ZIMBABWE’s flagship FIDE rated chess tournament, Minerva Zimbabwe Open Chess Championship returns next month with an expanded program, increased participation opportunities and more than US$7,000 in prize money on offer.
The sixth edition of the tournament will be held at Heritage Village, within the African Liberation Museum precinct in Harare, from August 19 to 23.
Organised by the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) and sponsored by Minerva Risk Advisors in partnership with the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the tournament is expected to attract leading local players as well as competitors from across the region and beyond.
The championship will feature five categories comprising the Open A section for players rated 1900 and above, Open B, Ladies, Development and Corporate sections.
Registration opened on July 23 and will close on August 17, with organisers urging players to register early to avoid late penalties and secure their places in the tournament.
The Open A champion will walk away with US$1,500, a trophy and a gold medal, while the Ladies champion will receive US$700. The Open B winner will earn US$400, with the Corporate champion taking home US$500 and a team shield. Young players competing in the Development section will battle for medals, certificates and scholars’ hampers across Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 age groups.
Tournament director Thabo Elisha will oversee the competition, assisted by deputy tournament director Agab Dozva and a local organising committee appointed by the ZCF.
The tournament will be played over nine rounds using the FIDE Swiss system, with all Open, Ladies and Open B matches contested under a 90 minute plus 30 second increment time control. The Development and Corporate competitions will use shorter formats.
Organisers said the event remains one of Zimbabwe’s premier chess competitions and continues to provide valuable FIDE rating opportunities for players while strengthening the country’s standing as a regional chess destination.
“The Minerva Zimbabwe Open has grown into a flagship event on our calendar and reflects the tremendous progress chess continues to make in Zimbabwe. It provides our players with invaluable international rated competition while creating opportunities for juniors, women, corporates and elite players to compete under one roof,” Mapingire said.
“Our vision is to continue raising the standard of Zimbabwean chess by hosting world class tournaments that attract regional and international participation while strengthening grassroots development. We are grateful to Minerva Risk Advisors and FIDE for their continued support in making this possible.”
The Corporate section, introduced to promote workplace participation in chess, is open exclusively to Zimbabwean employees, with companies required to provide proof of employment for participating players.
Former champions of the Minerva Zimbabwe Open, participants at the 2026 Zimbabwe National Championships, senior players above the prescribed age categories and players with recognised disabilities will receive free entry under the tournament regulations.
Strict anti cheating measures will also be enforced throughout the championship, with mobile phones, smart watches, headphones and other electronic devices prohibited inside the playing hall.
