The Caplin Hastings International Chess Congress this year celebrates its 98th edition, and will take place from 28th December to 7th January, 2025.

The Hastings International Chess Congress is an annual chess tournament which takes place in Hastings, England, around the turn of the year. The main event is the Hastings Premier tournament, which was traditionally a 10 to 16 player round-robin tournament. In 2004/05 the tournament was played in the knock out format; while in 2005/06 and 2006/07 it was played using the Swiss system. Alongside the main event there is the challengers section, which is open to all players. The winner of the challengers event earns an invitation in the following year’s Premier.

The Congress typically attracts players from at least thirty countries and over the years all the world champions except Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov have played at Hastings.

Hastings Chess Club, founded in 1882, maintains a strong connection to the Congress and the town. Hastings Borough Council supports the Chess Congress each year and the event opens up Hastings to the world, with interested spectators coming from as far away as Singapore and New Zealand. The presence of the Congress also supports local businesses and community.

Make a strong move and come and play in the longest running traditional chess congress in the world!

We offer discounted rates for the congress. See our special offers page for details.