The Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wan Chai has been transformed into an arena for chessboards after the prestigious Hong Kong International Open Chess Championship 2025 commenced on Tuesday, featuring a historic gathering of over 300 elite players from around 30 regions worldwide.

Hosted by the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, the week-long event, now in its 13th edition, boasts the largest-ever assembly of Grandmasters and International Masters in its history. It also marks a pioneering step by integrating the Eastern Asia Juniors and Girls Chess Championships, creating a unique platform where veterans and young talents compete under one roof.

The lineup of players for this tournament comprises approximately 80 masters certified by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) competing for the championship title. Among them are top players such as the Chinese mainland’s Peng Xiongjian, who represented the country in the FIDE World Cup 2025, and India’s Abhijeet Gupta, the first player to win the Commonwealth Chess Championship five times.

The championship also serves as a festival for the chess community. A specially organized “Meet and Greet GM” session, featuring eight Grandmasters, will offer chess enthusiasts a valuable chance to interact with top players.

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The historic scale of the event has generated palpable excitement among international contenders. The tournament’s top-seeded player representing Germany, Maxim Vavulin, participating in his first major event in Hong Kong, shared that he is facing the field with a focused mindset. “I don't have any specific expectations. So for me, it's more like to see how well I can compete in such a strong field.”

He praised the organizers for their efforts in promoting chess, highlighting the media attention and side events like the “Meet and Greet GM” session as crucial for the sport’s growth.

Vavulin also offered positive impressions of the event itself: “The venue is excellent and centrally located. So far, the organization has been smooth.”

Outside the tournament hall, he also expressed fascination with Hong Kong’s unique cultural blend, a mix of Chinese and Western influences evident in its chess community and cityscape. “I will definitely try to have a look at the city, try some local cuisine ... I'm actually also here on New Year’s Eve, so let's see how it's celebrated in Hong Kong.”

Two teenage contenders from the mainland discussed their aspirations with a blend of determination and analytical calm.

Xue Tianhao, 12-year-old Woman FIDE Master and a three-time World Youth Chess Champion, who is considering becoming a professional player, said she hopes to play her best during the tournament.

“My main goal is to raise my rating,” said 14-year-old International Master Jiang Haochen, a four-time winner of the Li Chengzhi Cup National Youth Chess Championship.

He said his focus is on achieving a performance-based norm — a crucial milestone toward earning the Grandmaster title. “I believe I have what it takes, but with such a strong lineup here, I know it won’t be easy,” Jiang said.

Discussing their preparation to challenge higher-rated opponents, Xue emphasized pre-tournament opening preparation and increased training volume, while Jiang focused on maintaining optimal mental condition.

Both players were impressed by the tournament’s international atmosphere and facilities designed for player interaction. “It feels very professional here, with many spaces for players to discuss games,” they observed, acknowledging that large-scale events like this significantly elevate the profile of chess.

Contact the writer at stacyshi@chinadailyhk.com