The ECU 2030 Team is fully committed to elevating senior chess to the level of prestige and respect it truly deserves. Driven by the core pillars of recognition, event excellence, and social inclusion, our program combines immediate financial reinforcements with ambitious new initiatives to celebrate the legacy and continued competitive strength of Europe’s senior players.
Key Highlights:
- What We Have Secured: An immediate, measurable step-up with a €16,000 additional prize fund already secured for the European Senior Individual and Team Championships to set a higher baseline for growth starting in 2026.
- What We Will Launch (2026–2030): A brand-new flagship event – the European Senior Rapid & Blitz Championship 2027 in Monaco, featuring a €30,000+ prize fund already secured through a new sponsorship. Regulations for the event will be announced as soon as they are finalized.
- Elevating Event & Media Standards: Raising organizational standards across playing conditions, scheduling, arbiters, and hospitality to deliver a top-level championship experience. We will implement strict minimum media standards – including previews, daily highlights, and interviews, to ensure senior chess gains the strong visibility it merits.
- Inclusion & Lifelong Chess: Expanding participation through social programs tailored for players returning to chess later in life, introducing intergenerational formats like senior-junior team events, and supporting healthy ageing initiatives that link chess with mental wellbeing.
- Accountable Progress: Tracking success through clear KPIs, including the full delivery of the €46,000+ secured prize fund uplift, year-on-year registration growth in the 50+ and 65+ categories, and measured player satisfaction.
For a detailed look at the ECU 2030 Strategy for Seniors Chess, you can access the full document below: