Jerusalem is returning to the international sporting stage. On November 26–27, the Ramada Jerusalem Hotel will host the Jerusalem Rapid Chess Open, a fast-paced event with hundreds of elite players, global attention, and a rare sense of normal life in a fragile moment.
More than 400 players from 35 countries have already confirmed their participation, among them well-known grandmasters and rising stars. After weeks in which international competitions disappeared almost completely from Israel, the chess hall in Jerusalem is expected to be full of boards, clocks, spectators, and cameras – a reminder that the city remains connected to the world.
Global chess arrives in Jerusalem
Delegations from the United States, Germany, Denmark, South Africa, Russia, Belarus, the Netherlands, Angola, Bulgaria and more will take part. Beyond the competition itself, the event delivers a symbolic message: people are still willing to come to Jerusalem, to compete, learn, and share a cultural space built on concentration and respect.
Ramada Jerusalem is preparing for hundreds of matches played at high speed, live screens, school groups, and fans moving between rounds where a single mistake can decide the entire game.
Idan Miller – from uniform to the board
Among the Israeli players is 28-year-old Idan Miller from Tel Aviv, a member of the Rishon LeZion chess club and a full-time high-tech employee. Over the past months he spent long weeks in the reserves with Unit 8200. Between shifts, work, and uncertainty, he refused to give up chess.
“It’s not just a hobby, it’s part of who I am,” he says. “After a long day, the mind is tired, but I sit down with the board, analyze moves, speak with friends about games, and everything opens up again. Even at ten at night – I play because I love it.”
For Miller, the arrival of hundreds of players and several world-class names carries meaning far beyond trophies:
“When international players come to Jerusalem right now, it changes the atmosphere. It shows that life continues. People want to compete, to learn, to be together. That’s a powerful message.”
30,000 euros in prizes – and a rare sporting signal
The Open will award 30,000 euros in prizes. The top two players will receive direct entry to the Grand Championship held immediately after, with 140,000 dollars in prizes and an additional 27,000 dollars reserved for outstanding Israeli players.
According to Zvika Barkai, CEO of the Israel Chess Federation, the event continues a nationwide renaissance:
“Chess in Israel is booming. International and local tournaments across the country, tens of thousands of children studying chess at school, and global names arriving in Jerusalem. Seeing this now – it warms the heart.”
