In December and January, Monaco will host two major chess events that promise to bring excitement and high-level competition to the Principality. Organized by the Fédération Monégasque des Échecs, these tournaments cater to both young talents and seasoned professionals, further solidifying Monaco’s position on the European chess map.
The main event will be the European Women’s Rapid Game and Blitz Championship, set to take place from January 10-12, 2025, at the Novotel Hotel. With 119 female players from 26 countries, this tournament marks a milestone for women’s chess, showcasing some of Europe’s top competitors. Notably, the prize pool is a record €46,500, surpassing the men’s tournaments for the first time in history, a move that highlights Monaco’s commitment to advancing women in chess.
The tournament kicks off with the Blitz Championship, followed by the Rapid Games Championship. While the Blitz will challenge players with a fast-paced 3 minutes plus 2 seconds per move, the Rapid Games format offers more time with 15 minutes plus 10 seconds per move. Among the participants is former world champion Alexandra Kosteniuk, a favorite to retain her title, along with several members of the Cercle d’Échecs de Monte-Carlo.
Additionally, on December 14, Monaco will host a children’s chess tournament at the Maison des Associations. This event doubles as a fundraiser, with all proceeds going towards supporting Juliette Rapaire and Sarah Pownky’s participation in the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles 2025, a women-only charity race.
As Monaco gears up for these exciting tournaments, chess enthusiasts are in for an action-packed end to 2024 and a thrilling start to 2025.