Press release by FIDE
The FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship was officially opened in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia. The event, held across three rating categories – U1700, U2000 and U2300 (both Open and Women's sections) – has brought together around 300 players from over 50 countries. All competitions are nine-round Swiss tournaments with a classical time control.
The opening ceremony took place at the Zepter Hotel and began with the national anthem of the Republic of Serbia, performed by the city choir Abrašević. The audience was then welcomed by Jasmina Trifunović, representing the Municipality of Vrnjačka Banja; Özgür Solakoğlu, representative of FIDE; and Andrija Jorgić, President of the Chess Federation of Serbia.
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Jasmina Trifunović said in her welcoming speech:
We are proud that Vrnjačka Banja has become one of the centres of chess events by organizing the European Individual Championship, the European Club Cup, the European Club Cup for Women, and the FIDE World School Chess Championship. Chess has become part of our cultural identity. In our Central Park, in a symbolic space we call the Chess Corner, stands a statue of the chess queen, unveiled in honour of this ancient game and of Vrnjačka Banja as the queen of continental tourism.
She emphasised that by hosting the World Amateur Chess Championship this year, Vrnjačka Banja continues its tradition of chess and strengthens its reputation as a prestigious destination for top chess events.
Next, FIDE delegate Özgür Solakoğlu addressed the participants, noting that this championship celebrates the spirit of amateur chess – a reminder that the love of the game belongs to everyone, not only to grandmasters and professionals:
Here, each move, each game, and each handshake reflect the very essence of what chess represents: respect, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence. This championship celebrates the heart of our sport – the passion and dedication of amateur players from all over the world. You come here not only to compete, but to share your love of chess, to make new friends, and to experience the joy and challenge that only this game can bring.
In his address, Andrija Jorgić, President of the Chess Federation of Serbia, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Sports – the Federation’s most important partner in building a stronger and more recognized chess scene in Serbia – as well as to the Municipality of Vrnjačka Banja for its generous support:
I would like to thank the International Chess Federation and its President, Arkady Dvorkovich, for their trust in us to organize this event. I believe we will justify that trust and that Serbia will host many similar competitions in the future. Although I have been leading the Chess Federation of Serbia for less than a year, I am proud of all the tournaments and successes we have achieved.
The Alapin Variation (1.e4 c5 2.c3) offers a simple yet highly effective solution to all major Sicilian lines, by sidestepping them with 2.c3.
Facing the Sicilian doesn’t have to be complicated. The Alapin Variation (1.e4 c5 2.c3) offers a simple yet highly effective solution to all major Sicilian lines, by sidestepping them with 2.c3. Whether your opponent plays the Najdorf, Taimanov, or Dragon, the Alapin lets you take control of the game as early as move two.
Free video sample: Introduction
Free video sample: 2...g6
Jorgić, who also commended the Serbian national team for winning bronze at the recent European Chess Championship in Georgia.
Following the ceremony, Jorgić and Trifunović made the first symbolic move, marking the start of the first round.
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Williams Steinitz, 1st World Chess Champion (1886-1894) The match between William Steinitz and Johannes Zukertort in 1886 was the first chess match for the ‘World Chess Championship’. Steinitz won, and has since been considered the first official world champion in chess history.
Free video sample: The Steinitzian method of restriction
Free video sample: Strategy Introduction
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