Now in its fifth year under the sponsorship of Minerva Risk Advisors, the tournament has established itself as a flagship fixture on the regional chess calendar.

Tournament Director Bruce Kadzviti expressed delight at the overwhelming response.

“I am thrilled with this year’s massive turnout. It shows what can be achieved when corporates step forward to support local sport,” Kadzviti said.
“We’ve also created a corporate section to give employees an opportunity to participate without disrupting their work schedules. I must also commend Zimbabwe Chess Federation President Todd Mapingire for championing innovative ideas that continue to grow chess in our country.”

The championship has drawn some of the region’s strongest players, including Zambian International Master (IM) Gillian Bwayla and Zimbabwe’s defending champion, FIDE Master (FM) Roy Mwadzura. Other top contenders include Emarald Mushore, Musonda Chola, and newly crowned 2025 Zimbabwe National Champion, Tapiwa Jele.

The ladies’ section promises equally intense competition, with Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) Refiloe Mudodo set to defend her crown against two-time champion WCM Kudzanai Charinda and the reigning National Ladies Champion, Christine Makwena.

The tournament follows a 9-round Swiss format, with two rounds played daily. The player with the highest points tally at the end of the final round on Sunday will be crowned the 2025 Minerva Zimbabwe Open Champion.

This year’s edition reflects the shared vision of Minerva and the Zimbabwe Chess Federation to expand the event into Southern Africa’s premier chess tournament. The effort has also received backing from additional partners, including New World Properties, ProBottlers, and ProDairy, highlighting a united push to promote the growth of chess across the region