Clash of Titans in Durrës (Magnus Carlsen vs. Vishy Anand) : European Club Cup 2023 Durrës, Albania

September 26, 2023

Chess Tournaments,News

Get ready, chess enthusiasts! From 30 September to 7 October, the sandy beaches of Durrës, Albania will resonate with the echoes of moving pieces. Norwegian sensation Magnus Carlsen will represent his club, Offerspill. Meanwhile, the Romanian super team, Superchess, boasts a spectacular average rating, thanks in part to legends like Vishy Anand and Richard Rapport.

Carlsen and Anand – source: European Club Cup 2023 (en.chessbase.com)

Big Numbers, Big Surprises

This year is packed! With 84 clubs from 56 European countries, the European Club Cup is larger than life. But hold onto your hats—Team USA has also jumped in, led by Gata Kamsky!

Teams to Watch Out For

Superchess, Romania: Anand takes the lead, with Rapport, Deac, and Shevchenko right behind. A notable mention to Liviu-Dieter Nisipeanu, the once-lead for Germany, now back with the Romanians.
Novy Bor, Czech Republic: Vincent Keymer from Germany captures the first board, with Czech maestros David Navara and Ngyuen Thai Dai Van in tow.
Asnieres, France: Led by the indomitable Maxime Vachie-Lagrave.
Offerspill, Norway: Founded and led by none other than Magnus Carlsen, with Aryan Tari as his second.
SC Viernheim: Representing Bundesliga, with Mamedyarov and Amin up front, and Germany’s own Dennis Wagner on the fifth board.

The Women’s Cup Showdown

While the men make their moves, the women aren’t far behind. With 25 fierce teams, eyes are on Monte Carlo, with chess queens like Anna and Mariya Muzychuk, Sara Khadem, Elisbeth Paehtz, and Pia Cramling. Dinara Wagner, Germany’s shining star, will play for Superchess. Not to forget the formidable teams Garuda Aika (Hungary) and Gaz Ukraine. Flying the German flag high will be SG Solingen, featuring Machthild van Foreest and Liwia Jarocka as their leading lights.

Where It's All Happening

Join the crowd at the Grand Blue FAFA Hotel in Durrës, just 40 km from Tirana. Overlooking the serene Adriatic, this venue promises a clash of intellects.

Prizes to Win

With a seven-round Swiss open format, the winners of the open tournament will pocket a cool 10,000 euros, while the champions of the women’s cup will walk away with 6,000 euros.

Notable Absence

Curiously, Russian teams won’t be joining the European battle, as they’re now part of the Asian Chess Federation.

Chess lovers, buckle up for an epic showdown in Durrës! Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, this is an event you won’t want to miss.