by Aarja Grasselli
The seventh edition of the International Chess Tournament at the Starhotels Savoia Excelsior Palace kicked off on Friday, January 4, 2025, drawing elite players and enthusiasts to the historic Adriatic city. The prestigious event, organized by the Trieste Chess Academy, runs through January 6 in the luxurious “Sala Tergeste,” attracting participants from across Europe and beyond.
The opening ceremony featured Elisa Lodi, Trieste’s Councillor for Property Policies and Sports, who delivered greetings on behalf of Mayor Roberto Dipiazza. She highlighted the tournament’s role in enhancing the city’s global reputation and boosting holiday tourism.
“This international event is a cornerstone for Trieste, attracting Grandmasters from across Europe while contributing significantly to our vibrant holiday season,” Lodi said.
An International Field
This year’s tournament has drawn 62 participants, including Grandmasters and International Masters from Italy, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, and Norway. Competitors are divided into two categories: the elite “Trofeo Hotel Savoia” for players with Elo ratings above 1800 and the “Memorial Rozmann” for Elo ratings under 1799.
The youngest participant, born in 2014, exemplifies the tournament’s appeal to younger generations, while the oldest competitor, born in 1946, underscores its inclusivity.
Notable past winners include Serbian Grandmaster Sinisa Drazic and Triestine Candidate Master Nicolas Perossa. This year’s prize pool totals €1,500.
A Growing Tradition
Since its inception, the event has hosted players from Russia, Iran, Switzerland, and across Europe. Massimo Varini, President of the Chess Academy, emphasized its importance not just as a chess competition but as a cultural and tourism magnet.
“The tournament continues to grow in prestige, offering players and visitors an unmatched combination of top-tier competition and Trieste’s unique charm during the holiday season,” Varini said.
High-Level Standards
Strict anti-cheating measures, in line with FIDE regulations, are in place, ensuring fair play. The luxurious venue, provided by Starhotels, includes state-of-the-art facilities designed to create an environment worthy of the world’s best players.
With its ideal location at the crossroads of European chess culture, Trieste remains a key player on the international chess calendar.
For more information, visit www.triestechess.com.
