The tournament features two disciplines: standard chess and blitz. In the standard event, players compete in Grandmaster, International Master and FIDE Master groups. The FIDE Master section is divided into two categories based on Elo ratings: 1,600 and above, and below 1,600. Competitors play nine rounds in the standard format, while the blitz event consists of 11 rounds.

Results from the tournament will be submitted to the FIDE for the calculation of Grandmaster and International Master norms, as well as international Elo ratings in January 2026.

The event has attracted more than 80 players from nine countries, including India, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Russia, the United States, the Republic of Korea , the Netherlands and Vietnam. Notable participants include SEA Games 33 champion Banh Gia Huy, Grandmaster Quizon Daniel of the Philippines, and Vietnamese players Bui Vinh and Tu Hoang Thong.

According to the organizers, the tournament is part of the FIDE competition system. Similar GM and IM tournaments organized by the Vietnam Chess Federation have previously been held in several localities, including Quang Ninh and Ninh Binh.

The tournament runs through January 5, 2026.

Ninh Binh GM/IM/FM Chess Tournament 2025 concludes

The first Ninh Binh GM/IM/FM Chess Tournament 2025 concluded on December 27 after eight days of intense play in the blitz and standard formats.