23rd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships 2025: Ushering in a New Era of FIDE Titles and Regional Chess Excellence

The ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships (AAGCC) stands as a pioneering and signature event of the ASEAN Chess Confederation (ACC), fostering chess development across Southeast Asia and beyond. Held annually since 2000, this prestigious tournament has expanded significantly from its initial focus on ASEAN countries to include "Dialogue Partners" and other nations, truly embodying the "plus" in its name. It has consistently served as a vital launchpad for emerging talents, producing generations of world-class players, including Wesley So, Le Quang Liem, and Tin Jingyao, and demonstrating its profound impact on the global chess community.

The 23rd ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships, scheduled to take place in Penang, Malaysia, from July 1 to July 11, 2025, represents a significant milestone for the event and the region. This marks the first time Penang has been entrusted with hosting this esteemed regional tournament, a testament to the Penang Chess Association's (PCA) extensive experience in organizing international-level chess competitions. The timing is particularly fitting, as Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship for 2025, further highlighting its regional role and commitment to fostering unity and excellence through sports.

The championship is set to draw a robust participation, with the PCA expecting approximately 500 participants from 21 countries. Players from all ASEAN member countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste, are invited to participate. Furthermore, the "plus" extends to Dialogue Partners such as Australia, China, Hong Kong, Macau, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, and the United States, alongside invited countries like Mongolia. This broad international participation ensures a rich cultural exchange and a high level of competition.

Competitions will be held in the Main Ballroom of BERJAYA PENANG HOTEL, providing a premier setting for the chess battles. The tournament features a comprehensive range of categories, catering to both youth and senior players. These include:

• 16 Junior categories: Under-6, Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, Under-18, and Under-20, with separate events for Open and Girls.

• 4 Senior categories: Seniors 50+ and Seniors 65+, for both Open and Women.

Players will compete across three formats: Standard Chess, with a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move; Rapid Chess, with 25 minutes per game; and Blitz Chess, with 5 minutes per game. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each event and category. Additionally, team medals will be awarded based on the total scores of the top three players from each country or territory.

A fascinating development for the 2025 edition is the reinstatement of direct FIDE titles (such as International Master, Woman International Master, FIDE Master, and Candidate Master) for winners of eligible categories. Notably, for the first time, this recognition will be extended to players in the Seniors 50+ and Seniors 65+ divisions, a rare honor previously reserved for World and Oceania events. This significant decision by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) underscores the growing importance of the AAGCC and the vital role of older players in the chess ecosystem. The presence of prominent players, including FM Christian Gian Karlo Arca, FM Fabian Glen Mariano, GM Rogelio Jr. Antonio, GM Sang Cao, and rising stars such as eight-year-old Ratmir Soldatikhin, further elevates the competitive landscape. Local talents like Ainul Mardhiah, CM Kavin Mohan, CM Chow Yi Chen, and Loo Pin Xie are also expected to shine on home ground.

Beyond the competitive aspect, the AAGCC is renowned for its vibrant Social Night, a cherished tradition where participating delegations showcase their cultural heritage through performances. This event fosters camaraderie and mutual respect, strengthening bonds among players and participants from diverse backgrounds. The 2025 Social Evening was graced by the presence of the Penang Governor, Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Ramli Ngah Talib, further highlighting the event's stature.

Reflecting on past tournaments, the 2024 event in Vientiane, Laos, saw 186 players from 10 federations, a decrease from the 21st edition in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2023, which attracted 349 players from 15 countries. Notably, Vietnam dominated the medal tally. Penang also successfully hosted the Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championships (EAYCC) in 2024, drawing 370 players from 16 countries, demonstrating its capability and appeal as a host city. This year, with an anticipated increase in participants, the 23rd AAGCC is poised to be an even greater success, showcasing Penang's famed tourist attractions and vibrant street food scene to a global audience.

Under the leadership of the ACC and with the strong cooperation of its member countries, the ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships continues to be a cornerstone for chess development in the region. With the rallying cry to "Make ASEAN Chess Great Again," there is a clear vision for the community to flourish and contribute even more talented players to the global chess stage. The 23rd ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships in Penang promises to be an unforgettable celebration of sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and shared aspirations for all involved.