The city of Ust-Kamenogorsk, also known as Oskemen, has once again transformed into the capital of the 64 squares. From July 21 to 29, 2025, the second stage of the Kazakhstan Cup—the Oskemen Open 2025—is unfolding inside the East Kazakhstan Technical University. With $100,000 in prize money and nearly 270 players across three rating categories, the tournament has attracted a world-class cast of grandmasters, rising stars, and determined underdogs.
Yet even before the first round ended, one thing was clear: this was going to be no ordinary open.
A Powerhouse Field
The Masters section alone features 79 players from 20 countries, including 21 grandmasters and 35 international masters. Leading the field is Hungarian superstar GM Richard Rapport (2715), a Candidate for the World Chess Championship and the tournament’s top seed. He’s joined by elite names like GM Arkadij Naiditsch (2629, Bulgaria), GM Anton Demchenko (2610, Slovenia), and GM Narayanan S.L. (2597, India), each capable of lifting the trophy.
Kazakhstan is well represented with national stars like GM Denis Makhnev (2535), GM Alisher Suleymenov (2497), and IMs Arystanbek Urazayev and Aldiyar Ansat, both known for upsetting top seeds.
But one player drew the most eyes in the opening round 10-year-old FM Roman Shogdzhiev, nicknamed “Nakamura Jr.”
Roman Shogdzhiev Shocks the Chess World
Born in 2015, FM Roman Shogdzhiev (2411) has already been beating titled players for years. But on Day 1 of Oskemen Open 2025, the prodigy pulled off a stunner by defeating Georgian GM Levan Pantsulaia (2520), a player who finished 7th in this very tournament last year.
The victory wasn’t a fluke. It was clinical, confident, and cold-blooded. If Shogdzhiev can maintain this momentum, we may well witness him score his first GM norm before age 11.
Round 1 Recap: Chaos Among the Top Seeds
If you were hoping for predictable results, Round 1 wasn’t for you. The day opened with multiple upsets that shook the standings and sent shockwaves across the tournament hall.
- IM Mayank Chakraborty (2448) stunned second seed GM Arkadij Naiditsch in a crushing victory.
- IM Ayush Sharma (2433) took down GM Anton Demchenko in another major upset.
- Even GM Richard Rapport was held to a draw by Sriram Adarsh Uppala (2451), a sign that this field may be far more evenly matched than the ratings suggest.
- Kazakhstan’s WIM Amina Kairbekova (2273) also had a memorable day, defeating GM Ramazan Zhalmakhanov (2456), a result that lit up local media.
It’s early, but already the tournament is looking like a battlefield where every point must be earned the hard way.
What’s at Stake
The Masters section boasts $78,000 in prize money, with $18,000 awarded to the winner. Even 15th place gets $1,000, and there’s a special prize of $1,000 for the best female player outside the top 15. The high stakes only add to the pressure, especially for grandmasters seeking norms and rating gains.
The Challengers section, for players rated 1900–2399, features 93 players, including top seeds IM Aaditya Dhingra (2398, India) and IM Eldiyar Orozbayev (2367, Kyrgyzstan). The Mongolian contingent, including FM Naranbold Sodbilegt and WCM Bat-Erdene Mungunzul, is also generating early buzz.
In the Open section, with a 1400–1899 rating range, 99 players are fighting for their moment in the spotlight, and for the $2,000 first prize. For many, this is their first taste of high-level international chess, and the energy is infectious.
A Global Effort, A National Dream
Backed by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Kazakhstan Chess Federation (KazChess), and regional sponsors like KazZinc and Freedom Holding Corp., Oskemen Open is more than a tournament, but it’s a cultural and sporting showcase.
“Let the upcoming games become a real chess festival for all participants and fans,” said Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. His words reflect the country’s ambition to become a chess powerhouse, not just by nurturing local talent but by hosting world-class events.
The tournament’s organization, run under the leadership of the East Kazakhstan Technical University, is a model of professionalism: a 9-round Swiss with classical time control (90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment), strict arbiting, and accessible live coverage.
Last Year’s Legacy
Oskemen Open 2024 set a high bar. GM Vitaliy Bernadskiy took home the trophy with a dominant 8/9 performance. Chinese GM Bai Jinshi, Armenian GM Aram Hakobyan, and Uzbekistan’s GM Jakhongir Vakhidov all tied for second with 7.5 points, proving that consistency, not just talent, defines champions here.
Many of the 2024 participants have returned this year, including Pantsulaia and Ansat, though the former now finds himself licking his wounds after Round 1.
What’s Next?
With 8 rounds left, we’re only getting started. Can Rapport shake off his slow start and take control? Will a new face rise to claim the $18,000 prize? Can Shogdzhiev go from boy wonder to GM norm scorer?
The road ahead is paved with possibility. One thing is certain, Oskemen Open 2025 is not for the faint of heart.
Whether you’re watching from afar or lucky enough to be in Ust-Kamenogorsk, keep your eyes on the board. Because history is unfolding, one move at a time.
“You’re not defusing a bomb. Just playing chess.”
But at Oskemen Open, it certainly feels like both.
Pairings and Results: https://s1.chess-results.com/tnrWZ.aspx?lan=1&art=0&fed=FID&turdet=YES&flag=30&SNode=S0&tno=1206867
Live: https://lichess.org/broadcast/oskemen-open-2025–masters/round-1/Zd3yAat5
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. Follow me on Twitter (X).
