The 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss tournament commences in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 3 to 15. For a span of two weeks, this historic city along the Silk Road will welcome some of the world’s top chess players. This tournament, where qualification for the 2026 Candidates Tournament is at stake, is one of the most significant events in the year.
High Stakes and Big Rewards
Ever since it kicked off in 2019, I’ve found myself drawn to the Grand Swiss – the Swiss-system classic chess tournament that truly showcases the crème de la crème of the global chess community. Across eleven rounds, we go head-to-head, testing our nerves and strategic preparations against some of the best in the game.
In summary, the total prize money amounts to $855,000. For the Open section, there is $625,000 up for grabs, while the Women’s Grand Swiss offers $230,000. However, it’s important to note that the most significant reward isn’t monetary; instead, the top two finishers in both tournaments will secure a place in the Candidates Tournament 2026, which determines the upcoming challenger for the World Championship.
Arkady Dvorkovich, the head of FIDE (International Chess Federation), commended Uzbekistan for being a powerful chess-playing country and expressed his excitement for a “battle between the old and the young” in Samarkand.
History of Surprises
The Grand Swiss Tournament is renowned for its unforeseen outcomes. In 2019, Wang Hao surprised everyone by clinching victory over Fabiano Caruana. Alireza Firouzja made a significant debut in Riga in 2021, while Lei Tingjie emerged victorious in the first Women’s Grand Swiss. In 2023, Indian players stole the show as Vidit Santosh Gujrathi dominated the Open division, and Vaishali Rameshbabu triumphed in the women’s category. These results underscore that ratings do not necessarily dictate the final outcome.
Open Section: Big Names and Rising Stars
116 players will participate in the 2025 Open tournament. Among these, there are 18 Grand Masters (GMs) with ratings over 2700 and 74 GMs whose ratings range from 2600 to 2699. Topping the list is Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, the current leader of the FIDE Circuit 2025 and ranked fourth in the world. The young prodigy, aged 20, has just finished as runner-up at the Sinquefield Cup and continues to climb the ranks.
19-year-old prodigy Gukesh D is another highly anticipated contender, having surpassed previous records and claiming the title of the youngest World Champion ever. He also became the first Indian to reach an Elo rating above 2750. His impressive victories over Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura at the Norway Chess tournament demonstrate his formidable power.
Other notable players in the mix are Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Firouzja, Vincent Keymer, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Levon Aronian, Anish Giri, and Hans Niemann. The richness of talent ensures each round promises excitement.
Women’s Grand Swiss: A Battle for Candidates Spots
The Women’s competition includes 56 participants. Tan Zhongyi, a former world champion, remains in excellent shape and has contended for the title recently. Lei Tingjie, who triumphed in last year’s tournament, is also highly favored following her run to the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup this year.
Anna Muzychuk is also trying for a spot. After not qualifying for the Candidates through the Women’s Grand Prix, she will strive to grab one of the two valuable positions in Samarkand. Other prominent players include Koneru Humpy, Kateryna Lagno, and Vaishali Rameshbabu, who won the championship in 2023.
Venue and Schedule
The 2023 World Rapid and Blitz tournament is happening at the Silk Road EXPO, with the opening ceremony scheduled for September 3. The first game begins on September 4, and they continue daily until September 15, taking a break only on September 10. Spectators can enjoy expert commentary via FIDE’s YouTube channel, featuring Grandmaster Evgenij Miroshnichenko and International Master Jovanka Houska.
Road to the Candidates Tournament
In simpler terms, the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 plays a significant role in the qualifying process for the World Chess Championship. The event, held in Samarkand, is expected to be full of top-tier Grandmasters and promising newcomers, promising excitement, unexpected moments, and memorable chess matches on the game board.
Keep up-to-date with TopMob for the freshest chess headlines, tournament advancements, and reports on the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025.
Read More
- FLR PREDICTION. FLR cryptocurrency
- USD AUD PREDICTION
- Gold Rate Forecast
- NEXO PREDICTION. NEXO cryptocurrency
- Marvel’s AI Character Raises Alarming Questions
- TRUMP PREDICTION. TRUMP cryptocurrency
- EUR JPY PREDICTION
- EUR PLN PREDICTION
- FET PREDICTION. FET cryptocurrency
- EUR THB PREDICTION
2025-09-03 05:03