58th Biel International Chess Festival – information and details

The 58th Biel International Chess Festival takes place 12-25 July in Switzerland. Biel is a unique chance to rub shoulders with champions invited for this year’s Masters and Challengers! Discover the eagerly awaited list of top players battling it out in the demanding yet spectacular Chess Triathlon format. See the lineup, format, schedule and more at the links below.

The action begins on Friday, July 11th with German GM Fredrik Svane giving the simul. The formal tournament inauguration follows on Saturday, immediately preceding the ACCENTUS-960 Tournament – the designated tiebreaker for any Triathlon competitors with equal final scores.

Events: Biel Masters / Biel Challengers / Biel Open / Official website

Biel will be one of the central topics in July of the Chessdom Newsletter. The first edition is coming next week, and it will be your DAILY and FREE resource for the latest in the chess world

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Biel 2025 Masters participants

Aravindh Chithambaram (25; 2749 Elo; IND)
Known for his incisive style and resilience, Aravindh Chithambaram is a shining representative of India’s rising chess generation. His recent triumphs in Prague and Chennai propelled him to 11th in the world rankings, establishing him as a serious international contender. His ascent, though later than some peers, validates his mentor Ramesh’s prophecy: “The greatest talent since Vishy Anand.”

Liem Quang Le (34; 2729 Elo; VIE)
Liem combines formidable tactical vision with mastery across all time controls. A blitz and rapid virtuoso, he also excels in classical formats, with stunning victories over Carlsen (Oslo 2022) and Ding Liren (2024 Olympiad). His historic triple crown at Biel (2022–2024), an unprecedented feat, cements his relentless competitive spirit. At 34, he aims for a fourth Biel title this summer.

Frederik Svane (21; 2668 Elo; GER)
Frederik’s sharp, aggressive style blends keen tactical intuition with an offensive temperament, often leading to explosive endgames. His victory over Matthias Blübaum in the 2021 Kader Challenge showcased his potential. Though yet to reach 2700 Elo, his rapid progress and bold play signal an imminent rise, following in the footsteps of compatriot Vincent Keymer.

Volodar Murzin (18; 2658 Elo; FID)
Volodar’s electric, uncompromising style is marked by razor-sharp tactical intelligence and unshakable resilience. Overcoming personal trauma and lack of support from the Russian Federation due to his and his coach GM Kobalia’s geopolitical stance, the 18-year-old newly crowned World Rapid Champion is determined to break into the elite at the Biel Festival.

Radoslaw Wojtaszek (38; 2655 Elo; POL)
Known for theoretical depth and versatility honed as Anand’s second, Wojtaszek has defeated Carlsen, Caruana, Nakamura, and others, maintaining an elite presence. His recent role as Gukesh’s second in the 2024 World Championship underscores his enduring potential. At 38, the 2020 Triathlon winner aims to make another mark, though he has yet to defend his title.

Saleh Salem (32; 2631 Elo; UAE)
Salem’s aggressive, tactical style excels in rapid and blitz, where his quick decision-making shines. His stunning victory in last year’s Challengers earned him a spot in the Masters. A student of Ivan Sokolov since 2013, Salem leverages his triathlon experience to challenge opponents at the Biel Festival.

Biel Challengers participants

David Navara (40; 2665 Elo; CZE)
Navara’s combative, uncompromising style delivers thrilling games, complemented by his legendary sportsmanship, making him a beloved figure on the circuit. Returning to Biel, he humbly describes himself: “I’m no genius like Carlsen or Kasparov, just a passionate player who loves hard work and beautiful chess.” This year, he bears the weight of expectations as the frontrunner in the Challengers tournament.

Daniel Dardha (19; 2650 Elo; BEL)
Dardha’s dynamic, unpredictable style combines razor-sharp tactical creativity and resilience, shaped by his father’s rigorous training and GM Ivan Sokolov’s guidance. At 19, the 2024 European Vice-Champion is on track to challenge the world elite. A Challengers victory would secure a spot in next year’s Masters, the ideal stage to solidify his rising star status.

Ma Qun (33; 2630 Elo; CHN)
Ma Qun’s style is marked by meticulous preparation and adaptability, excelling in classical and rapid formats. His tactical sharpness and resilience in critical moments anchor Chinese chess, with standout team competition performances. Though not yet among the world’s elite, his consistent tournament record underscores his status as a relentless Grandmaster.

Aram Hakobyan (24; 2620 Elo; ARM)
Hakobyan blends tactical finesse with positional mastery, refined through youth competitions and elite training. A medalist at World and European Junior Championships, he balances chess with a management degree at Webster University. As Quang Liem Le’s protégé, he has a prime opportunity to leap forward, inspired by the Biel Chess Triathlon champion.

Nikolas Theodorou (24; 2611 Elo; GRE)
Theodorou’s style balances tactical instinct and positional rigor, highlighted by his stunning win over Caruana at the US Chess Masters. A driving force in Greek chess’s revival and a rising US star, he juggles advanced studies with fierce ambition. The young Cretan could emerge as the 2025 Challengers’ breakout star.

Rinat Jumabayev (35; 2549 Elo; KAZ)
Jumabayev earned his Challengers spot with last year’s Master Open Tournament victory. Known for bold play against stronger foes—like his 2021 World Cup win with Black against Caruana—he shines in rapid and blitz with mental toughness. This tenacious Kazakh could deliver surprises in the unpredictable triathlon.