The 33rd FIDE World Senior Championships kicked off in the Grand Hotel Costa Brada, Gallipoli, Puglia, Italy, on October 21. The 2025 edition has set a new record, with 467 players participating.
The players come from 67 different countries, with some even traveling halfway around the globe, flying in from New Zealand, South America, and South Africa. Of these, 55 participants are competing in the women’s competitions. The largest field is in the 65+ seniors category, with 247 players taking part.
The championships are played as 11-round Swiss-system tournaments with classical time control (90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move) and feature four categories: Open and Women’s sections for the 50+ and 65+ age groups.
Four 2500+ GMs – Kiril Georgiev (BUL, 2526), Murtas Kazhgaleyev (KAZ, 2518), Alexandre Qashashvili (GEO, 2505), and Victor Mikhalevski (ISR, 2504) – headline the 50+ Open section, while reigning European Senior Champion GM Zurab Sturua (GEO, 2491) leads the 65+ Open starting list.
GMs Pia Cramling (SWE, 2403), Ketevan Arakhamia-Grant (SCO, 2269; pictured above), IM Masha Klinova (ISR, 2235), and Monica Calzetta Ruiz (ESP, 2221) enter the 50+ Women’s competition as the top seeds. The legendary Nona Gaprindashvili tops the 65+ Women’s starting list.
In recognition of the record turnout, FIDE has increased the total prize fund from €43,000 to €50,000. The category winners will receive: €5,000 (Open 50+), €2,100 (Women 50+), €3,000 (Open 65+), and €1,500 (Women 65+). In addition, the champions will be awarded free entry and complimentary hotel accommodation at the 3rd Cap Negret Senior Open (50+ and 65+), taking place from November 8–16, 2025, in Altea, Alicante, Spain.
Special prizes for players aged 75 and above have also been increased.
Several side activities will complement the main event, including two FIDE-rated blitz tournaments.
The opening ceremony commenced with the playing of the Italian national anthem and the FIDE anthem, with all participants rising in a festive gesture.
The competitions were officially opened by Tournament Director Cristina Rigo, co-organizer Matteo Zoldan (Chairman, WSCC 2025), and Yana Sidorchuk (FIDE Technical Delegate), who attended as the representative of FIDE. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich is expected to attend the award ceremony on November 1.
Patrick Van Hoolandt (AC Chair) from Monaco delivered a welcome speech, wishing all participants wonderful experiences, new friendships, and many unforgettable memories throughout the tournament.
Chief Arbiter Arno Eliens from the Netherlands reviewed the rules and officially signaled the start of the first round.
Full results and pairings are available on Chess-Results.
Official website: worldseniorchampionship2025.com/