British Chess Championships 2025
England
The iconic St George’s Hall in Liverpool will once again serve as the grand stage for the 2025 British Chess Championships, scheduled to run from July 31st to August 10th. This marks a return to the historic venue for the first time since 2008, promising a memorable setting for one of the UK’s most prestigious chess events.
Hosted in collaboration with the Liverpool Holiday Inn, which will also accommodate several side events, this year’s edition is poised to attract some of the strongest talent across the United Kingdom and beyond. The event is expected to be one of the most competitive in its long-running history.
According to English Chess Federation, this will be the 111th edition of the Championships—a remarkable legacy dating back to 1904, with only rare interruptions. The main championship and supporting tournaments will be held at St George’s Hall, while the Weekend Congress and morning/afternoon sessions will be hosted just a short walk away at the Holiday Inn on Lime Street.
Who Can Participate?
Participation in the British Championship, Junior, and Senior events is open exclusively to:
- UK citizens or residents (including the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and British Overseas Territories)
- Republic of Ireland citizens
- Individuals residing in the UK or Ireland for at least 12 months before June 30, 2025
Qualification for the main British Championship requires meeting rating, title, or Grand Prix criteria, with the final list of eligible players to be published in June 2025. Other events, including rapid and blitz tournaments, are open to all without qualification requirements.
Timings & Format
Events will run across morning, afternoon, and evening sessions, with different time controls for standard, rapid, and blitz games. Detailed schedules, time formats, and session types are available on the official tournament website.
Community Support & Acknowledgements
The Championships are made possible thanks to generous support from Liverpool City Council, Visit Liverpool, St George’s Hall, the Chess Trust, and the John Robinson Youth Chess Trust. The event is also backed by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
More Than Just Chess: Festival & Social Events
In addition to high-level competition, the Championships will feature a "Chess in the City" festival, offering a mix of cultural and social activities. Visitors can expect outdoor chess, simuls, team events, and masterclasses, making the event a celebration of chess for all ages.
A well-stocked bookstall by Chess & Bridge will be present, offering books, DVDs, and chess equipment, along with prize support across events.
Accommodation & Travel
Special hotel rates have been arranged for participants, and affordable student residence options are also available. All venues are centrally located near Lime Street Station, ensuring easy access for domestic and international players alike.
How to Register
Players interested in participating can register online through the official British Chess Championships website. All English players must hold Gold-level ECF membership or above, while players from other nations should be affiliated with their respective federations.
For more information, registration, and full tournament details, visit:
www.britishchesschampionships.co.uk
Questions can be directed to the British Championships Manager at
manager.british@englishchess.org.uk
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