ECU Chess Championship for rating categories U1700, U2000, and U2300
The republic of Malta will be the host of the 2025 European Chess Championships for the U-1700, U-2000 and U-2300 categories. The tournament will take place November 25 – December 5 and will boast a prize fund of 4600 eur. All players and delegation members have to register before the deadline of 10 October 2025. For registrations, visit the official website of the event https://malta2025.org/ or email the organizers at info@malta2025.org
The event will be held in the 4-star Riviera Spa & Conference Hotel, on the seaside of Mellieha. It will be played in three rating categories: U2300, U2000 and U1700, open to all players from European federations/members of ECU. Each tournament will be played in 9 rounds, Swiss system with classical time control and separate Women’s competitions will be organized if there are at least 10 women players registered in each category. Otherwise, the women sections will be merged with the men/open competition, with separate rankings.
In addition to the prize fund and titles, as per FIDE handbook the Organising Committee of next year’s FIDE World Amateur Championships provides free board and lodging for the winners of each European Amateur Championship section and the winners of each European Women’s Amateur Championship section (unless they reach or exceed a FIDE standard rating of 2300 by the application deadline).
The European Chess Union is the event’s governing authority of the championship. The Malta Chess Federation is the host country’s national chess organization. The World Chess Festival (WCF) is the event’s admin.
Recent: WCF Grand Prix Final in Rodos Palace
About Malta
With over 7,000 years of history, Malta is also the ultimate holiday destination for any history fan! Home to some of the oldest free-standing temples in the World, the islands of Malta and Gozo have also played host to the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Knights of St. John, Napoleon and the British Empire. A jaunt to its phenomenal fortifications, and an open-mouthed-gape at its truly awe-inspiring architecture is a must. With golden sandy beaches, unique red sands and rocky shores, Malta offers any type of swimming spot imaginable. Both Malta and Gozo islands have a number of Blue Flag Beaches, an Award for exceptional water quality, excellent facilities and sustainable operations. Get ready to jump into the crystal-clear blue seas any time of year, thanks to Malta’s vast connectivity, sunshine and favourable climate!
Format and schedule of the ECU Chess Championship for rating categories U1700, U2000, and U2300
There will be three separate championships for categories Under-2300, Under-2000 and Under-1700. The games will be held in 9 rounds as a FIDE-rated Swiss system. The time control for each player is 90 minutes for 40 moves + 30 minutes for the rest of the game + 30 seconds increment for every move played, starting from the 1st move.
25/11, 14:00 -> Arrivals
25/11, 21:00 -> Player confirmations
26/11, 11:00 -> Technical Meeting
26/11, 14:45 -> Opening Ceremony
26/11, 15:00 -> Round 1
27/11, 15:00 -> Round 2
28/11, 15:00 -> Round 3
29/11, 15:00 -> Round 4
30/11, 15:00 -> Round 5
01/12, 15:00 -> Round 6
02/12, 15:00 -> Round 7
03/12, 15:00 -> Round 8
04/12, 15:00 -> Round 9
04/12, 21:00 -> Closing Ceremony
05/12, 11:00 -> Departures
The winner of each open/men’s category receives the relevant title respectively: “European Amateur Chess Champion U-1700, U-2000 and U-2300.”
The winners of gold, silver and bronze medals in the open/men’s category U-2300 are eligible to receive the FIDE title of Candidate Master (CM).
The winner of gold medal in the open/men’s category U-2000 is eligible to receive the FIDE title of Candidate Master (CM).
WOMEN: The winner of each women’s category receives the relevant title respectively: “European Women’s Amateur Chess Champion U-1700, U-2000 and U-2300.”
WOMEN: The winners of gold, silver and bronze medals in the women’s category U-2300 are eligible to receive the FIDE title of Woman Candidate Master (WCM).
WOMEN: The winner of gold medal in the women’s category U-2000 is eligible to receive the FIDE title of Woman Candidate Master (WCM).
As per FIDE handbook (chapter D.04.04, articles 6 and 7), the Organising Committee of next year’s FIDE World Amateur Championships provides free board and lodging in double rooms for the winners of each European Amateur Championship section and the winners of each European Women’s Amateur Championship section (unless they reach or exceed a FIDE standard rating of 2300 by the application deadline).