📅 20–30 July 2025
📍 Oskemen, Kazakhstan
💰 $100,000 Prize Fund
🌍 FIDE-Rated Swiss System
About the Tournament
The Oskemen Open 2025 is the 2nd stage of the Kazakhstan Chess Cup 2025, organized by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation (KazChess) with support from national and regional sports authorities. This prestigious international chess event aims to:
- Promote chess across Kazakhstan, especially in East Kazakhstan
- Develop local professional chess talent
- Strengthen national teams and prepare elite players
- Select finalists for the Kazakhstan Chess Cup 2025
Tournament Categories
Three FIDE-rated tournaments will be held:
| Tournament | Rating | Max Participants |
|---|---|---|
| Masters | 2400+ | 100 |
| Challengers | 1900–2399 | 100 |
| Open | 1400–1899 | 100 |
Each event features 9 classical Swiss rounds (90+30 time control). Pairings will use the Swiss Manager software. No draw offers before move 30. Anti-cheating and dress code rules apply.
Important Dates & Schedule
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 20 July | Arrival & Accreditation (12:00–18:00), Technical Meeting (19:00) |
| 21–29 July | Rounds 1–9 (Daily at 15:00, Round 9 at 10:00) |
| 29 July | Closing Ceremony (17:00) |
| 30 July | Departure |
Live broadcasts will be delayed by 15 minutes for anti-cheating compliance.
Entry Fees & Discounts
| Rating Group | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| GM/IM/WGM/WIM | Free |
| 2600+ | Free |
| 2500–2599 | $50 |
| 2400–2499 | $125 |
| 1900–2399 | $100 |
| 1400–1899 | $75 |
50% discount for:
- Kazakh nationals born after 2007 or before 1965
- Players with first, second, or third-degree disabilities
Fully Sponsored Invitations
For GMs rated 2600+ (as of May 1, 2025), KazChess offers:
- Full-board hotel
- Flight cost reimbursement (up to $1,000)
- Airport pickup and venue transport
Applications due by 20 June 2025 to: 📧 tournaments@kazchess.kz
Registration Process
🔗 Register Here
📅 Deadline: 20 June 2025
Late entries will be charged an extra $50 and may be rejected if the 300-player cap is reached. Fees are paid via the KazChess website and are non-refundable.
Visa Information
Apply by 10 June 2025 if a visa is required.
🛂 Kazakhstan e-visa portal
💵 Visa Fee: $80 (waived for invited players)
Prize Fund – $100,000 💰
Masters Tournament – $78,000
Top prize: $18,000
Best woman: $1,000
Challengers Tournament – $15,000
Top prize: $4,000
Special prizes for 2000–2200 rating and best local player
Open Tournament – $7,000
Top prize: $2,000
Special prizes for U1600 and best local player
➡️ Prizes are paid via bank transfer (KZT, USD, or RUB) within 30 days. No cash payments allowed.
Rules & Conduct
- FIDE rules apply
- Business or elegant casual dress code
- No smoking or early draw offers
- Scorekeeping required (except under age 6)
- Misconduct can lead to disqualification
- Consent is granted for photos, video, and promotion use by KazChess
Contact
📩 tournaments@kazchess.kz
Tournament Director, Chief Arbiter, and Secretary: Appointed by KazChess
Offcial Website
Download Circular from Official Website – https://kazchess.kz/tournament/oskemen-open-2025