The Viktor Korchnoi Memorial stands as a proud tribute to one of chess history’s greatest legends. Held annually in Saint Petersburg, this high-profile classical open tournament attracts strong masters, promising juniors, and international guests in honor of Korchnoi’s enduring legacy. The 2025 edition offers top-tier competition, valuable rating opportunities, and a setting rich in history, culture, and chess tradition—making it one of Russia’s most distinguished summer tournaments.

📅 Dates & 🏛️ Venue

• Tournament Dates: August 21–29, 2025
• Venue: Saint Petersburg Chess Club
• Address: Ulitsa Marata 20, Saint Petersburg, Russia
• Fully-equipped venue with professional playing halls, analysis rooms, and central city access

♟️ Tournament Format

🔷 Classical Open Tournament

• Swiss-system format with 9 rounds
• Time Control: 90 minutes for the entire game + 30 seconds increment per move
• Daily rounds begin August 21 through August 28
• Closing Ceremony on August 29, 2025
• FIDE-rated and eligible for IM/GM norm achievement

🔷 Youth & Side Events

• Parallel tournaments and blitz/rapid side events possible
• Casual blitz sessions and grandmaster simuls may be announced

💰 Prize Fund & Awards

• Estimated Total Prize Fund: ₽800,000+
• Top 10 finishers awarded cash prizes
• Additional awards for best juniors, women, seniors, and rating groups
• Medals, certificates, and commemorative prizes included

📝 Registration & Entry Fees

• Online pre-registration is recommended before August 19, 2025
• Entry Fees:

  • General: ₽2,500–₽3,500 (based on rating)
  • GMs/IMs and top juniors: Free or discounted entry

• Payment methods:

  • Bank transfer prior to arrival
  • Cash payment on site during check-in (August 20)

🧳 Travel & 🏨 Accommodation

✈️ How to Reach the Venue

• Nearest Airport: Pulkovo International Airport (LED), 20 km from venue
• Accessible by metro, taxi, or shuttle buses from major city points
• Train Station: Moskovsky Station within 15 minutes from the venue

🏨 Recommended Accommodation

• Hotel Akyan, Dostoevsky Hotel, and nearby hostels
• Room rates range from ₽3,000 to ₽6,000 per night
• Organizers assist with group booking and provide accommodation suggestions upon request

👥 Tournament Officials

• Tournament Director: FM Andrey Ivanchenko
• Chief Arbiter: IA Dmitry Pavlov
• Supported by licensed arbiters and technical staff with extensive experience in national events

🏢 Organizer – Saint Petersburg Chess Federation

The Saint Petersburg Chess Federation is one of Russia’s oldest and most prestigious regional chess organizations. Renowned for its high-level events and strong youth programs, it regularly hosts national championships, elite invitationals, and memorial tournaments such as this tribute to Korchnoi. Their mission includes preserving chess history while nurturing future champions.

• Address: Ulitsa Marata 20, Saint Petersburg, Russia
• Phone: +7 (812) 312-45-89
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: spbchess.ru
• Social Media:

  • VK: vk.com/spbchess
  • Instagram: @spbchess
  • Telegram: @spbchess

🌟 Why You Should Participate

The Viktor Korchnoi Memorial is more than just a tournament—it’s a chess pilgrimage. Compete in a city that shaped legends, meet top-level players, and play in the same halls that honored one of the fiercest fighters in chess history. Whether you aim to gain rating, earn norms, or simply experience unforgettable games in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Saint Petersburg awaits your move this August.