The European Youth Chess Championship 2025 has started in Budva, Montenegro!
The spectacular Opening ceremony of the event took place yesterday afternoon, in the Slovenska plaza Hotel complex. The ceremony was attended by the ECU President Mr. Zurab Azmaiparashvili, President of the Montenegro Chess Federation Mr. Jovan Milovic, Director of the Directorate for Sports Infrastructure Mr. Milan Jancic, Mayor of Budva Municipality Mr. Nikola Jovanovic, who addressed the delegations, players, and distinguished guests.
As part of the cultural program, a short educational film about the history of chess in Montenegro was presented, showcasing the country’s strong tradition in the game. The audience also enjoyed a musical performance before the evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the Budva coastline!
The ceremony was broadcasted live and the video can be found and replayed here.
The official inauguration of the event took place today with the beginning of the first round of twelve European Youth Chess Championships. The round started with ceremonial first moves made by ECU President Mr. Zurab Azmaiparashvili and the President of the Montenegro Chess Federation Mr. Jovan Milovic, who made the move on the top boards of Open and Girls U18 sections.
The European Youth Chess Championship brings together the most promising young chess talents and national youth champions from 48 European countries. Nearly 1,200 participants compete in the event, which features 14 International Masters, 89 FIDE Masters, 2 Woman International Masters, and a total of 222 titled players across the higher age categories.
The first round featured 580 games played over 12 Championships in U8, U10, U12, U14, U16 and U18 age categories (open and girls separately). Most of the first round favourites lived up to the expectations, with 508 games finishing decisively, while 72 games ended in draw.
All results, pairings and statistics can be found here.
Detailed information about the event can be found on the Official website.
Photo gallery (photos by Mark Livshitz) can be found here
