The picturesque city of Aix-en-Provence, France, will transform into a battlefield of minds from July 19 to 27, 2025, as it hosts the Dole Open International, a prestigious FIDE-rated chess festival recognized as part of the World Championship cycle. Organized by Échiquier du Roy René, this event has already attracted 295 players from around the world, including a dazzling array of grandmasters, rising stars, and amateur hopefuls.
Masters 2100+: Elite Chess Meets the South of France
The crown jewel of the event is the Masters section, open to players rated over 2100. Played in a 9-round Swiss system, it adheres to classical FIDE standards: 1h40 for 40 moves, then 30 minutes extra with 30s increment from move 1. Each day’s round begins at 14:30, with the exception of the final round, which starts at 09:30.
The field boasts an average Elo of 2322 and a youthful spirit (average age: 22). The lineup features 41 GMs, 71 IMs, and a total of 222 titled players, including:
- GM Jorden Van Foreest (2698, Netherlands)
- GM Awonder Liang (2693, USA)
- GM Pavel Eljanov (2675, Ukraine)
- GM Nils Grandelius (2642, Sweden)
- GM Jaime Santos Latasa (2623, Spain)
Also participating are attacking talents like Baadur Jobava, promising youngsters such as Leon Luke Mendonca, and experienced campaigners like Surya Shekhar Ganguly.
Arbiters will include IA Christo Dimitrov (Chief Arbiter) and a seasoned team ensuring fair play and smooth proceedings.
Global Representation
With players from 44 federations, this year’s Dole Open has a truly international flavor. Top representations come from:
- France: 84 players
- India: 65 players
- Uzbekistan: 15 players
- China: 8 players
- USA: 10 players
Even lesser-known chess regions like Equatorial Guinea, Lebanon, and Madagascar are present, showing how chess continues to grow globally.
€30,000 Prize Fund – Something for Everyone
The total prize pool across all sections exceeds €30,000. The Masters section alone offers:
- 1st: €8,000
- 2nd: €5,500
- 3rd: €3,500
(Down to 15th place with €200)
There are also special categories for women, juniors (-20), and veterans, making sure talent at every level is rewarded.
Something for Every Elo
Whether you’re a grandmaster or a beginner, the Dole Open has a bracket for you:
- Masters: 2100+
- Accession: U2200
- Petits Zélos: U1700
All sections are FIDE-rated, with no double-round days. Each day features just one classical game at 14:30, giving players time to rest, prepare, and explore Aix-en-Provence.
Special prizes are also available for:
- Women
- Juniors (-20)
- Veterans
Affordable Entry Fees
- Adults: €75 (€90 after July 1)
- Youths: €37 (€47 after July 1)
With light refreshments and a friendly, festival-like atmosphere at Pasino Grand Aix (21 avenue de l’Europe – free parking available).
Full Schedule
| Round | Date | Time (GMT+2) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | July 19 | 14:30 |
| 2 | July 20 | 14:30 |
| 3 | July 21 | 14:30 |
| 4 | July 22 | 14:30 |
| 5 | July 23 | 14:30 |
| 6 | July 24 | 14:30 |
| 7 | July 25 | 14:30 |
| 8 | July 26 | 14:30 |
| 9 | July 27 | 09:30 |
I’m Xuan Binh, the founder of Attacking Chess, and the Deputy Head of Communications at the Vietnam Chess Federation (VCF). My chess.com and lichess rating is above 2300, in both blitz and bullet.