As the chess world gears up for an incredible stretch of tournaments in the coming months, there’s never been a better time to follow the action. From March to June, chess fans will be treated to some of the most prestigious and thrilling events on the calendar. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a casual viewer, watching these big tournaments can offer a host of benefits—from gaining new strategies to simply enjoying the intense atmosphere and world-class gameplay.
Let’s take a look at some of the most exciting chess events given below.
1. Norway Chess – May 26 to June 6, 2025
Location: Stavanger, Norway
Prize Fund: 1,690,000 NOK (~$148,000)
Format: Double Round-Robin, Classical Players:
For those craving the ultimate battle between the world’s elite, Norway Chess is a must-watch. Scheduled to take place from May 26 to June 6 in Stavanger, Norway, this prestigious tournament features a star-studded lineup, including world champion GM Magnus Carlsen, challenger GM Fabiano Caruana, and rising stars like GM Arjun Erigaisi and GM Gukesh Dommaraju.
The event will be a double round-robin format, meaning each participant plays two games (one with White and one with Black) against every other player. The time control is set to 120 minutes for each game, with a 10-second increment per move starting from move 41. If a game ends in a draw, players will face off in an Armageddon game to decide the winner.
Schedule & Prize Fund:
| Event Date | May 26 to June 6, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Location | Stavanger, Norway |
| Prize Fund | 1,690,000 NOK (~$148,000) |
Top Prizes:
| Place | Prize (NOK) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Place | 700,000 | 61,617 |
| 2nd Place | 350,000 | 30,809 |
| 3rd Place | 200,000 | 17,605 |
2. European Chess Championship – March 15-26, 2025
Location: Online
Prize Fund: €100,000
Format: 11-round Swiss, Classical
Top 5 players participating out of 400 players:
Kicking things off in mid-March, the European Chess Championship promises to deliver some high-level action. This over-the-board event will determine the European Chess Champion and also serves as a qualifying event for the prestigious FIDE World Cup. Featuring nearly 400 players, the tournament will see top-tier grandmasters like GM Bogdan-Daniel Deac, GM Alexey Sarana, and GM Jorden van Foreest battling it out.
The championship follows a classical format with 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, plus 30 extra minutes for the remainder of the game, along with a 30-second increment. With a substantial prize fund of €100,000, it’s sure to attract fierce competition.
Schedule & Prize Fund:
| Event Date | March 15-26, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Rounds Start | 10:00 AM ET / 15:00 CET / 7:30 PM IST |
| Prize Fund | €100,000 |
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | €20,000 |
| 2nd Place | €15,000 |
| 3rd Place | €10,000 |
3. 2024 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship – April 3-21, 2025
Location: Shanghai & Chongqing, China
Prize Fund: Not Yet Disclosed
Format: 12-game Match, Classical
Players:
If you’re looking for a showdown between some of the best female chess players in the world, the 2024 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship is the event to watch. Taking place across two cities in China—Shanghai and Chongqing—the match will feature the current champion, GM Ju Wenjun, defending her title against challenger GM Tan Zhongyi.
This classical match will consist of up to 12 games, with the first player to score 6.5 points declared the champion. The time control will mirror the European Championship: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 more minutes for the rest of the game, plus a 30-second increment.
Although the official prize fund has yet to be disclosed, expect a thrilling contest between two of the world’s most accomplished players.
These tournaments feature some of the world’s greatest minds, each with their unique approach to the game. Whether it’s analyzing their opening moves, watching how they handle pressure, or simply enjoying the nail-biting finishes, there’s something for everyone.
Moreover, following these events can also deepen your understanding of the game. Seeing grandmasters in action offers insights into advanced tactics and techniques that you can apply to your own games. So, don’t miss out on these exciting upcoming events!
With these thrilling tournaments on the horizon, make sure to mark your calendars and tune in and keep following The New England Chess School for more exciting chess blogs and news related to chess!