Project STEM CHESS 2025 by FIDE EDU and Opening Master announced
Opening Master and FIDE Education Commission are calling all out STEM graduate degree students who would like to author an interesting BIG DATA chess science project. With a massive chess database like Opening Master OTB with 10.3 millions official human games, we are selecting three predictive analytics projects that could yield interesting results for further chess theory study. Calling all Chess Masters in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) graduate degree students Participate in Cutting-Edge Predictive Analytics Research with Opening Master and FIDE EDU! Are you a STEM graduate degree student with a passion for chess and a minimum of ELO 2000? Here’s your chance to combine advanced analytics with the art of chess in a groundbreaking project with the renowned Opening Master database, containing over 10.3 million human chess games! Plus, compete to win a grand prize of $1,000 and making chess history. We’re looking for skilled and ambitious players to dive deep into predictive analytics and contribute to pioneering research in chess strategies. As a participant, you’ll work on one of three specialized projects using real-world chess data to uncover hidden insights into openings, player development, and game outcomes. This is an extraordinary opportunity to merge your analytical expertise with your chess mastery and make a signature to Chess Education, perhaps once taught in schools. Who should apply? This opportunity is perfect for STEM students pursuing advanced degrees at Universities who also hold a minimum ELO 2000 (exceptions will be granted based on individual evaluation). We encourage applications from those who are passionate about chess and keen to apply their analytical skills to produce game-changing insights. PhD degrees candidates are welcome too. Are you seeking for Master Thesis or Doctorate Thesis? This is perhaps the best way to combine it with your passion to chess. What you’ll gain Real-World research experience Engage with vast, real-world data from the Opening Master database. Get insights from real players behind. It is a great opportunity to talk to them on qualitative analysis. Publication potential Collaborate on findings with opportunities for research publications. Ready with publication? The project paper will have interesting thesis advisors (or dissertation advisor in case of PhD paper) and publication committee supported by FIDE and Opening Master. Networking Connect with fellow high-ranking chess players and data enthusiasts. With these highly exposed chess projects, you could connect to international Grand Master or even World Champions. Need mentor? Each project will include assigned mentor from STEM area whom you could discuss your findings. $1,000 Grand Prize and lifetime access to Opening Master A cash reward to recognize outstanding contributions to any of the three projects. On top, we are willing to support your expenses (necessary software licenses, travel, publication costs) How to apply Interested applicants should submit a CV, a cover letter explaining their chess background and analytical experience, and a brief statement on which project they’re most excited to work on. Applications are open until April 15, 2025. E-mail for applications: stemchess@openingmaster.com Don’t miss this unique chance to revolutionize chess strategy and analytics—apply now to make your mark on the future of chess! Contact us via our form. We reply to all applicants. Learn more about Chess Stem Project HERE. Opening Master official website: openingmaster.com/
Sweden’s chess makes strategic move with “Schackelit Sverige” – A new era for young talents
Sweden’s chess community is buzzing with excitement over “Schackelit Sverige”, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering young elite players and increasing interest in chess worldwide. With strong support from local chess clubs SK Rockaden and SS 4 Springare, this program is set to provide Sweden’s rising stars with opportunities to compete on the international stage. The mastermind behind the project, IM, FT & IA Vladimir Poley, along with Saida Trost, is on a mission to help young talents participate in norm tournaments—a crucial step toward earning International Master (IM) and Grandmaster (GM) titles. The series kicks off with its first tournament at the newly opened 4-star Hotel Stockholm North by First Hotels, running from February 17–21. A new chapter for Swedish chess Tournaments offering title norms have been rare in Sweden, but Schackelit Sverige aims to change that. This initiative marks the beginning of a four-tournament series throughout 2025, each designed to help players advance their chess careers. The inaugural event, the Hotel Stockholm North by First hotels young talents tournament, is a 10-player round-robin (Berger format) with an average rating of 2471, offering both IM and GM norm opportunities. The second tournament is already scheduled for April 28 – May 2, and interest is growing rapidly! The first event’s lineup features some of Sweden’s strongest players, including: IM Jung Min Seo, one of the country’s rising stars, IM Edvin Trost, fresh off a strong performance at Rilton Cup 2025, where he scored 7/9 GM Vitalij Sivuk, two-time Swedish Champion 2023, 2024 While Svenska Schackakademien is on the way to become an officially a sponsor, the organizers hope to secure their support to expand the project further and offer even more opportunities for young players and to train under legendary veteran grandmasters and accelerate their development. More than just titles The initiative is not just about collecting norms and titles. It’s about bringing the chess community together, fostering personal growth, and creating a fun, challenging environment where young players can thrive. Live broadcasts of the games will allow fans to follow the action from anywhere, while players can enjoy a comfortable and inspiring atmosphere at Hotel Stockholm North. This initiative isn’t just about earning norms and titles—it’s about building a strong chess community, fostering personal growth, and creating an exciting, competitive environment where young players can thrive. Live broadcasts will allow fans to follow the action from anywhere, while participants will enjoy a comfortable and inspiring setting at Hotel Stockholm North. “After the Rilton Cup, where no one managed to secure a GM norm, I felt it was time to act,” says Vladimir Poley. “This project came together quickly, but everything is now ready for an exciting first event next week.” Read more: schack.se/nyhet/sverige/2025/02/klart-med-titelturnering-pa-svensk-mark/ Follow the journey Chess enthusiasts are invited to watch the games live in Upplands Väsby conveniently located between Stockholm City and Arlanda International Airport or follow the action online. Stay tuned for updates and don’t miss your chance to see Sweden’s future chess stars in action! For more information and media inquiries, including photo requests, contact: poleychess@hotmail.comsaida.trost@gmail.com. Photos and game coverage will be available throughout the tournament.
Levan Pantsulaia and Nana Dzagnidze win 2025 Georgian Championship
Levan Pantsulaia and Nana Dzagnidze have been crowned the 2025 Georgian Chess Champions, securing their fifth and fourth national titles, respectively. The 84th Georgian Chess Championship and the 82nd Georgian Women’s Chess Championship, both 10-player round robins with classical time control, were held simultaneously from February 2-12 in Tbilisi, Georgia. The open section featured Georgia’s top players, except for 2024 champion Baadur Jobava, who opted not to defend his title. GM Levan Pantsulaia (pictured above) took the lead early with back-to-back victories and never relinquished it. Holding a solid point advantage over the competition, he secured the title by drawing his final three games, finishing clear first with 6.5/9—the only unbeaten player in the event. Giga Quparadze took silver, finishing just half a point behind, while Tornike Sanikidze strung together three consecutive wins in the final rounds to claim bronze. Final standings Open: 1 GM Pantsulaia, Levan 2522 6½ 2 GM Quparadze, Giga 2539 6 3 GM Sanikidze, Tornike 2442 5½ 4 GM Kacharava, Nikolozi 2526 5 5 GM Paichadze, Luka 2532 5 6 GM Gagunashvili, Merab 2541 4½ 7 IM Tutisani, Noe 2439 4½ 8 IM Petriashvili, Nikoloz 2450 3½ 9 GM Mchedlishvili, Mikheil 2568 2½ 10 IM Nigalidze, Gaioz 2378 2 Final standings Women: 1 GM Dzagnidze, Nana 2518 7 2 GM Khotenashvili, Bella 2419 6½ 3 IM Arabidze, Meri 2457 6 4 WGM Khurtsilava, Inga 2172 6 5 WGM Mikadze, Miranda 2133 5½ 6 WFM Mgeladze, Kesaria 2219 4 7 WCM Tsetskhladze, Mariam 2080 3½ 8 WFM Kirtadze, Anastasia 2218 3½ 9 WIM Vakhania, Aleksandra 2062 2 10 Kalandadze, Mariam 1987 1 Photos: Georgian Chess Federation