Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. The 2025 Minerva Zimbabwe Open Chess Tournament kicked off with a massive turnout yesterday, bringing together over 300 players from across Southern Africa for a chance to win a share of the USD9,000 prize fund. The event, held at Joina City, is set to run until Sunday, August 24, 2025.
Sponsored by Minerva Risk Advisors for the last five years, the tournament has quickly become a key event on the regional chess calendar.
Tournament director Bruce Kadzviti expressed his excitement about the record participation.
“I am happy with this year’s massive turnout, which is a testament to the power of what can be achieved when corporates lend a hand to support our country’s sport,” Kadzviti said.
We have reciprocated their support through incorporating a corporate section which is played in a format that allows employees to participate with minimal disruptions to their work schedules. I also want to applaud Zimbabwe Chess Federation President Todd Mapingire for supporting the introduction of novel ideas in growing chess in the country,” Kadzviti added.
The championship has attracted top-tier talent from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, and South Africa.
Notable players include Zambian International Master (IM) Gillian Bwayla and Zimbabwe’s own defending champion, FIDE Master (FM) Roy Mwadzura.
Other top contenders include Emarald Mushore, Musonda Chola, and the 2025 Zimbabwe National Champion, Tapiwa Jele.
In the ladies’ section, the competition is just as fierce. Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) Refiloe Mudodo will be defending her title against two-time winner WCM Kudzanai Charinda and the 2025 National Ladies Champion, Christine Makwena.
The tournament is structured as a 9-round Swiss event, with two rounds played per day.
The player who accumulates the highest points by the end of the final round on Sunday will be crowned the 2025 champion.
The growth of the tournament aligns with the Zimbabwe Chess Federation and Minerva’s goal of making it the largest chess event in the Southern Africa region.
Additional sponsors for the event include New World Properties, ProBottlers, and ProDairy, showcasing a strong collaborative effort to support and grow the sport in the country.
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