The Opening Ceremony of the European Universities Chess Championship 2025 took place on 16th of September in Yerevan at the Armenian State University of Economics. 

The Opening Ceremony of the European Universities Chess Championship was a formal yet festive event that marked the official start of the competition. It brought together players, officials, dignitaries, and guests in a welcoming atmosphere. 

Teams proudly entered the venue carrying their banners and flags, symbolizing unity, discipline, and the spirit of fair competition. The march-past set the tone for the championship, celebrating both the intellectual strength of chess and the athletic spirit of the participants. With cheering from the audience, the student-athletes showcased not only their dedication to the sport but also the camaraderie and respect that chess inspires.

The Ceremony was attended by EUSA President Adam Roczek, Secretary General Matjaz Pecovnik, Armenian State University Rector Armen Grigoryan, Armenian Student Sports Federation President Hovhannes Gabrielyan, and Hasmik Avagyan, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Armenia.

On behalf of the Organising Committee, participants were greeted by Armen Grigoryan, Rector of the Armenian State University and President of the OC.

EUSA President Adam Roczek extended a warm welcome to all participants, wishing the teams success as they prepared to showcase their skills and abilities, while also expressing gratitude to the Organising Committee for their dedicated efforts.

The competition is jointly organised by the Armenian Student Sports Federation and the Armenian State University of Economics. Both the university and the NUSA have a long-standing tradition of hosting university-level sporting events, having previously organised the EUSA European Universities Chess Championship in 2015. This legacy ensures a high standard of professionalism and dedication to excellence.

The event is strongly supported by sponsors, civic institutions, and local sports associations. This year’s Championship will take place from 16–20 September 2025 at the Elite Plaza Business Centre in Yerevan.

EUSA is represented by President Adam Roczek, Secretary General Matjaz Pecovnik, Sara Rozman, Director of Education and Operations/COO, and Technical Delegate Oleksander Sulipa, overseeing the competition to ensure smooth and successful organisation.

The Championship will welcome 26 open and 14 women’s teams, representing 32 universities from 17 countries. The European Universities Chess titles are being defended by Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ROU) in Blitz and the Hungarian University of Sports Science (HUN) in Rapid.

Expectations are high as student athletes from across Europe come together to compete at the highest level of university sport, celebrating not only their skills and achievements but also the values of fair play, friendship, and cultural exchange.

The venue was alive with energy, marked by music, dance, and vibrant delegations proudly waving their flags, creating a truly international and festive atmosphere. The parade of universities drew enthusiastic cheers from the audience as each university delegation entered with pride and excitement.

The ceremony featured a captivating performance by Melikyan Dance, presenting a vibrant display of traditional dance and music that reflected the cultural richness of the host city.

In line with EUSA’s commitment to sustainability, organisers implemented several eco-friendly initiatives, including digital information systems, reusable water stations, and waste separation zones across the competition venues.

The organisers hope the Championship will serve not only as a competitive platform but also as a legacy for future university sport in the region, inspiring young athletes and setting a benchmark for hosting international events.

Before the Opening Ceremony, the General Technical Meeting was held, covering general rules, presentations, the schedule, and detailed information about the event and competition.

More information can be found at eusachess https://chess2025.eusa.eu/.