FIDE World Amateur Championships 2025 Opens Registration for Players Under 2300

FIDE has officially opened registration for the 2025 World Amateur Championships, welcoming players rated under 2300 to take part in one of the most inclusive international events on the chess calendar. The tournament is set to take place this November in Serbia, offering a platform for rising talent and dedicated club players alike to test their skills on a global stage.

Unlike elite championships where only grandmasters compete, the World Amateur Championships celebrate the broader chess community—those who train, study, and love the game without playing professionally. The event is divided into rating categories: Under 2300, Under 2000, and Under 1700, giving players the chance to face evenly matched opponents in a high-stakes, officially recognized competition.

Each category crowns its own world amateur champion, and winners earn not only medals and titles but also international recognition, FIDE norms, and sometimes even a bump in their playing career. For many, it’s a dream opportunity: the chance to represent their country, compete in a world-class setting, and connect with fellow enthusiasts from all over the world.

FIDE has chosen Serbia—a country with deep chess roots and a welcoming chess culture—as host for this year’s edition. While the exact city and venue details are expected soon, previous Serbian-hosted events have been praised for their hospitality, infrastructure, and enthusiastic local support.

More than just a tournament, the World Amateur Championships are a celebration of chess as a truly global, accessible game. They embody FIDE’s ongoing mission to expand the sport’s reach beyond professional circuits and into communities where passion often outweighs resources. Events like these provide visibility and motivation for players of all ages, from teenagers seeking their first international experience to retirees rediscovering their competitive spirit.

With registration now open, aspiring participants are encouraged to act early. Entry is typically based on national federation endorsements, FIDE ID confirmation, and proof of rating eligibility. The 2024 edition saw hundreds of players from over 50 countries, and interest is expected to be even higher this year.

In a world where chess is growing faster than ever—online and over-the-board—the FIDE World Amateur Championships offer a rare kind of spotlight: one where dedication, not titles, takes center stage. And for many, that’s exactly what makes it so meaningful.