Warsaw Chess Festival 2025
The Warsaw Chess Festival 2025, featuring the renowned XXIV Najdorf Memorial, will take place from July 8 to July 16, 2025, in Warsaw, Poland. This prestigious international chess event brings together elite grandmasters, competitive amateurs, and chess lovers from around the world. Set in the dynamic heart of Poland’s capital, the festival blends top-level competition with the rich cultural charm of Warsaw.
📅 Event Details
🗓️ Dates & Schedule
- Tournament Dates: July 8–16, 2025
- Number of Rounds: 9
- Format: Swiss System
📍 Venue Information
- Venue: Polonia Warsaw Sports Hall
- Address: ul. Konwiktorska 6, 00-206 Warsaw, Poland
- The venue offers a large and modern space suitable for international competition with excellent spectator access and amenities.
⏱️ Time Control
- Main Time: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves
- Additional Time: 30 minutes after move 40
- Increment: 30 seconds per move from move one
This classical time control ensures balanced and fair play throughout the event.
💰 Prize Fund & Awards
- Total Prize Fund: Approx. €10,000 (equivalent to 45,000 PLN)
- Prizes: Cash awards for the top performers, best juniors, seniors, women, and rating category winners
- Trophies and Recognition: The top finishers in each section will receive commemorative trophies and public recognition
📝 Registration & Participation
- Who Can Participate: The festival is open to players of all ages and rating levels
- Entry Fees: Entry fees vary depending on rating category and section; titled players may receive discounts or free entry
- How to Register: Participants must complete the registration form and confirm payment before the deadline
✈️ Travel & Accommodation
- Nearest Airport: Warsaw Chopin Airport (10 km from the venue)
- Public Transport: Accessible by tram, bus, and metro lines across Warsaw
- Accommodation: Many hotels, hostels, and apartments are available near the venue—ranging from budget-friendly to luxury options
🧑⚖️ Tournament Officials
- Tournament Director: Maria Macieja
This experienced team will ensure the tournament runs smoothly and according to FIDE regulations.
🏢 Organizer Information
- Organizer: Fundacja Szachowa im. gen. Kazimierza Sosnkowskiego
- Address: ul. Konwiktorska 6, 00-206 Warsaw, Poland
- Phone: +48 603 391 318
- Email: mariamacieja@o2.pl
The foundation consistently promotes chess education and competition across Poland, delivering highly professional and respected events.
🌟 Why You Should Participate
You should participate in the Warsaw Chess Festival 2025 if you’re looking to elevate your chess in a world-class international tournament surrounded by rich history and vibrant city life. The event combines strong competition, a generous prize fund, expert organization, and the inspiring legacy of the Najdorf Memorial. Whether you’re aiming for top honors or seeking to sharpen your game, this festival offers the ideal blend of challenge, culture, and connection.
You may find other similar exciting tournaments at mychess.events.
Additional Details
Playing Venue - Polonia Warsaw Sports Hall
Prize Fund - €10,000
Organizer - Fundacja Szachowa im. gen. Kazimierza Sosnkowskiego
Organizer Phone - +48 603 391 318
Organizer email - mariamacieja@o2.pl
Tournament Director - Maria Macieja
Time control - Main Time: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves. Additional Time: 30 minutes after move 40. Increment: 30 seconds per move from move one
Number of rounds - 9
Tournament system - SWISS
Rating - FIDE