The ancient city of Samarkand, nestled in the heart of Uzbekistan, is set to become the epicenter of the chess world in September 2025. For the first time, this nation with a deep historical connection to the game will host the prestigious FIDE Grand Swiss and Women`s Grand Swiss tournaments, running from September 3rd to 16th.
These events are far more than just major competitions; they are the penultimate proving ground for ambitious players aiming for the sport`s highest echelons. The stakes are exceptionally high: the top two finishers in the Open Grand Swiss and the top two in the Women`s Grand Swiss will earn coveted direct berths into the respective 2026 Candidates Tournaments. Securing a spot here means you are just one step away from challenging for the World Championship crown, a prospect that tends to sharpen even the calmest minds.
Adding significant weight to the competitive fire is a substantial increase in the prize funds. The Open Grand Swiss will now boast a total prize pool of $625,000, a healthy 36% jump from the previous edition`s $460,000. The Women`s Grand Swiss sees an even more dramatic rise, increasing by 64% from $140,000 to $230,000. Lest anyone forget chess is also a profession, such significant financial incentives not only reward excellence but also underscore the growing stature of these events and the broader FIDE circuit.
Both tournaments will feature an intense 11-round Swiss format, designed to test players` consistency and endurance against a diverse field. The Open event will host 114 participants, while the Women`s tournament will feature 56 of the world`s leading female players, bringing the total number of combatants to 170. An 11-round Swiss is a true marathon, demanding peak performance over two weeks without the respite of segmenting into groups like in a round-robin. Every game counts, right from the start.
The initial wave of qualified players has now been announced, based primarily on their FIDE ratings. As of this announcement, 100 players have secured their spots in the Open Grand Swiss and 44 in the Women`s Grand Swiss via this criterion. A minimum of 30 rated games played was required for eligibility – a technical detail ensuring these spots go to active competitors rather than those resting on historical ratings. However, these lists are not yet final. Additional places will be filled through continental qualifications, as well as nominations from the FIDE President and the organizing committee. This guarantees a field composed of the rating elite, regional champions, and potentially some intriguing wildcards hand-picked to add extra spice to the mix.
As Samarkand, a city steeped in history and rapidly emerging on the modern chess map, prepares to welcome the world`s chess elite, the anticipation builds. The Grand Swiss is known for its unforgiving nature and often unpredictable results, frequently catapulting new stars onto the scene while challenging established titans. The road to the 2026 Candidates is officially opening, and the first concrete steps have been taken towards assembling the formidable fields that will vie for the most sought-after spots in chess.
