The Torneo Magistral de Ajedrez Ciudad de León, one of the most prestigious chess tournaments in the world, is set to celebrate its 38th edition from July 3 to July 7, 2025. Held in the vibrant city of León, Spain, this iconic event continues to captivate chess enthusiasts with its unique blend of high-level competition, cultural festivities, and a commitment to promoting the game across generations.
The 2025 Torneo Magistral boasts an electrifying roster of four players, blending seasoned champions with youthful prodigies. It will be one of the featured tournaments in Chessdom’s Newsletter, you can signup for free with your email in the form below
Viswanathan Anand (India): The five-time world champion and ten-time Magistral winner is a living legend. Known as the “King of León,” Anand’s strategic brilliance and enduring competitive spirit make him a fan favorite and a formidable contender.
Jaime Santos Latasa (Spain): The hometown hero, Santos is a Grandmaster and the 2023 Magistral champion. As the 2023 European Blitz Champion and a rising star in Spanish chess, his performance will carry the hopes of the local crowd.
Faustino Oro (Argentina): At just 11 years old, Oro is the youngest International Master in chess history. Dubbed the “Messi of chess,” his intuitive play and meteoric rise during the pandemic have marked him as a phenomenon. His debut in León is a historic moment for the tournament.
Le Quang Liem (Vietnam): Ranked 16th in the world, Le brings precision and experience to the board. His participation rounds out a diverse and dynamic quartet, promising thrilling encounters.
More activities in Leon
XII Chess and Finance Contest: The Restless Investor
Started on January 1, 2025, and will continue until the end of April. It leverages the synergies between chess and finance to test participants’ skills. A new category has been introduced to allow schoolchildren from across the country to participate, with no start date limit for joining the competition.
Conference on Physical Preparation and Nutrition for Chess Players
Conference titled “Physical Preparation and Nutrition in the Training of Elite Chess Players.” It will take place on Thursday, April 3, at 6:00 PM at the Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences of the University of León (ULE). Participants include David Suárez, a professor at the Faculty, five-time world chess champion Vishy Anand, GM Jaime Santos, and the Magistral director, Marcelino Sión.
Conference on AI as a Tool for Mental Performance
Conference titled “AI as a Tool for Mental Performance: The Paradigmatic Case of Chess.” It will take place on Thursday, April 10, at 6:00 PM in the Degree Hall of the School of Computer, Industrial, and Aerospace Engineering. Participants include José A. Benítez, a tenured university professor and PhD from ULE, GM Jaime Santos, and the Magistral director, Marcelino Sión.
III Chess, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity Conference
Following the success of previous editions, a new event will be held in May, organized by the Magistral and the National Cybersecurity Institute of Spain (INCIBE), with innovations that will attract chess enthusiasts of all ages. It will take place on Saturday, May 24, at 11:00 AM in the INCIBE auditorium in León.
Chess in the Streets
The giant NEUSUS/RMD chess pieces will once again fill the streets of León. This initiative promotes environmental care and sustainability by highlighting the importance of recycling. These pieces, made from recycled tire rubber, showcase the second life of disposable materials. Starting June 20.
Simultaneous Exhibition by IM Faustino Oro
This will take place on Thursday, July 3, at 5:30 PM in the hall of the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters at the University of León. IM Oro will face 25 local chess enthusiasts.
Portrait Exhibition: “Glimpses of Champions”
An exhibition of portraits of women’s world chess champions, captured through the delicate perspective of artist Nistal Mayorga. It will be held in the hall of the Auditorium on July 4, 5, and 6 during the official tournament’s playing hours.
Giveaway of Copies of the Novel “Four Queens” by Juan Carlos Varela
The novel Four Queens by Juan Carlos Varela centers on chess and the female presence in the game. The Magistral, which aims to promote the participation of girls and young women in this discipline, will hold a giveaway of 15 signed copies donated by the author during the tournament.
Conference on Chess Prodigies
Conference titled “Child Prodigies in Chess History: Faustino Oro, the Latest Prodigy Astonishing the World.” It will be delivered by renowned chess commentator Leontxo García. It will take place on Saturday, July 5, at 11:00 AM in the Gordón Ordás room at El Albéitar.
X León Magistral Open Chess Tournament
The tenth edition of the “León Magistral International Open” is expected to feature 120 players. It will once again allow chess enthusiasts to travel to León to enjoy playing chess while watching the world’s best players in action. It will be held on July 5 (starting at 12:30 PM) and July 6 (starting at 10:00 AM) at the León City Auditorium.
V León Magistral Blitz Open Tournament
This will take place on Sunday, July 6, at 4:00 PM at the Auditorium. Chess enthusiasts will enjoy this blitz tournament with 3’ + 2’’ per move games and significant prizes.
