The VI Coop Saaremaa Chess Festival – Blitz returns on May 31, 2024, bringing high-speed chess action to the scenic town of Kuressaare, Estonia. As part of the prestigious Coop Saaremaa Chess Festival, this blitz event attracts international players of all levels eager to test their skills in a fast-paced setting.

Venue: Asa Spa Hotel, Kuressaare, Estonia
Rounds: 11-round Swiss system
Time Control: 3 minutes + 2 seconds per move
Start Time: 16:45
Award Ceremony: 20:00

💰 Prizes

Main Prizes:

• 1st Place: €500 + trophy
• 2nd Place: €350
• 3rd Place: €250
• 4th Place: €200
• 5th Place: €150

Special Prizes:

• Best Female Player: €100
• Best Estonian Player: €100
• Best Non-GM/IM: €100
• Best Senior Player (born 1960 or earlier): €75
• Best Youth Player (born 2007 or later): €75
• Best Player with FIDE ELO under 2000: €75
• Best Player with FIDE ELO under 1700: NIKE souvenir
• Best Saaremaa Player: NIKE souvenir
• Best Saaremaa Youth Player (born 2007 or later): NIKE souvenir

Additionally, all participants will receive a gift bag from COOP, and there will be extra lottery prizes. It’s also worth noting that a single player may receive multiple prizes during the VI Coop Saaremaa Chess Festival – Blitz.

📝 Registration

Entry Fee: €20
Discounted Fee: €10 for IM/WIM, youth (born 2006 or later), seniors (born 1959 or earlier), and Saaremaa residents
Free Entry: GM/WGM
Late Registration: Fees double after May 27, 2024

Register by email: [email protected]
Phone contact: +372 5158656

🏨 Venue & Accommodation

The event takes place at the Asa Spa Hotel, located at Pargi 12, Kuressaare, Estonia.

Festival Hotels with special rates:

• Asa Spa Hotel: [email protected]
• Meri Spa Hotel: [email protected]

Participants are encouraged to book early to enjoy discounted accommodations close to the VI Coop Saaremaa Chess Festival – Blitz venue.

🛠️ Organizers & Contacts

Organized by Treeningpartner/Pühajärve Chess Club, with support from Coop Saaremaa, Saaremaa Municipality, and the Estonian Chess Federation.

Key Personnel:

• Chief Organizer: Urmas Randma
• Chief Arbiter: FA Tarmo Tuul
• Media Head: Marge Mägi
• Social Media: Triin Narva

Stay updated via the official Facebook page.

🎯 Why Play?

The VI Coop Saaremaa Chess Festival – Blitz offers more than just intense competition — it provides a unique chance to enjoy Estonian hospitality, beautiful island surroundings, and camaraderie among chess lovers. This tournament is a chance to be part of a long-standing tradition while participating in the fast-paced blitz event.