When Europe’s Finest Clubs Clash
The European Chess Club Cup 2025 is set to unfold in the beautiful island city of Rhodes, Greece, from October 18 to 26, 2025.
Organized by the European Chess Union (ECU), this annual event brings together the strongest chess clubs across Europe—featuring elite grandmasters, rising stars, and world champions representing their home clubs.
Unlike national events, this championship celebrates the spirit of club chess, where players from different countries unite under one team, creating fascinating combinations of experience, culture, and playing style.
A Legacy of Champions
The European Chess Club Cup has long been considered Europe’s most prestigious team tournament.
In 2024, the Czech powerhouse Novy Bor Chess Club captured the title in the Open section, while TAJFUN SK Ljubljana triumphed in the Women’s division.
Both teams set incredibly high standards, ensuring that the 2025 edition will be even more competitive.
Tournament Format: How It Works
The 2025 edition marks the 40th Open and 29th Women’s European Chess Club Cup. Here’s what to expect:
- Format: 7-Round Swiss System
- Sections: Open & Women’s
- Time Control: 90 minutes for 40 moves + 30 minutes to finish, with a 30-second increment from move one
- Team Composition:
- Open section – 6 players + 2 reserves
- Women’s section – 4 players + 1 reserve
- Tiebreaks: Match points, board points, and Sonneborn-Berger score
This year’s edition has already broken records, featuring over 120 registered clubs (including 102 in Open and 20 in Women’s categories), making it one of the largest in history.
Why 2025 Promises to Be Special
- Record Participation: The 2025 Cup has attracted more clubs than ever before, showcasing Europe’s growing chess culture.
- World-Class Field: Expect top grandmasters like Magnus Carlsen, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and Anish Giri to represent leading clubs such as Offerspill, Superbet Chess Team, and Novy Bor.
- Indian Presence: Several Indian talents are expected to feature across European clubs—continuing India’s global rise in chess.
- Historic Venue: The event’s return to Rhodes combines chess excellence with Greek hospitality and scenic beauty.
- Unmatched Prestige: Winning the Club Cup not only brings glory—it cements a team’s status in world chess for years to come.
Clubs and Stars to Watch
- Novy Bor Chess Club (Czech Republic): Defending champions with a blend of experience and tactical precision.
- Superbet Chess Team (Romania): A sponsor-backed powerhouse featuring some of Europe’s strongest grandmasters.
- Offerspill Chess Club (Norway): Led by Magnus Carlsen, this team’s presence guarantees global attention.
- TAJFUN SK Ljubljana (Slovenia): Reigning Women’s champions aiming to defend their crown.
- Indian Players in Action: Keep an eye on young Indian GMs who often represent top European teams — a proud moment for Indian chess fans.
Beyond the Board: What Makes It Unique
The European Chess Club Cup isn’t just about trophies it’s about team spirit in an individual game.
Here, coaches, reserves, and players work together to plan board order, strategy, and preparation.
It’s also a chance for young players to learn directly from grandmasters, observe professional discipline, and understand how top teams function under pressure.
For parents and aspiring young players, this event showcases how chess can evolve from a hobby into a structured, international career path.
Past Winners (Last 5 Editions)
| Year | Open Champion | Women’s Champion |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Novy Bor Chess Club | TAJFUN SK Ljubljana |
| 2023 | Offerspill Chess Club | Monte Carlo Chess Club |
| 2022 | Novy Bor Chess Club | CSU ASE Superbet |
| 2021 | Mednyi Vsadnik | Cercle d’Echecs de Monte Carlo |
| 2020 | Cancelled (Pandemic) | Cancelled (Pandemic) |
What to Expect in 2025
- More teams, more drama: Over 600 titled players are expected.
- Tense finishes: With so many evenly matched clubs, every half-point will matter.
- Indian eyes on Europe: Fans back home will be following closely to see how Indian players perform on the continental stage.
- Strong online coverage: Fans worldwide can watch the games live on Chess24, Lichess, and the ECU website.
Official Details
📍 Location: Rhodes, Greece
🗓️ Dates: October 18–26, 2025
🏆 Sections: Open & Women’s
♟️ Rounds: 7 (Swiss System)
🌐 Official Website: European Chess Union – Club Cup 2025
Europe’s Finest Face Off
The European Chess Club Cup 2025 isn’t just another chess tournament it’s where clubs, legends, and prodigies come together to shape the story of modern chess.
With record participation, global stars, and rising Indian talents, the stage in Rhodes is set for an unforgettable battle of minds.
Stay tuned as Kingdom of Chess brings you highlights, results, and inspiring performances from Europe’s grandest chess stage.
