FIDE Grand Swiss 2025: A Premier Chess Event in Uzbekistan

The FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 is set to unfold from September 4 to September 15 in the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This prestigious event is poised to play a crucial role in the qualification process for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

Event Overview

While the tournament will be missing several prominent players—including Magnus Carlsen, Ding Liren, and Vishy Anand—the lineup remains impressive. Indian prodigies such as D. Gukesh and R. Praggnanandhaa will be among the main attractions. Other noteworthy participants include Arjun Erigaisi and local favorite Nodirbek Abdusattorov, a former World Rapid Champion.

Qualification Significance

The tournament is particularly significant, as the top two finishers in both the Open and Women’s categories will earn spots in the highly anticipated 2026 Candidates Tournament, which determines the next challenger for the World Championship title. Previous Grand Swiss events have successfully secured spots for players like Vidit Gujrathi and Vaishali Rameshbabu for the Toronto 2024 Candidates Tournament.

Format and Competition Structure

Open Event

The Open section will operate as an 11-round Swiss tournament, featuring the following time control:

• 100 minutes for the first 40 moves
• 50 minutes for the next 20 moves
• 15 minutes for the remainder of the game, plus a 30-second increment per move starting from move one

Women’s Event

Similarly, the Women’s Event will also consist of 11 rounds, with the time control structured as follows:

• 90 minutes for the initial 40 moves
• 30 minutes for the remainder of the game, plus a 30-second increment per move from the outset

Points System

In both events, the scoring works as follows:

• 1 point for a win
• 0.5 points for a draw
• 0 points for a loss

Schedule

The tournament schedule is as follows (all times in IST):

• 1st Round: September 4, 2025, at 3:30 PM
• 2nd Round: September 5, 2025, at 3:30 PM
• 3rd Round: September 6, 2025, at 3:30 PM
• 4th Round: September 7, 2025, at 3:30 PM
• 5th Round: September 8, 2025, at 3:30 PM
• 6th Round: September 9, 2025, at 3:30 PM
• Rest Day: September 10, 2025
• 7th Round: September 11, 2025, at 3:30 PM
• 8th Round: September 12, 2025, at 3:30 PM
• 9th Round: September 13, 2025, at 3:30 PM
• 10th Round: September 14, 2025, at 3:30 PM
• 11th Round: September 15, 2025, at 2:30 PM

Prize Money

The total prize pool for the event stands at an impressive $855,000, apportioned as follows:

• Open Event: $625,000
• Women’s Event: $230,000

Participating Players

Open Event Contenders

The notable players competing in the Open Event include:

• R. Praggnanandhaa (IND) – Rating: 2785
• Arjun Erigaisi (IND) – Rating: 2771
• D. Gukesh (IND) – Rating: 2767
• Alireza Firouzja (FRA) – Rating: 2754
• Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB) – Rating: 2748
• Vidit Gujrathi (IND) – Rating: 2712

Women’s Event Participants

The Women’s Event will feature prominent players such as:

• Anna Muzychuk (UKR) – Rating: 2535
• Tan Zhongyi (CHN) – Rating: 2531
• Harika Dronavalli (IND) – Rating: 2467
• Vaishali Rameshbabu (IND) – Rating: 2452

The FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 promises to be a thrilling contest that highlights both emerging talents and established players in the world of chess.