Event Overview
Event Website: https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/events/winterclassic
Online Registration: https://events.charlottechesscenter.org/winterclassic/register
OVERVIEW
The Charlotte Winter Classic is a new classical event with a guaranteed prize fund of $6,000 plus a $500 Saturday evening blitz. There is a minimum rating of 1300 and registration cap of 140 players - we expect to sell out so please register well in advance. The Winter Classic is held just before the Charlotte Winter Elite Camp, featuring top level training with GMs Aryan Tari, Arturs Neiksans, and RB Ramesh.
WHEN
December 26-28 or 27-28, 2025
Held just before Charlotte Winter Elite Camp (same venue), December 29 – January 2
WHERE
Beautiful Venue in the Heart of Southpark! Walk to Starbucks, Whole Foods and more!
Hilton Garden Inn - Southpark
4808 Sharon Road
Charlotte, NC 28210
(704) 362-5080
HOTEL BOOKING
Hilton Garden Inn - Southpark
$128 per night single or $138 for double
Free internet and parking
Homewood Suites - Southpark (overflow hotel)
$149 for King suite with pullout sofa bed
Free internet and parking
ELIGIBILITY
- There is a USCF rating minimum of 1300 to enter, based on December US Chess ratings or a peak rating since October 15.
- See events schedule for other options this weekend.
REGISTRATION
- Online registration only - no on-site registration.
- All registration closes 75 minutes before round 1 start time
- On-site check-in is not necessary for players who register online
TIME CONTROLS
3-Day Schedule: G/110; inc/10
Rounds 1-2 of 2-day Schedule: G/30, inc/10
SECTIONS AND PRIZES
$6,000 Guaranteed Prize Fund in 3 Sections
Championship Section - FIDE Rated
$1200 - $600 - $400
Top U2200: $400
Under 2000 Section - FIDE Rated
$800 - $400 - $200
Top U1800: $300
Under 1700 Section – FIDE Rated
$800 – $400 – $200
Top U1500: $300
Minimum rating of 1300.
100-point Rule applies for "playing up" a section - see Special Notes below.
FREE $500 Blitz
- Saturday 8:30pm
- Blitz Registration On-site only, Saturday 4:30-8:15pm – No online blitz registration
- Free blitz entry for players in the Winter Classic.
- Open to all players - $30 on-site blitz entry for those not in the main event.
- 6 (single) Rounds – USCF regular ratings used for pairings/prizes.
- $500 guaranteed prize fund in one section with class prizes.
- US Chess and FIDE blitz rated. US Chess membership required.
SCHEDULE
3-Day Schedule - 5 Rounds
Friday: 6:30pm
Saturday: 10:30am & 4:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am & 3:00pm
2-Day Schedule - 5 Rounds
Saturday: 10:30am*, 1:00pm*, 4:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am & 3:00pm
* Rounds 1-2 of 2-Day Schedule played at G/30; inc/10 time control, then merge with 3-day schedule, Saturday 4:00pm
ENTRY FEE
$125 by December 17
$140 after December 17
GM/IM/WGMs: Free Online Entry, no deduction from prize if registered by December 1, otherwise $125 deducted from prize.
Re-entry: $60. See information under "Special Notes" below.
CONTACT
Click here to show mail address
Event Website: https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/events/winterclassic
Online Registration: https://events.charlottechesscenter.org/winterclassic/register
4808 Sharon Road
Charlotte, NC 28210
United States