2025 British Chess Championship: Everything You Need to Know

The 2025 British Chess Championship is just around the corner. This year, the tournament will take place from 31 July to 10 August in Liverpool, England, and promises to be one of the biggest and most exciting editions ever.

A Historic Event

This is the 111th British Chess Championship, a tradition that began in 1904. Over the years, the championship has grown to include many different tournaments for all age groups and skill levels. From top grandmasters to young beginners, everyone has a chance to shine.

The main events will be held at St George’s Hall, a famous and beautiful building in the heart of Liverpool. Right across from Lime Street Station, it is easy to reach and full of history. Some events, like the Weekend Congress and morning and afternoon tournaments, will be held at the Liverpool Holiday Inn, just a four-minute walk from St George’s Hall.

Liverpool last hosted this event in 2008, and the city is thrilled to welcome it back. Local groups, including Liverpool City Council, Visit Liverpool, and several chess organizations, are helping to make this event a success.

Past Winners

Let’s take a look at some of the most well-known champions:

• Jonathan Penrose is one of the most successful players in the history of the event. He won the British Championship 10 times, mostly during the 1950s and 60s. His calm style and deep understanding of chess made him a national hero.
• Michael Adams, a grandmaster from Cornwall, is a modern-day giant. He has won the title seven times, including most recently in 2023. He is known for his sharp preparation and strong endgames.
• Nigel Short won his first title in 1984 when he was just 19. He later became one of the top players in the world and even challenged Garry Kasparov for the World Championship in 1993.
• David Howell, another top grandmaster, won the British title three times and is known for his solid style and sportsmanship.
• Gawain Jones, winner in 2017 and again in 2024, is also expected to be a strong contender in Liverpool this year.

The Women’s Championship also has a proud history. Some notable winners include:

• Jovanka Houska, who dominated the Women’s Championship with seven titles, most recently in 2019.
• Harriet Hunt, a four-time winner, who also played for England at many international events.
• Lan Yao, one of the rising stars in recent years, has won multiple titles, including in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Who’s Playing?

Many of the UK’s top players are expected to compete, including:

• Grandmaster Nikita Vitiugov
• Grandmaster Michael Adams
• Grandmaster Maroroa-Jones
• Grandmaster Ameet Ghasi

These stars will battle it out in a 9-round Swiss tournament, using a time control of 90 minutes for 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with 30 seconds added per move.

More Than Just One Tournament

The British Championship is not only one event. It includes:

• Open Championship
• Women’s Championship
• Major Open
• Over 50 & Over 65
• Junior Sections (Under 8 to Under 16)
• Amateur Morning & Afternoon Sections (grouped by rating)
• Weekend Tournaments: Atkins Open, Penrose U2000, Soanes U1750, Yates U1500
• Rapid & Blitz Events for both adults and juniors

Whether you’re a grandmaster, a rising junior, or a weekend player, there’s a tournament for you.

2025 British Chess Championship results

A City of Chess

Liverpool is known for its passion for music and football, but it also has a deep connection with chess. The Liverpool Chess Club is one of the oldest in the world. James Gallagher from the club said the event will “take over the city,” bringing together chess lovers from all over the UK.

Councillor Harry Doyle added, “Liverpool is proud to host this event. It shows our love for culture, learning, and community activities like chess.”

The 2025 British Chess Championship in Liverpool will be a celebration of talent, strategy, and tradition. Whether you are playing, watching, or just curious, come and be part of this great chess festival.

You can watch all the games live here