Third leg of FIDE WGP 2024-2025 kicks off in Monaco
The opening ceremony of the third leg of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2024-25 took place on February 17 at the Salon Excelsior of the Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo. Welcoming players, officials, and guests in a refined and elegant setting, the event marked the start of this important stage in the FIDE Grand Prix series.
The official program began at 18:00 with a welcome video introducing the tournament and its host city, Monaco.
Moderator (and commentator for the event) Almira Skripchenko then welcomed everyone stating that she “didn’t know how to introduce Monaco, but that in fact, it needs no introduction” as it has served as a hub for women’s chess.
A series of brief speeches followed. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich opened by reflecting on the continued growth of women’s chess and the significance of this tournament within the wider chess calendar. Stéphane Valeri, CEO of the Société des Bains de Mer, spoke about Monaco’s connection to chess and the honor of hosting the event.
Tournament Director Jean-Michel Rapaire highlighted the preparations that went into organizing the event, while Irina Bazhenova from TAEX expressed her company’s support for chess as a platform for education and development.
Saxophonist Maria Zvereva performed a musical piece, providing a brief interlude before the presentation of the players. Each of the ten participants was called to the front to receive a copy of the FIDE100 book “Chess Players” where they were warmly welcomed as the superstars of the event. The players remained on stage for an official group photograph with the tournament’s sponsors and organizers.
Following the player presentation, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich presented commemorative FIDE100 medals to Stéphane Valeri and Virginie Cotta of SBM, in recognition of their support for the event. The President then officially declared the tournament open.
The evening concluded with a second musical performance and a cocktail reception, where guests had the chance to speak with the players, take photos, and enjoy the elegant surroundings of the venue. The tournament now moves into the competitive stage, with the first round scheduled for February 18.
The third leg of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2024–25 runs until February 28, with rounds starting at 3:00 p.m. local time each day. You can follow the games live and watch the action with our wonderful commentators GM Alojzije Jankovic & IM Almira Skripchenko on YouTube.
Written by Chalize Van Zyl
Photos: Niki Riga / FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE NEWS
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