FIDE Grand Swiss 2025: Clash of Generations in Samarkand
The chess world is heading to Samarkand this September for the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025. For two weeks, the ancient Silk Road city will host some of the strongest players on the planet. When youth, experience, and ambition meet, expect the unexpected.
What is the FIDE Grand Swiss?
The FIDE Grand Swiss is one of the toughest classical chess tournaments in the world. Since 2019, it has been held every two years and always delivers surprises.
-
11 rounds are played under the Swiss system.
-
The top two players in both the Open and Women’s sections will qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
-
The total prize fund is $855,000 – $625,000 for the Open and $230,000 for the Women’s Grand Swiss.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich called it “a unique tournament and one of the most anticipated events in the FIDE calendar.”
Unpredictable Past Winners
The Grand Swiss is known for its upsets:
-
2019: Wang Hao shocked the field, edging out Fabiano Caruana. Young Kirill Alekseenko also impressed.
-
2021: Alireza Firouzja announced himself as a future star by winning outright in Riga. In the Women’s debut, Lei Tingjie clinched the title with a round to spare.
-
2023: India shined in the Isle of Man. Vidit Gujrathi won the Open, and Vaishali Rameshbabu took the Women’s crown.
History shows one clear thing – in the Grand Swiss, favorites don’t always win.
Players to Watch in 2025
This year, 116 players will battle in the Open, and 56 in the Women’s event.
Open Section
-
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa – World No. 4 and India’s top player. He’s enjoying the best year of his career and is one of the big favorites.
-
Gukesh D – The 19-year-old World Champion. He already made history as the youngest-ever Candidate and Champion. His focus and calm nerves make him a dangerous contender.
-
Arjun Erigaisi – India’s third big star, now ranked among the world’s elite.
-
Vidit Gujrathi – The 2023 champion, hungry for another title.
-
Alireza Firouzja – The 2021 winner, still one of the most exciting players to watch.
-
Vincent Keymer – Fresh off his Chennai Grand Masters victory, the German prodigy is in top form.
Other strong names include Ian Nepomniachtchi, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Levon Aronian, Anish Giri, and Hans Niemann.
Women’s Section
-
Tan Zhongyi – Former World Champion and this year’s challenger. She’s the top seed in Samarkand.
-
Lei Tingjie – Winner of the first Women’s Grand Swiss, currently World No. 3.
-
Anna Muzychuk – Aiming to reach the Candidates after just missing out in the Grand Prix.
-
Koneru Humpy, Kateryna Lagno, and Vaishali Rameshbabu – all strong title contenders.
Key Details of the Event
-
Venue: Silk Road EXPO, Samarkand (also hosted the 2023 World Rapid & Blitz).
-
Opening Ceremony: September 3, 2025, at 6:30 PM local time.
-
First Round: September 4, 2025, at 3 PM local time.
-
Rest Day: September 10.
-
Final Round: September 15 at 2 PM local time, followed by the Closing Ceremony at 9 PM.
Fans can watch all games live with commentary on FIDE’s official YouTube channel.
Why it Matters
The FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 isn’t just another tournament. It’s a gateway to the World Championship. The top two finishers in both sections will join the Candidates Tournament – the final step before challenging for the world crown.
Get ready for surprises, drama, and brilliant chess in Samarkand.
Official website: grandswiss2025.fide.com
Photos: Maria Emelianova, Rafal Oleksiewicz, Przemek Nikiel, FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
