From August 9 to 13, 2025, Rockville, Maryland will once again become the epicenter of elite chess competition as the 12th Annual Washington International kicks off at the Rockville Hilton. With over 100 titled players, $45,725 in guaranteed prizes, and Grand Prix points at stake, this year’s event promises to be the most competitive and well-attended edition in the tournament’s prestigious history.
The Venue: Rockville Hilton – Where Prestige Meets Comfort
The tournament returns to the Rockville Hilton, a top-tier venue situated directly next to the Twinbrook DC Metro stop, providing easy access for local and international players alike. Known for its excellent playing conditions, the event offers free continental breakfast on the first and last day, free guest WiFi in skittles rooms, and clocks, boards, and sets provided for all participants. These player-focused features have helped the Washington International build a reputation as one of the best-organized chess events in the United States.
The Format: 9-Round Swiss, Game/90 + 30 Increment
Over five action-packed days, players will battle through a 9-round Swiss format. Each day features two rounds (11am and 5pm), with the final round scheduled for 11am on Wednesday, August 13. The Championship, Premier, and Contenders sections all share the same rigorous structure and playing conditions.
The Prize Fund: Over $45,000 Guaranteed
The Championship Section, open to players rated 2200+ USCF or 2000+ FIDE, boasts a staggering $25,000 in prizes, including:
- 🥇 1st Place: $7,000
- 🥈 2nd Place: $3,500
- Additional class prizes for Under 2500, Under 2350, and Under 2200
- 👫 Mixed Doubles: $400 – $250 (open to all sections)
The Premier Section (Under 2300 USCF and Under 2100 FIDE) offers $13,000, while the Contenders Section (Under 1800 USCF) features $7,000 in guaranteed prizes. Whether you’re a grandmaster or an ambitious club player, there’s serious money to play for.
The Field: 100+ Players from 17 Countries, 69 Titleholders
The 2025 Washington International is drawing a global field of rising stars and seasoned professionals from 17 federations, including the United States, India, Ukraine, Slovakia, Israel, and beyond. Among the 105 registered players, 69 carry official FIDE titles:
- 19 Grandmasters, including:
- 🇺🇸 GM Abhimanyu Mishra (FIDE 2611) – the youngest GM in history
- 🇺🇸 GM Andrew Tang – a blitz sensation and online chess superstar
- 🇺🇦 GM Viktor Matviishen – a dynamic young talent from Ukraine
- 🇸🇰 GM Viktor Gazik – fresh off a string of European circuit successes
- 🇨🇳 GM Zhou Jianchao – a veteran of top-level competition
- 18 International Masters, many fighting for GM norms
- 17 FIDE Masters, including prodigies like Tani Adewumi and Sahil Sinha
- 2 Woman Grandmasters and Woman International Masters
- 11 Candidate Masters rounding out the depth of the field
A total of 78 participants hail from the United States, but the tournament will also feature players from Canada, China, India, Israel, Egypt, Nigeria, Slovakia, Serbia, Peru, and more.
12th Annual Washington International schedule and results
Conditions for Titled Players
Top GMs with FIDE ratings over 2600 will receive six nights of lodging and a guaranteed minimum prize. Other titled players, including non-US IMs and WGMs, can qualify for partial or shared accommodations. All players must complete nine rounds to be eligible for conditions.
Generous Discounts Galore
Washington International is known not only for top-level chess but also for being one of the most accessible major tournaments in the US, thanks to stackable discounts:
- $50 off for staying at the Hilton at the group rate (3-night minimum)
- $50 off for players over age 50
- $25 off for first-time WI players
- $25 rebate for each first-time player you recruit
- $25 off for family members (siblings, children, parents)
- Up to $80 in discounts for playing in multiple Maryland Chess Association events in 2025
These discounts apply to all sections and can significantly reduce the already competitive entrance fees.
Registration and Deadlines
Online registration is open at: washintl.mdchess.com
Mail-in registrations should be sent to:
Mike Regan, Maryland Chess Association
1827 Thornton Ridge Road, Towson, MD 21204
Fee increases apply as the tournament nears:
- $15 more after July 12
- $40 more after July 27
- $60 more after August 5
- $80 more after August 8 (Registration closes at 9am)
Electronics Policy
In compliance with FIDE rule 11.3, players must not bring any electronic devices (phones, smart watches, etc.) into the playing area. Thermal and magnetic scanners, as well as video monitoring, will be used. Secure cell phone lockers are provided.
Violations may result in game forfeiture or expulsion.
Parking and Accessibility
- $15/night for overnight guests
- $6/day for daytime attendees
- All players must validate their parking tickets at the hotel front desk.
Note: The venue is not handicap accessible, and the event is not held online.
Live Broadcast and Merchandise
Top boards will be broadcast live, allowing fans worldwide to follow key matchups.
Why Play the Washington International?
Whether you’re gunning for a GM norm, eyeing a national title, or just looking to test your mettle against a world-class field, the 12th Annual Washington International offers a rare combination of competitive rigor, player comfort, and inclusive opportunity.
With a $45,725 prize fund, elite pairings, and a meticulously organized event in the heart of Maryland, this tournament is where preparation meets prestige. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of one of the most prestigious summer chess festivals in the Western Hemisphere.
Last year Results
Last year’s Championship section of the 11th Annual Washington International featured a deeply competitive field, culminating in a tie for first place between GM Abhimanyu Mishra (2621, USA) and GM Jianchao Zhou (2576, CHN), each finishing with an impressive 7.0/9 and splitting the top prize of $4,850.
Mishra remained undefeated throughout the tournament, scoring key wins against strong opponents including GM Brian Escalante and GM Benjamin Bok, while Zhou also went unbeaten, racking up wins in the later rounds against players like GM Karen Grigoryan and FM Grayson Rorrer.
A tightly packed group of players followed just behind with 6.5 points, including GMs John Burke, Fidel Corrales Jimenez, and David Brodsky, each earning $1,450. The event featured a blend of elite GMs, rising IMs, and ambitious juniors, with standout performances from young talents such as FM Tanitoluwa Adewumi and IM Alice Lee, both scoring 6.0/9.
Overall, the tournament showcased a mix of sharp fighting chess and consistent high-level play across all boards.
Save the Dates
📍 Rockville Hilton, Maryland
🗓 August 9–13, 2025
⏰ Rounds daily at 11am and 5pm (except final round at 11am)
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).
