2025 US Masters

OVERVIEW

The 2025 US Masters will be held over Thanksgiving Weekend, November 26 – November 30, 2025. The USM is an official US Chess National Championship and part of the FIDE circuit, a leg of the World Championship/Candidates cycle. This 9 round event is both US Chess and FIDE-rated featuring a $25,000 guaranteed prize fund in one section.

The Masters is held just after the CCC Fall 2025 GM/IM Norm Invitational and runs alongside the 2025 NC Open, an open event for players of all ratings.

REGISTRATION

• Online registration is strongly recommended
• Online registration closes November 26, 4:00pm
• On-Site Registration: November 26, 3:00-4:00pm
• All registrations after November 26, 4:00pm will result in round 1 bye.
• On-site check-in is not necessary for players who registered online

ELIGIBILITY

• Players rated or once rated 2200+ USCF or FIDE based on an established rating of at least 26 games.
• Players with the NM, FM, WFM, or higher titles regardless of rating.
• CFC and other foreign national masters (NMs) accepted.
• CM and WCM titles are not considered.
• Untitled juniors (born 2006 or after) must be rated 2000+ FIDE or 2100+ USCF at the time of registration (or thereafter, but no peak ratings) to play – additional fee applies. Peak ratings are not considered for untitled juniors.
• No exceptions to eligibility rules.  Players who do not qualify for the US Masters may enter the NC Open.
• Entry fees are based on the title and rating at the time of registration.

SPECTATORS/NON PLAYERS

• May attend the event but are not allowed in the tournament halls or nearby hallways or restrooms.
• May enjoy side events with GM Yasser Seirawan
• May enjoy the skittles/lounge/merch area
• May register for the $2,000 Blitz on Saturday evening

TIME CONTROL

G/90; inc/30

$25,000 GUARANTEED IN PRIZES

150 US Chess Grand Prix Points

$7000 - $3500 - $2000 - $1500 - $1400 - $1200 - $1000

Top U2500 FIDE: $1400 - $700

Top U2350 FIDE: $1200 - $600

Top U2200 FIDE: $1000 - $500

Bonus Prizes (can be won in addition to other prizes)

• $500 + USM trophy and title for clear or playoff winner
• Top Female: $600 – $300
• Top Senior (born 1975 or earlier): $600

The USM is part of the FIDE Circuit, a leg of the World Championship / Candidates cycle. See regulations document for more information.

NORMS

• GM, IM, WGM, WIM norms available
• Norm “Super Swiss” – normal federation requirement waived
• FIDE requires at least one Swiss norm to obtain GM/IM/WGM/WIM titles

SCHEDULE

Registration and bye request window closes Wednesday, November 26, 4:00pm

FREE $2,000 Blitz

• Saturday, November 29
• Starts at 9:30pm
• Free Entry for USM Players - register on-site by 9:15pm

ENTRY FEES

• All GMs, IMs, WGMs: Free Entry with no deduction if registered by October 10.  $200 deducted from prize if registered after October 10.
• Titled Player Entry (FMs, WIMs, WFMs, NMs): $309 by November 1, $339 by November 15, $379 after November 15.
• Untitled Juniors (born 2006 or after) with Peak Ratings Under 2200: Must be rated 2000+ FIDE or 2100+ USCF at the time of registration: $200 more than Titled Player Entry.

Entry fees based on the title/status at the time of registration. 

• US Masters players who have an unsuccessful start may withdraw from the USM and join the North Carolina Open, an open tournament with a $12,500 prize fund, for a discounted entry fee of $100.
  • This option is available to USM players rated U2400 FIDE who are not receiving conditions from the organizer.
  • On-site registration required for discounted NCO entry.

CONTACT

• For questions/concerns prior to the event email: Click here to show mail address
• Conditions are available for Grandmasters – must request conditions by October 1 and officially confirm participation by October 10. Contact Dr. Walter High – Click here to show mail address