The Azerbaijan Chess Federation and the Ministry of Youth and Sports are organizing the national chess championship for men and women in Baku. The event, running from February 6 to 22, will include 30 male and 16 female players competing under FIDE regulations. Top talents from both categories are set to vie for the title and a substantial prize fund.
The Azerbaijan Chess Championship is scheduled to take place in Baku from February 6 to 22, organized jointly by the Azerbaijan Chess Federation and the Azerbaijan Ministry of Youth and Sports. This prestigious tournament will follow the Olympic system and adhere to FIDE's official regulations, bringing together 30 male and 16 female chess players.
In the men's category, prominent competitors include Shakhriyar Mammadyarov, a World Champion in Rapid and U-20 categories as well as a three-time European Team Champion. Rauf Mammadov, who has won the Azerbaijan Championship six times and is a three-time European Team Champion, will also participate. Eltaj Safarli, another European Team Champion, rounds out the notable men's entrants.
The women's section features Gunay Mammadzade, the reigning Azerbaijan Champion; Ulviyya Fataliyeva, the European Individual Champion; and Govher Beydullayeva, the U-20 World Champion, along with other strong players.
The total prize fund stands at 92,000 manats, with 62,000 manats allocated to the men's tournament and 30,000 manats to the women's competition. The opening ceremony is set for February 6, marking the start of what promises to be a competitive showcase of Azerbaijani chess talent.