FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship 2025 kicks off in the Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia
The FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship was officially opened in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia. The event, held across three rating categories – U1700, U2000, and U2300 (both Open and Women’s sections) – has brought together around 300 players from over 50 countries. All competitions are nine-round Swiss tournaments with a classical time control. The opening ceremony took place in the hall of the Zepter Hotel and began with the national anthem of the Republic of Serbia, performed by the city choir Abrašević. The audience was then welcomed by Jasmina Trifunović, representing the Municipality of Vrnjačka Banja; Özgür Solakoğlu, representative of FIDE; and Andrija Jorgić, President of the Chess Federation of Serbia. “We are proud that Vrnjačka Banja has become one of the centers of chess events by organizing the European Individual Championship, the European Club Cup, the European Club Cup for Women, and the FIDE World School Chess Championship. Chess has become part of our cultural identity. In our Central Park, in a symbolic space we call the Chess Corner, stands a statue of the chess queen, unveiled in honor of this ancient game and of Vrnjačka Banja as the queen of continental tourism,” said Jasmina Trifunović in her welcoming speech. She emphasized that by hosting the World Amateur Championship, Vrnjačka Banja continues its tradition of chess and strengthens its reputation as a prestigious destination for top chess events. Next, FIDE delegate Özgür Solakoğlu addressed the participants, noting that this championship celebrates the spirit of amateur chess – a reminder that the love of the game belongs to everyone, not only to grandmasters and professionals. “Here, each move, each game, and each handshake reflect the very essence of what chess represents: respect, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence. This championship celebrates the heart of our sport – the passion and dedication of amateur players from all over the world. You come here not only to compete, but to share your love of chess, to make new friends, and to experience the joy and challenge that only this game can bring,” said Solakoğlu. In his address, Andrija Jorgić, President of the Chess Federation of Serbia, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Sports – the Federation’s most important partner in building a stronger and more recognized chess scene in Serbia – as well as to the Municipality of Vrnjačka Banja for its generous support. “I would like to thank the International Chess Federation and its President, Arkady Dvorkovich, for their trust in us to organize this event. I believe we will justify that trust and that Serbia will host many similar competitions in the future. Although I have been leading the Chess Federation of Serbia for less than a year, I am proud of all the tournaments and successes we have achieved,” said Jorgić, who also commended the Serbian national team for winning bronze at the recent European Chess Championship in Georgia. Following the ceremony, Jorgić and Trifunović made the first symbolic move, marking the start of the first round. Photos: Savo Tufegszic Official website: worldamateur2025.fide.com
World Cup Round 2 Day 2: Gukesh and Erigaisi advance, Wesley and Nepomniachtchi go home
The second game delivered all the drama chess fans could hope for — successes, upsets, nerves, and suspense in equal measure. Leading the headlines was World Champion Gukesh D., who once again demonstrated impeccable form. Playing with Black, he convincingly overpowered Kazybek Nogerbek to secure his place in the third round. Moments later, Gukesh was greeted by hundreds of cheering fans waiting outside the playing hall — a testament to his growing global appeal and India’s passionate chess following. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZCVOl7ZMrI Joining him in the winners’ column were several other top favourites, including Arjun Erigaisi, Anish Giri, Wei Yi, and Vincent Keymer, all of whom delivered commanding performances to advance without the need for tiebreaks. However, not every top seed found smooth sailing. R. Praggnanandhaa, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, and Hans Niemann were unable to finish off their opponents in the classical portion and will have to return tomorrow for what promises to be an intense day of rapid and blitz tiebreaks. Perhaps the biggest disappointment experienced Ian Nepomniachtchi, the two-time World Championship challenger, who suffered an early and unexpected exit. It was a stunning upset and one of the defining stories of the day. Another dramatic twist of the day came from Wesley So, whose premature exit shocked many. Facing Titas Stremavicius, an opponent rated more than 200 points lower, So found himself in a tense endgame while playing with the Black pieces. Under mounting time pressure, he resigned in what was actually a drawn position, overlooking a remarkable stalemate resource that would have saved the game. Other well-known names — including Ray Robson, Vassily Ivanchuk, David Navara, and Johan-Sebastian Christiansen — also bowed out of the competition, their World Cup dreams now on hold until the next edition in two years’ time. Let’s take a closer look at the action as the round unfolded. Inside the calm before the storm: Moments before Round 2 I usually arrive at the playing venue about twenty minutes before the start of each round. There’s something special about those quiet moments before the clocks begin to tick — the soft hum of concentration, the rustle of scoresheets, and the faint click of pieces being placed just so. While most grandmasters prefer to walk in during the last five minutes, a handful of players arrive early, savouring their own pre-game routines. At this level, arriving late is almost unheard of — not only would it bring a hefty fine, but it could even mean losing by forfeit. Among the early arrivals today were GMs Wesley So, Pranav V, Maksimovic, Lodici, and Yu Yangyi — each calmly settling in, preparing scoresheets, and collecting their thoughts for the battles ahead. A clash of generations: Vidit vs. Oro One of the earliest to take his seat was 12-year-old IM Faustino Oro, Argentina’s young prodigy. Oro, meticulous to the last detail, spent several minutes ensuring that each of his pieces sat perfectly centered on its square — a ritual of precision that mirrors his play. His opponent, India’s top GM Vidit Gujrathi, also arrived early, greeted the youngster warmly, adjusted his pieces, and then slipped into his familiar pre-game meditation: eyes closed, steady breathing, complete focus. Vidit enjoyed some extra encouragement today from his mother, who attended the round in a beautiful chess-themed sari, a touching symbol of support. Laughter, focus, and generations united Also among the early arrivals were elite grandmasters Anish Giri and Hans Moke Niemann. Rather than settling into their seats, the two shared a light-hearted moment, trading jokes and smiles in a brief escape from the tension that was soon to come. Their relaxed camaraderie offered a glimpse of the human side of competition — rivals on the board, but colleagues in a shared craft. A few boards away, GM Felix Blohberger exchanged greetings with his good friend GM Thai Dai Van Nguyen before slipping in his noise-cancelling earplugs — a now-familiar ritual that has become his signature. Away from the board, Blohberger is a rising figure in the online chess community: a respected ChessTuber whose thoughtful daily recaps give fans a unique window into the life and mindset of a professional player. Among the most respected presences in the playing hall was GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, a world-class competitor for over two decades and now a mentor to some of the brightest young talents in the game. One of his current protégés, 14-year-old Turkish GM Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş, is also competing in this World Cup. The two arrived together, exchanged a few final words over opening ideas, and wished each other luck before heading to their respective boards — a quiet, meaningful moment that beautifully embodied the connection between chess’s great traditions and its promising future. The enigmatic legend: Vassily Ivanchuk Grandmaster Vassily Ivanchuk is a true legend of the chess world. Arguably one of the most experienced players in World Cup history — having competed in eight editions by most counts — “Chuki,” as he’s affectionately known, remains as unpredictable and captivating as ever. True to his unique rhythm, Ivanchuk typically arrives at the venue well before the round begins, but rather than sitting down immediately, he prefers to wander calmly along the side aisles, hands clasped behind his back, lost in thought. Perhaps this gentle ritual helps him settle his nerves and tune his mind for what lies ahead — another intense four- or five-hour battle over the board. As the final seconds ticked down and arbiters prepared to start the clocks, the atmosphere shifted — quiet intensity filling every corner of the hall. The calm before the storm was over. The games had begun. The ceremonial opening of the round As per tradition, Łukasz Turlej, the FIDE Secretary General, made the symbolic first move on board three — the game between GM Praggnanandhaa R (from Chennai, India) and GM Temur Kuybokarov (representing Australia). The ceremonial event also hosted Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS, who is the Sports Secretary for the Government of Goa, as the government representative for the occasion. Turlej is not