GRENKE CHESS FESTIVAL 2025

2025 the biggest open tournament in Europe will take place again in Karlsruhe during the Easter Holidays, from 17th till 21st of April.

Baden-Baden/Weissenhaus, February 13, 2025 – The traditional chess festival in Karlsruhe is continuing in a new format. Instead of the Classic Tournament alongside the Open, there will be two major Opens this year from April 17 to 21: the grenke Freestyle Chess Open and the grenke Chess Open. The two tournaments combine Freestyle Chess and classic tournament chess under the roof of the Karlsruhe Convention Center – a unique concept.

Numerous top grandmasters are expected. The 18-time world champion Magnus Carlsen, number one in the chess world and a regular guest at the grenke Chess Festival, has already confirmed his participation in the Freestyle Open. The German number one Vincent Keymer will also be taking part. Carlsen may have the opportunity in Karlsruhe to get revenge on Keymer for yesterday's defeat in the semi-finals of the Freestyle Grand Slam in Weissenhaus.

The winner of the Freestyle Open (A) will receive a starting place for the next leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour in New York (July 17-24, 2025). The top ten finishers will win points for the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour 2025.

"We are very excited about the innovative new edition. Karlsruhe stands for size and class in one place like no other city. This year, the stars will play in the grenke Freestyle Chess Open, which is open to everyone. There is no better way to combine popular and competitive sports,” says tournament director Sven Noppes. ”With the combination of classic chess and classic freestyle, we are creating a festival that is a highlight for hobby players, amateurs and the absolute world elite, and a spectacle for all spectators on site or online.”