Jerusalem Open Rapid Chess Championship Draws International Stars
Jerusalem will host the international Open Rapid Chess Championship on November 17-18, drawing over 200 grandmasters and players from 30 countries with a 45,000-euro prize pool.
Jerusalem is set to host one of the most prominent chess tournaments in Israel as the Jerusalem Open Rapid Chess Championship kicks off on November 17-18 at the Ramada Hotel, as part of the Maccabiah events. Over 200 players have already secured their spots for the tournament, which will take place for the third consecutive year in the capital and feature a total prize pool of 45,000 euros (over 150,000 shekels).
International Stars and Rising Talents
The participants list features reigning European champions Roman Dechtiarov and Anastasia Hnatyshyn, alongside under-20 European champions Yahli Sokolovsky from Israel and Elin Roebers. They will be joined by notable names including former FIDE world champion Ruslan Ponomariov, Igor Kovalenko, and Alexey Sarana. The next generation of chess masters will also be represented by top young players rated over 2,600, such as Denis Lazavik, Igor Samunenkov, and Leon Luke Mendonca, alongside 2025 Russian adult champion Arseniy Nesterov.
Global Appeal and Prizes
Players from 30 countries have already registered, and organizers expect a triple-digit international turnout. The event is led by the Ministry of Culture and Sport and Minister Miki Zohar, the Jerusalem Municipality and Mayor Moshe Lion, in cooperation with the Israel Chess Federation. The top two finishers will earn wild cards to the prestigious Jerusalem Masters tournament, scheduled for November 23-26.
"The Jerusalem Open is much more than a top-tier chess competition – it is a clear statement of Israel's place on the global sports map," said Dr. Zvika Barkai, Chairman of the Israel Chess Federation.
