ACO World Senior (50+) Championship 2025

The Amateur Chess Organization (ACO) organized the 2025 World Amateur Chess Championship on Crete (Greece), which has now come to an end. From 1st to 10th October, 126 players from 20 nations took part. Unlike other tournaments, this event is played in 7 separate rating groups, ensuring that players ONLY play against opponents of similar strength. The event is played in the following groups: Group A (2201 - 2400), Group B (2001 - 2200), Group C (1901 - 2000), Group D (1751 - 1900), Group E (1651 - 1750), Group F (1501 - 1650), and Group G (0 - 1500).

One of the two playing halls. Apart from the main tournament, several lectures, evening blitz events and a grandmaster simul took place.

Picture gallery of the tournament: https://www.picdrop.com/amateurchessorganization/f9wJFwb3uV

Picture gallery prize-giving ceremony: https://www.picdrop.com/amateurchessorganization/MB7AiArhUf

Grandmaster analysis right after the game

Unique is also the opportunity for participants to analyze their games with titled coaches. There were 3 coaches on site: GM Daniel King from England, GM Zigurds Lanka from Latvia and GM Spyridon Skembris from Greece. Right after the games end, players could analyze them with the coaches, receiving instant feedback while still remembering every thought process of the game. There is no better way to improve in chess!

Free chess lecture right next to the pool with Grandmaster Daniel King.

Winners

Group A (2201 - 2400): Facundo Pierrot (Argentina)
Group B (2001 - 2200): Andre Matzat (Germany)
Group C (1901 - 2000): Dominik Schneider (Germany)
Group D (1751 - 1900): Joachim Kellenberger (Switzerland)
Group E (1651 - 1750): Cholponbek Tilenbaev (Kyrgyzstan)
Group F (1501 - 1650): Jan Ove Lorentzen (Norway)
Group G (0 - 1500): Karel Bern (Czech Republic)

From left to right: GM Daniel King (host), IM Tobias Hirneise (organiser), Cholponbek Tilenbaev (Kyrgyzstan), Joachim Kellenberger (Switzerland), Jan Ove Lorentzen (Norway), Andre Matzat (Germany), Dominik Schneider (Germany), Facundo Pierrot (Argentina), Karel Bern (Czech Republic), GM Falko Bindrich (organiser)

Next year's event will take place at the same venue, on the same dates: 1-10 October, 2026. The event is limited to 150 players; more than 50 are already pre-registered. Official registration will be possible starting from December 2025. Tournament page: https://www.amateurchess.com/events/aco-2026-world-senior-50-chess-championship

Picture gallery prize-giving ceremony: https://www.picdrop.com/amateurchessorganization/MB7AiArhUf
Picture gallery of the tournament: https://www.picdrop.com/amateurchessorganization/f9wJFwb3uV

Next ACO events:

ACO World Amateur Chess Championship / 6 - 15 May on Kos island (Greece)
https://www.amateurchess.com/events/aco-2026-world-amateur-chess-championship

ACO World Super Senior (65+) Chess Championship / 6 - 15 May on Kos island (Greece)
https://www.amateurchess.com/events/aco-2026-world-super-senior-65-chess-championship

Link to the Amateur Chess Organization: www.amateurchess.com