The key facts

  • 5,831 participants divided into five groups by skill level; total prize fund — 620 million soums
  • A two-stage qualification system was used for the first time: in-person games in 14 regions plus online qualification
  • Grandmasters Peter Leko and Humpy Koneru held simultaneous game sessions with young chess players

The Final at Zakovat Arena

Tashkent has launched the final stage of the 5th Zakovat-Gambit tournament, which brought together 5,831 chess players, Zamon.uz reports. The competition is being held at the Zakovat Arena venue: participants are divided into five groups by skill level and compete for a total prize fund of 620 million soums. In each group, first place is worth 50 million, second 30 million, and third 20 million soums; separately, 20 million will go to the strongest female chess player.

New Qualification and Special Prizes

This year, participant qualification was held for the first time under a two-stage system: first, in-person competitions in all 14 regions of the country, followed by additional qualifying games on an online platform. Special prizes of 10 million soums each will go to the youngest participant, 8-year-old Mustafo Po'latov, and the oldest, 63-year-old grandmaster Tohir Vahidov. Members of the Uzbekistan national team — Jahongir Vahidov, Afruza Hamdamova, and Umida Omonova — are also taking part in the tournament.

Tournament Guests and Awards Ceremony

Invited grandmasters Peter Leko and Humpy Koneru held simultaneous game sessions with young athletes and, according to them, noted the rapid development of chess in Uzbekistan and young people's interest in the sport. The awards ceremony for winners in all groups will take place on October 30 at the Oʻzbekfilm pavilion.