25,000 chess players to descend on London

by ChessBase
7/8/2025 – More than 25,000 people, including stars from the BBC’s chess show Chess Masters: The Endgame, are expected to descend on London’s Trafalgar Square on Sunday, July 13, for ChessFest 2025. Last year, the event drew 23,300 people. The UK’s biggest chess event, now in its fifth year, will draw chess enthusiasts from across the country, including many of the country’s top grandmasters, for a free day of fun suitable for every level of player.
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Stars of hit BBC chess show coming to ChessFest

This year’s event is held after a stunning year for English chess. For the first time in decades, the game enjoyed primetime TV coverage as BBC Two’s Chess Masters: The Endgame showcased chess to an audience of millions.

Chess coach and former Traitors contestant Anthony Mathurin will be on hand to give out advice, along with several contestants from the show.

Since the last ChessFest, three homegrown players have been awarded the prestigious grandmaster title. They are Ameet Ghasi, Shreyas Royal, who beat the record to become England’s youngest ever, and England’s most recent GM-elect Matthew Wadsworth.

England’s success at chess has shown the game is for all ages. The nation’s crop of talented juniors have been busy continuing their rise up the world rankings. Two of the leading lights in 10-year-old sensation Bodhana Sivanandan, who holds the WFM title, and 11-year-old FIDE Master Supratit Banerjee will be showing their skills at ChessFest.

Recent figures released by Chess.com show 9 million people in the United Kingdom play chess regularly online.

International Master and Chief Executive of Chess in Schools and Communities Malcolm Pein said: "We’re expecting a record turnout. ChessFest just gets bigger and bigger and the fifth edition is on the back of a chess show that was watched by millions. If you’re looking for a free, family-friendly, fun day out in London on July 13th, come to Trafalgar's 64 Squares.”

So why not come on down to Trafalgar Square? Everyone is invited, no need to book – just turn up on Sunday, July 13 for a full day of free chess fun.

You’ll be able to:

  • Play friendly games of chess with anyone, whether you’re just starting out or are already a keen player
  • Learn everything from the basics to checkmate in a free chess lesson with a professional tutor
  • Take on one of England’s top Grandmasters in a simultaneous display
  • Enjoy playing on giant chess sets
  • Blitz your moves out in speed chess games in the “Challenge the Chess Master” tent
  • Watch living chess with actors, replaying famous games of chess on our giant board
  • Test yourself with Puzzle Rush, pitting your wits against fiendish chess puzzles on ChessKid.com  

For a flavour of what to look forward to at ChessFest, you can watch a video of the inaugural ChessFest here:

Please spread the word about ChessFest to your friends, family, school and workmates – we look forward to seeing you there!

Everything you need to know about ChessFest 2025 is at: https://chess-fest.com. You can also follow us social media at Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, or on our YouTube channel.

About Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC)

Chess in Schools and Communities is a UK-wide charity founded in 2009, whose mission is to improve children’s educational outcomes and social development by introducing them to the game of chess. We run over 1,000 projects in schools, libraries and prisons and a world-class tournament, the London Chess Classic, each December.

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For more information contact:

Leon Watson
Chess in Schools & Communities
07786078770

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