Masters:
Aravindh Chithambaram (25 years old; 2749 Elo; IND): Known for his incisive style and resilienceAravindh is yet another representative of India’s rising chess generation. Thanks to his recent triumphs in Prague and Chennai – which propelled him to the 11th place in the world -he has now established himself as a serious contender on the international scene. Although his rise to the top was later than that of some of his compatriots, it fully confirms the prophecy of his mentor, the legendary RameshThe greatest talent since Vishy Anand”.
Liem Quang Le (34 years old; 2729 Elo; VIE): Liem’s style combines a tactical vision to a total mastery of different cadences. A true virtuoso of the blitz and the rapid, he competes unashamedly with the world’s classical elite, as evidenced by his dazzling victories over Carlsen (Oslo 2022) and Ding Liren (Olympiad 2024). Sound historic treble in Biel (2022-2024)an unprecedented feat in this demanding tournament, consolidates his reputation as a relentless competitor. At the age of 34, his declared ambition is to win a fourth title this summer in Biel!
Frederik Svane (21; 2668 Elo; GER): Frederik imposes his style sharp and full of bitecombining a tactical intuition with a resolutely offensive temperament. His games often end in explosive finales. His resounding victory over Matthias Blübaum in the Kader Challenge 2021 revealed the extent of his potential. Although he has yet to break the 2700 Elo point barrier, his dazzling progresshis calculated audacity all point to an imminent ascent to the world elite, in the sights of his illustrious compatriot Vincent Keymer!
Volodar Murzin (18 years; 2658 Elo; FID): Volodar cultivates a style electric and uncompromisingmarked by a tactical intelligence. Despite his young age, he has forged an ironclad character, having had to face first the torments of an abusive father, then the lack of support from the Russian Federation, which takes a dim view of his critical stance and that of his coach, GM Kobalia, in relation to the geopolitical situation. At just 18 years of age, the new world fastball champion will be keen to take a decisive step towards the top at the Biel Festival!
Radoslaw Wojtaszek (38 years old; 2655 Elo; POL): Wojtaszek’s style is renowned for its theoretical depth and versatilityrefined by his work on Anand’s assistant. His victories over Carlsen, Caruana, Nakamura and others, as well as his longevity at elite level, underline his talent. His potential remains evident, reinforced by his recent contributions as a Gukesh’s second-in-command at the 2024 World Championships. At 37, the Pole has not said his last word in the Triathlon that he has already won in 2020without having had the opportunity to defend his title.
Saleh Salem (32; 2631 Elo; UAE): With his style of play aggressive and tacticalblossoming in fast and blitz formats, where its quick decision-making shines, Salem is hoping to make his opponents tremble, in this Masters which he has fully deserved after his dazzling victory in the Challengers last year. What’s more, Ivan Sokolov’s pupil since 2013 will benefit from his triathlon experience, as this will be his third appearance after 2022 (following his victory in the 2021 MTO) and 2024.
Challengers:
David Navara (40; 2665 Elo; CZE): Navara’s style, too combative than uncompromisingregularly gives rise to thrilling games. His legendary fair play has made him one of the most popular players on the circuit. We’re delighted to welcome him back to Biel, who sums up his philosophy with humility: “I’m not a genius like Carlsen or Kasparov – just an enthusiast who loves hard work and good games”. This year, he’ll have to assume the not-always-easy status of Challengers favourite.
Daniel Dardha (19 years old; 2650 Elo; BEL): Dardha’s playing style combines dynamism and unpredictability combined with a tactical creativity and a resilience forged as a child by his father’s rigorous training and the invaluable advice of GM Ivan Sokolov. At just 19 years of age, the European vice-champion 2024 suggests that he could soon be challenging the world’s elite. A triumph in the Challengers would open the door to next year’s Masters: the perfect opportunity to confirm his status as a rising star!
Ma Qun (33; 2630 Elo; CHN): Ma Qun’s style of play is characterized by a strong meticulous preparation and a remarkable adaptability, excellent both in classic and fast formats. Sound tactical acuity and its resilience in critical situations have made it a pillar of Chinese chessas evidenced by his decisive performances in team competitions. Although he has yet to join the very select circle of the world’s elite, his track record confirms his status as an accomplished and fearsomely consistent Grandmaster.
Aram Hakobyan (24 years; 2620 Elo; ARM): Hakobyan’s playing style combines tactical finesse and positional controlforged by years of experience in youth competitions and elite training. After his early successes punctuated by medals at world and European junior championships, he enrolled at Webster University to combine a chess career with a degree in management. Pupil of Quang Liem LeThis year, he has the opportunity to make a great leap forward in his career, following in the footsteps of the undisputed champion of the Biel triathlon format!
Nikolas Theodorou (24; 2611 Elo; GRE): Theodorou masters the delicate alchemy between tactical instinct and positional rigoras demonstrated by his coup against Caruana at the recent US Chess Masters. A key player in the Greek chess revival and now a rising force in the USA, despite his dual career combining advanced university studies with intact sporting ambitions, the young Crêtois may well be the big surprise of Challengers 2025.
Rinat Jumabayev (35 years; 2549 Elo; KAZ): The victory of the popular Kazakh in the Tournament open Masters (MTO) last year has propelled him into this year’s Challengers. Jumabayev doesn’t shy away from taking risks against stronger opponents, as evidenced by his victory with the Blacks against Caruana at the World Cup 2021. Also known for his skill and mental strength in fast games and blitz, it could be that he’s the right man for the job. stubborn competitor will surprise more than one of his rivals in a triathlon that promises to be more open than it looks!
After Friday’s appetizer July 11 with the simultaneous given by the German GM Fredrik SvaneThe official opening will take place the following day, immediately followed by the ACCENTUS 960 tournament, which will be used to decide between players who are still tied at the end of the Triathlon:
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11-Jul-25 |
Arrival of participants
8pm: Welcome toast and official photo session |
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12-Jul-25 |
10:30 am: Technical meeting
11:30 am: Opening ceremony |
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12-Jul-25 |
14h: ACC Chess960 |
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13-Jul-25 |
2pm: Quick tournament |
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14-Jul-25 |
Day off – Excursion |
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15-Jul-25 |
2pm: 1st round classical section |
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16-Jul-25 |
2pm: 2nd round classical section |
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17-Jul-25 |
2pm: Round 3 classical section |
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18-Jul-25 |
2pm: Round 4 classical section |
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19-Jul-25 |
2pm: 5th round classic section |
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20-Jul-25 |
2pm: Blitz tournament |
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21-Jul-25 |
Day off |
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22-Jul-25 |
2pm: 6th round classical section |
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23-Jul-25 |
2pm: 7th round classic section |
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24-Jul-25 |
2pm: 8th round classical section |
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25-Jul-25 |
10:30 am: Closing ceremony. |
Complete program of the Biel Chess Festival 2025:
For further information:
Tatjana Kraska Horvath, Secretary, office@bielchessfestival.ch, +41 32 589 68 68
Florian Zarri, for regulatory matters, arbiter@bielchessfestival.ch
Paul Kohler, Tournament Director: paul.kohler@bielchessfestival.ch
Peter Bohnenblust, Chairman of the Organizing Committee: +41 76 405 80 87
