The fifth edition of the Djerba Chess Festival will take place from 15 to 23 February, 2025, on the ‘island of dreams’,
Djerba, in Tunisia. The start of the Djerba Chess Festival, five years ago, was marked by the presence and support of legends Judit Polgar and Anatoly Karpov.
The main feature of the Festival is the 8-player round robin master tournament. Alongside, there are A,B and C Open tournaments, an Amateur tournament and several chess related side events.
Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in a rich cultural and touristic program, including performances at the hotel and excursions around the island.
Last year’s festival received extensive media coverage, and we invite you to explore the following articles:
1. Djerba Chess Festival: Niemann and Dardha share the lead
2. Djerba Masters: Dardha edges Niemann on tiebreaks to win event
3. Djerba Chess Festival: Open tournaments and side events
Additionally, a video by a Tunisian TV channel highlights the festival’s atmosphere. Watch Djerba chess festival 2024 Compilation
This year’s confirmed participants in the Grandmaster Tournament are: the top Czech player, David Navara, the highest rated French player, Etienne Bacrot, the Egyptian, African and Asian Champion, Amin Bassem, the last Djerba’s edition winner and Belgian Champion, Daniel Dardha, the reigning French Champion, Jules Moussard, the World Junior Champion Marc’Andria Maurizzi and the living legend, Vasyl Ivanchuk. In the A group several International Masters and other titled players are signed up which would help successful participants towards earning norms.
The Djerba Chess Festival provides not only chess benefits but also an exceptional geographic and cultural experience on a unique island. The first thought might be that it would be costly, however we are proud to offer competitive and affordable package options. Detailed information can be found on our website. Various package offers can be found on this page. For additional inquiries or customized package requests, our dedicated team is ready to assist. Notably, groups of ten or more players will have free accommodation. .
Djerba is accessible via direct flights from Paris, Lyon, and Brussels, or through internal flights from Tunis. Participants may also consider a scenic bus ride from Tunis to Djerba, which lasts approximately seven hours and it is at the organizer’s expense. Our organizing team, a leader in the travel and tourism industry, will ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
Djerba Chess Festival serves an important cause: participants in this well-organized chess event will not only enhance their own skills but will also contribute to the development of chess in Africa and the Arab world. Players from this region face challenges in accessing international competitions. The festival’s sole organizer and generous sponsor, Mr. Chokri Saidi, is deeply committed to fostering chess development in Africa. For further insight, please read this interview: Chokri Saidi: I like to believe that God Created Chess .