Chess News and Events: March 9 – 12, 2025

1. Josefine Heinemann Triumphs at Belgrade Women’s Chess Tournament

German WGM Josefine Heinemann clinched victory at the 56th International Women’s Tournament in Belgrade, scoring an impressive 7.0/9. Held from March 1–9 to celebrate International Women’s Day, the event saw Heinemann finish a full point ahead of India’s IM Bhakti Kulkarni.

The tournament, organized by the Serbian Chess Federation, has a rich tradition and was held for the 56th time this year. With five local and five international players, including Heinemann, the competition was fierce. Seeded third with an Elo rating of nearly 2300, Heinemann started cautiously with 2.5/4 but gained momentum in the later rounds, securing her win with two crucial draws against higher-seeded players.

This victory not only highlights Heinemann’s growing prowess but also underscores the importance of women’s chess on the global stage.

2. Qazaq Queens Chess Fest 2025: A Celebration of Women in Chess

(Picture Courtesy: Fide.com)

On March 7, 2025, Almaty, Kazakhstan, became the epicenter of the chess world as it hosted the Qazaq Queens Chess Fest 2025. Organized by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation (KazChess) with support from FIDE, this women’s blitz tournament celebrated International Women’s Day with 95 participants of all ages and skill levels.

The event was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of intellect, artistry, and inspiration. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich opened the tournament with a symbolic first move, emphasizing the global significance of women’s chess.

Tournament Highlights:

• Champion: 13-year-old WFM Alaru Altynbek scored an impressive 8/9 points.
• Runner-up: Mariya Kholyavko.
• Third Place: 11-year-old Zhansaya Sholpanbek.

All three winners are recipients of the Young Talent Support Programme scholarships, showcasing the bright future of women’s chess in Kazakhstan. The tournament also featured an art exhibition by Kazakh artist Aituar Amirkhanova, blending chess with cultural expression.

(Photo courtesy: Fide.com)

Kazakhstan’s chess scene has been on the rise, with the country winning 160 medals in international competitions in 2024, including 55 golds. The women’s team’s silver medal at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest has inspired a new generation of female players, many of whom participated in this event.

3. Gukesh on Freestyle Chess: “Exciting, But Classical Chess Reigns Supreme”

Reigning World Champion D Gukesh shared his thoughts on the rising popularity of freestyle chess, calling it exciting but emphasizing the enduring legacy of classical chess. Speaking at the India Today Conclave, Gukesh acknowledged the fresh excitement generated by freestyle chess, which allows players to start from randomized positions. However, he believes it is still in its early stages and cannot overshadow the prestige of classical chess.

“Freestyle is exciting, and I’m happy to play it. But it’s too early to say where it’s going. The World Championship cycle and the legacy behind it give classical chess more value,” Gukesh said.

Gukesh, currently ranked world No. 3 in classical chess with an Elo rating of 2787, will compete in the Paris leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour in April. The tournament boasts a massive prize pool of $750,000 and will feature top players like Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana.

4. Carlsen, Gukesh, and Niemann Set to Clash in Paris Freestyle Chess Grand Slam

(Photo courtesy: Chess.com)

The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour 2025 continues with its second leg in Paris from April 7–14. This star-studded event will feature 12 of the world’s best players, including Magnus Carlsen, Gukesh, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana. The final spot will be determined through a $50,000 Chess.com qualifier, making it a must-watch for chess enthusiasts.

The tournament follows a unique format, starting with a two-day round-robin phase, after which the top eight players advance to a knockout stage. The event marks the beginning of a busy period for top players, with the Grenke Freestyle Chess Open in Karlsruhe, Germany, scheduled just days after Paris.

GM Sebastian Siebrecht, Freestyle’s Chief Chess Officer, expressed his excitement: “I’m thrilled that most players of the Freestyle Chess Players Club have accepted our invitation, making Karlsruhe the strongest tournament ever held on German soil.”

5. Eman Sawan: Palestine’s Rising Chess Star Aims for Grandmaster Title

(Photo courtesy: Chess.com)

17-year-old WFM Eman Sawan from Palestine is making waves in the chess world. With an undefeated 8/9 score at the 2024 Chess Olympiad, she earned the WFM title and is now aiming to become Palestine’s first grandmaster.

Sawan’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Born to Palestinian refugees in Jordan, she discovered chess at the age of 12 and has since dedicated herself to the game, spending 6–10 hours daily on training. Despite limited resources, she has won gold medals at the Arab Under 14 and 16 Championships and the 2024 Arab Women’s Blitz Championship.

Supported by the chess community, including a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $6,000, Sawan is determined to break barriers. “I want to become the first Palestinian grandmaster,” she says. Her story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.

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Stay tuned for more updates from the chess world as players continue to push boundaries and inspire millions!

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