From July 31st to August 10th, 2025, the historic city of Liverpool is set to transform into the epicenter of British chess. For 10 exhilarating days, the British Chess Championships will unfold within its hallowed halls, promising an event of unprecedented scale and competitive intensity.
A Championship of Records and Grand Aspirations
Organized by the esteemed English Chess Federation (ECF), the 2025 British Chess Championships are poised to etch their name into the annals of history. With over a thousand chess players, including the nation`s most formidable talents, converging upon Liverpool, this edition is not merely an annual fixture; it is expected to be the largest and strongest in the championship`s 121-year legacy.
The sheer volume of participants reflects a burgeoning interest in chess across the UK. Recent championships in Leicester and Hull have already witnessed record turnouts, a trend that is not only continuing but accelerating. This growth is mirrored by the emergence of new grandmasters, such as teenage sensation Shreyas Royal and Ameet Ghasi, signaling a vibrant new chapter for British chess.
St George`s Hall: A Majestic Arena for Minds
The primary battleground for these intellectual duels will be Liverpool’s iconic St George’s Hall. A masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, its grand columns and soaring ceilings typically resonate with the echoes of civic pride and cultural celebration. For the duration of the championships, however, they will bear witness to the hushed intensity of strategic warfare. It’s a wonderfully fitting paradox: a monument to public grandeur hosting an activity renowned for its quiet, internal struggle. Alongside the main events, a weekend congress tailored for amateur players will be held at the nearby Liverpool Holiday Inn, ensuring the festival atmosphere extends beyond the elite.
St George`s Hall, Liverpool: A fitting backdrop for intellectual battles.
The Contenders: A Clash of Generations and Genius
The main event will see reigning champion Gawain Jones defend his coveted crown. A formidable player, Jones faces an array of challengers that could make this one of the most unpredictable championships in years. Chief among them is the legendary Michael Adams, an eight-time British champion and a name synonymous with world-class chess. Adams, fresh off his English Chess Championship victory, brings unparalleled experience to the board. Adding to this formidable lineup is the current British number-one, Nikita Vitiugov, ensuring a true clash of titans. Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram himself will make the ceremonial first move, officially commencing what promises to be a captivating contest.
More Than Just Moves: A City Embraces Chess
The British Chess Championships in Liverpool are envisioned as more than just a series of tournaments. In collaboration with the historic Liverpool Chess Club and the charity Chess in Schools and Communities (which already teaches chess in over 50 Merseyside schools), the event will feature a comprehensive festival of social and cultural activities. This holistic approach underscores a commitment to fostering chess at all levels, from grassroots to grandmaster.
Outdoor chess, a popular sight in Liverpool, exemplifies the city`s connection to the game.
Liverpool’s Enduring Chess Legacy
Liverpool’s selection as host city for the championships is no mere coincidence; it is a homecoming. The city boasts a profound and rich connection with the game of chess. Its thriving local league is a testament to community engagement, and the Liverpool Chess Club, founded in 1837, stands as one of the oldest chess clubs globally. The city’s chess lineage is further burnished by luminaries like Amos Burn, one of the 19th century’s strongest players, who served as president of the Liverpool Chess Club for many years. Modern champions such as four-time British Women’s champion Sheila Jackson and International Master Malcolm Pein also hail from this intellectual hotbed.
The city’s affinity for chess was even highlighted during its hosting of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. As part of the celebration, school children were encouraged to learn the game, drawing a cultural link between Liverpool and its sister city, Odesa, where chess holds similar cultural significance. This demonstrates a pervasive, almost genetic, connection between Liverpool and the game of kings.
A Welcome Return, A Promising Future
This marks only the second time Liverpool has hosted the British Chess Championships, the first being in 2008 – a year when the city proudly held the title of European Capital of Culture. That year saw Grandmaster Stuart Conquest claim the Open title and International Master Jovanka Houska begin her remarkable run of nine Women’s titles.
Nigel Towers, the English Chess Federation’s Director for Home Chess, expressed confidence that the 2025 return visit will eclipse the strength of the 2008 event, citing the increasing number of active British grandmasters and the burgeoning talent among junior players. Supported by Liverpool City Council, St George’s Hall, BID Liverpool, the Chess Trust, and the John Robinson Chess Trust, the championship is poised for success.
As the final preparations are made, Liverpool stands ready to welcome the chess world. It`s a city where strategy meets culture, and where the quiet intensity of the chessboard finds a fitting stage amidst the vibrant pulse of one of Britain`s most dynamic urban landscapes. Let the games begin.
Gilbert Pendleton 
Marcus Blakely