Skalica has been alive with chess since 23. until 31. August 2025. The CHESS Slovak OPEN festival took place in the Culture House, which brought nine days of intense duels, accompanying tournaments and meetings with chess personalities. In total, approximately 150 players from 19 countries participated in all tournaments. The director of the event was IO Milan Roman, the main referee was IA Rastislav Diviak and the ambassadors of the festival were GM Ján Plachetka (the first Slovak Grandmaster) and GM Sergej Movsesjan (Olympic champion with the Armenian national team).
Main OPEN (2000+): Baidetskyi winner, Pechac second
The main event of the festival – OPEN 2000+ – featured 9 rounds with a standard pace of 90’/40 +30″, then 30’+30″. The winner was IM Valentin Baidetskyi (AUT) with 7,5/9, second place went to GM Jergus Pechac (SVK) 7/9 and the podium was completed by FM Miras Assylov (KAZ) 6,5/9.
Strong moment of the tournament: in Skalica, WFM Tihana Iveković (CRO) fulfilled the standard for the WIM (Women’s International Champion) title.
Peter Špak, member of the Board of Directors, presented the prizes to the winners on behalf of the main sponsor Energy Group.
Special awards: the Jan Plachetka Award – IM Valentin Baidetskyi; the Sergei Movsesian Award – Jáchym Hrbek.
Rapid: Sergei Movsesian’s triumph
Saturday’s rapid (7 rounds, 10+5) was dominated by GM Sergey Movsesian (ARM) with 6,5/7. He was followed by GM Mikuláš Maník (SVK) 5/7 and IM Vojtěch Zwardon (CZE) 5/7 on the auxiliary rating.
Blitz: Pechac the king of blitz chess
GM Jergus Pechac (SVK) won the blitz tournament (11 rounds) with 9,5/11. The second and third places were taken by FM Martin Fargač (CZE) 8/11 and FM Adharsh K (IND) 8/11 – the order was decided by tie-breaks.
Freestyle (Chess960): Korobov ahead of Movsesian
The evening freestyle (Chess960) was played for the first time in the local brewery Špicer, which gave the event a unique atmosphere. GM Anton Korobov (UKR) won 6/7, ahead of GM Sergey Movsesian (ARM) 5.5/7 and FM Martin Fargač (CZE) 5.5/7.
Quartet Cup (U2000): Ukrainian-Czech final on auxiliary
Mykola Bohatyrov (UKR) triumphed in the accompanying Quartet Cup (players up to 1999 Elo) 7,5/9. Second Jan Bjolek (CZE) 7,5/9 was just behind on the auxiliary ratings, third was Richard Hasala (SVK) 7/9.
Atmosphere, city and community
The festival once again confirmed that Skalica is an ideal host for a big chess event – the compact historical centre, friendly atmosphere and proximity to services create a great background for players and fans. During the nine days, the city was a vibrant community: chess players filled cafes and restaurants, visited monuments and tasted regional specialties. The successful event brought not only sporting emotions but also a positive economic boost to local businesses and services.
Acknowledgements
The organizers would like to thank Energy Group for their long-term support, the town of Skalica, partners and volunteers who helped to create excellent conditions for players and spectators. CHESS Slovak OPEN has thus confirmed its position as one of the most prominent chess festivals in the region in 2025 – with a rich programme, international participation and strong sporting stories.