 18 to June 28, 2025, the event features four competitive sections, including elite-level round-robin battles and an open group for aspiring players. Backed by FIDE and the Youth Affairs Agency of Uzbekistan, this tournament continues to push boundaries in promoting chess excellence.

📅 Dates and Full Schedule

Tournament Dates:
🗓️ June 18–28, 2025
🏁 Arrival: June 18
🏁 Departure: June 28

Event Schedule Highlights:

• June 18: Arrival and Draw Ceremony (18:00)
• June 19: Opening Ceremony (14:00), Round 1 (14:30)
• June 20–26: Rounds 2–8 (14:00 daily)
• June 27: Round 9 (11:00), Tie-break (16:00), Closing Ceremony (18:00)
• June 28: Departure

📍 Venue Information

Primary Locations:
🏛️ Kitob Olami Coworking Center – Anhor Bo’yi St., 10A (Open Group)
🏛️ International Chess Academy – Alisher Navoiy St., 11A (Masters, Challengers, Futures)

City: Tashkent, Uzbekistan

⏱️ Format & Time Control

The UzChess Cup includes four dynamic groups:

🧠 Masters Group

• 10 players (6 top foreign GMs ≥2700 + 4 Uzbek players)
• 9-round Round Robin
• 90 min/40 moves + 30 min + 30 sec increment from move 1
• No draws before move 30

💥 Challengers Group

• Foreign players ≥2600 + selected Uzbek players
• 9-round Round Robin
• 90 min + 30 sec increment from move 1
• No draws before move 30

🌟 Futures Group

• Foreign players ≥2500 + selected Uzbek players
• 9-round Round Robin
• Standard time control (as above)

♟️ Open Group

• Open to all with entry fee
• 9-round Swiss
• 90 minutes + 30 seconds/move
• No draws before move 30

Pairings will be handled using Swiss Manager software. All players must confirm their attendance on June 18 (16:00–19:00) at the International Chess Academy.

🏆 Prize Fund and Distribution

💰 Total Prize Fund: $121,500 USD

👑 Masters Group

• 1st: $20,000
• 2nd: $15,000
• 3rd: $10,000
• Down to 10th: $2,000
• 🔢 Total: $80,000

🧗 Challengers Group

• 1st: $6,000
• 2nd: $5,000
• 3rd: $4,000
• Down to 10th: $700
• 🔢 Total: $25,000

🚀 Futures Group

• 1st: $4,000
• 2nd: $3,000
• 3rd: $2,000
• Down to 5th: $1,000
• 🔢 Total: $11,500

🏅 Open Group

• 1st: $2,500
• 2nd: $1,000
• 3rd: $500
• Additional placements and top women prizes
• 🔢 Total: $5,000

🎯 Winners of each group will earn automatic qualification into the next higher group for UzChess Cup 2026!

📝 Registration & Eligibility

Entry Deadlines:

• 📧 Foreign players: Submit by June 10, 2025
• 📧 Uzbek players (Masters, Challengers, Futures): Apply to the Coaching Council by May 15, 2025

Entry Process:

• All players must confirm in person at the venue on June 18 (16:00–19:00)
• Late registrants must pay additional fees

💳 Entry Fees

♟️ Open Group

Uzbek Participants:

• ≥2200: 400,000 UZS
• 2000–2199: 450,000 UZS
• <2000 or unrated: 500,000 UZS
  ✅ Seniors (60+) and persons with disabilities receive 50% discount

Foreign Participants:

• Entry Fee: $100 USD
• Late fee (after June 10): +$50 USD

🎓 Titled Players (GM, IM, WGM, WIM) participate for free

Bank transfer required to the Uzbekistan Chess Federation account

✈️ Travel & Accommodation

• 🛂 Visa support is available for registered participants who submit passport copies by June 10, 2025
• 🏨 Organizers recommend early arrival and accommodation planning
• 🎫 Organizers and sponsors cover travel and housing for invited players in elite groups

🌐 Official Website & Contact

📍 Uzbekistan Chess Federation
📞 Phone: (+998-71) 241-14-00
📧 Email: uzchess@inbox.ru
📱 Telegram: @Uzbchessfederation
🌍 Website: www.uzchess.uz
📌 Address: 98A Karimov Street, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

👤 Tournament Management

• Organizer: Uzbekistan Chess Federation, supported by FIDE and Youth Affairs Agency
• Tournament Director: Appointed by UCF
• Chief Arbiter: Designated by UCF Board of Arbiters
• An Appeals Committee of 5 members ensures fair play and arbitration

🧩 About the Organizer

The Uzbekistan Chess Federation (UCF) stands at the forefront of the country’s chess revolution. With strong support from government institutions, UCF continues to nurture talent, host international events, and strengthen Uzbekistan’s global standing in the chess world. From elite grandmasters to budding talents, UCF works tirelessly to build a thriving chess ecosystem.

📍 Address: 98A Karimov St., Tashkent
📧 Email: uzchess@inbox.ru
📞 Phone: (+998-71) 241-14-00
📱 Telegram: @Uzbchessfederation

✨ Why You Should Participate in UzChess Cup 2025

The UzChess Cup 2025 isn’t just another tournament—it’s a gateway to greatness. Compete alongside elite grandmasters, climb the ranks in a professionally organized event, and make your mark on the international chess stage. With generous prizes, global exposure, and a clear path of promotion between groups, the UzChess Cup offers a unique opportunity to test your skills and grow. Join us in Tashkent, where the chess world meets passion, progress, and prestige.