The Central California Open returns to Fresno this summer, marking its 15th edition. The tournament will be held at the Doubletree Hotel, 2233 Cesar Chavez, Fresno, from Friday, August 22 to Sunday, August 24, 2025. Players can choose between a three-day or two-day schedule.
This year’s event is part of the US Chess Grand Prix, with 100 enhanced points available. It also counts toward the Junior Grand Prix, making it a key stop for both seasoned masters and young talents.
$10,000 Guaranteed Prize Fund
The tournament offers $10,000 in guaranteed prizes, split across four rating sections:
- Major (1900 and above, FIDE rated): $1,500-800-400-300, plus $100 for clear first. The top U2300 also wins $600-300.
- Under 2100 (FIDE rated): $1,000-500-250-150, plus top U1900/Unrated $400-200.
- Under 1700: $700-400-200-150, plus top U1500 $300-150.
- Under 1300: $500-250-150-100, plus top U1100 $200-100.
Unrated players have limits: $200 max in U1300 and $400 max in U1700. The World Open rule applies, meaning players who scored eight or more points in a lower section at the 2025 World Open must play higher here.
A Mixed Doubles bonus is also available: the best male-female team under a combined 2200 rating will earn $200-$100.
Schedules and Entry Fees
Players can register for either the three-day schedule (Friday 7 pm, Saturday 11 am & 5 pm, Sunday 10 am & 3:30 pm) or the two-day schedule (Saturday 11 am, 2 pm, & 5 pm, Sunday 10 am & 3:30 pm). Half-point byes are allowed in any round, up to two, if requested before round two.
Entry fees vary:
- $98 online by August 19, $120 afterward or at the site.
- Under 1300 section is $20 less.
- Fresno Chess Club members get a $15 discount.
- GMs, IMs, and WGMs play free but $80 is deducted from any prize.
Registration closes Friday at 6 pm for the 3-day schedule and Saturday at 10 am for the 2-day schedule. All entries must be online at chessaction.com—no mail entries.
Venue and Hotel Info
The Doubletree Hotel in downtown Fresno will host the games. Guests enjoy free parking, though space may be limited. Non-guests may need to park in the nearby garage on L Street, which charges $10 cash per day. Special hotel rates are available ($169/night if booked before August 7).
Players should bring their own sets, boards, and clocks, as none are provided.
Side Events and Extras
A late-night blitz tournament is scheduled for Saturday, August 23 at 9:30 pm. Players can register on-site by 9:10 pm.
Prizes not collected at the site are usually paid via PayPal within a couple of weeks.
Past Champions and Local Favorites
Last year, IM John Daniel Bryant of California took first place with 4.5/5 points, ahead of GM Enrico Sevillano and IM Timothy Taylor, who shared second. Other top finishers included GM Melikset Khachiyan and FM Jonathan Chen.
With $10,000 in prizes and strong players returning, the 2025 Central California Open is expected to draw a competitive field once again. From grandmasters to rising juniors, Fresno will see some of the best chess in the region.
I’m the senior editor of Attacking Chess, a keen chess player, rated above 2300 in chess.com. You can challenge me or asking questions at Chess.com.
