The Baku Open 2025 international festival, a prestigious event celebrating the game of chess and the rise of Azerbaijani talent, kicked off on April 28 at the Baku Crystal Hall.
The festival features three tournament sections (A, B, and C)—all 9-round Swiss tournaments with classical time control—and has brought together nearly 700 players representing 16 national federations. The total prize fund for the festival is $55,000, with $12,000 awarded to the winner of Tournament A.
The opening ceremony of the Baku Open 2025, jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan Chess Federation, was attended by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, two-time Women’s World Champion and FIDE Treasurer Zhu Chen, President of the Turkish Chess Federation Fethi Apaydın, President of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation Mahir Mammadov, Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov, and other distinguished guests.
During the event, the Azerbaijan Chess Federation and the Turkish Chess Federation officially signed a cooperation agreement.
The signing ceremony was attended by Azerbaijan Chess Federation President Mahir Mammadov, Turkish Chess Federation President Fethi Apaydın, and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich.
Under the agreement, the two federations will collaborate on various initiatives to promote the development of chess. The partnership includes joint training camps for national teams, referee training programs, and the launch of several chess development projects.
The program of Baku Open 2025 includes several exciting side events, including the Battle of Champions competition and masterclasses by leading chess players.
In the Battle of Champions, Azerbaijani champion Rauf Mammadov faces former FIDE World Champion Rustam Kasimdzhanov (Uzbekistan), while Azerbaijani Women’s Champion Gunay Mammadzada competes against former World and European Champion Antoaneta Stefanova (Bulgaria). The winners will be determined based on the combined results of rapid and blitz games.
The opening ceremony of the Battle of Champions was held at the National Carpet Museum on April 28.
In her speech, Museum Director Amina Malikova (pictured above) explained the choice of venue: “For the first time in our museum’s history, an international chess tournament is being held. We know that chess is always regarded as a symbol of high intelligence. I hope that the carpets you see here will have a positive impact on our chess players.”
Mahir Mammadov, President of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation, wished the players success and praised the regular organization of such tournaments as a highly positive development.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, who attended the ceremony, highlighted the unity of culture and sport: “We see the union of chess and culture in one place. Dear chess players, I am sure you will enjoy playing here and will also inspire the artists.”
Following the ceremony, Mammadov presented a souvenir to FIDE President. A drawing of colors then took place, and the competition began.
After three rapid games in both matches, the Azerbaijani players seized a 2–1 lead.
On April 27, former Women’s World and European Champion Antoaneta Stefanova conducted a masterclass for young Azerbaijani players.
The session, attended by 20 young chess enthusiasts, featured Stefanova sharing insights into her journey, career highlights, chess openings, strategic concepts, and an interactive Q&A session.
At the end of the masterclass, all participants received certificates and special gifts.
The Azerbaijan Chess Federation continues to organize diverse initiatives and events aimed at nurturing a love for chess among youth and promoting their healthy development.
Photos: Azerbaijan Chess Federation