Czech Republic Triumphs at Mitropa Cup 2025, Finěk Secures First GM Norm

Slovakia finished a close second and also received praise for its excellent organization of the event.

Although the Mitropa Cup may not shine as brightly as it once did, it remains a vital international event for rising chess talents. It’s a competition where players don their national jerseys for the first time, gain crucial team experience, and learn what it takes to win as a unit. For Czech chess, this year’s edition offered a double cause for celebration.

Final Standings – Open Section:

The Czech team delivered consistent results across all boards and topped the standings with 13 match points from nine rounds. The star of the team was undoubtedly International Master Václav Finěk, who scored 6/9 with a performance rating of 2627, securing his first GM norm at just fifteen years old.

Other notable performances came from Jáchym Němec and Petr Gnojek, each scoring 4.5/7, while Marek Míča and Jan Vykouk contributed valuable points throughout the event. The team, led by captain Petr Boleslav, demonstrated that Czech chess has a promising future ahead.

Czech Team Line-up:

• IM Václav Finěk (6/9, Rp: 2627)

• IM Jan Vykouk (2.5/6)

• FM Jáchym Němec (4.5/7)

• IM Petr Gnojek (4.5/7)

• FM Marek Míča (4/7)

Slovakia finished just one point behind in second place, thanks to strong performances from GM Jerguš Pecháč, who remained unbeaten with 6/9, and Filip Haring, who scored 5.5/8. The entire Slovak team delivered solid results and earned praise not only for their play but also for hosting a well-run, professional tournament.

Slovakia 1 Team Highlights:

• GM Jerguš Pecháč (6/9, Rp: 2617)

• IM Filip Haring (5.5/8)

• IM Martin Neugebauer, IM Samir Sahidi, and IM Juraj Druska also contributed valuable points.

Final Standings – Women’s Section:

In the women’s event, Switzerland dominated from start to finish, claiming gold with 17 match points. France took silver and Italy secured bronze. The Slovak women’s team finished a respectable fifth, while the Czech women’s team placed eighth.

Despite the modest final standing, the Czech players were commended for their fighting spirit. According to GM Zbyněk Hráček, who followed the games closely, the team showed great heart, and even though some games ended in tears, the desire to represent their country was never in doubt. With a young lineup, the Czech women’s team is clearly building toward a brighter future.

The 2025 Mitropa Cup was, in many ways, a milestone for Czech chess. Not only did the team secure a prestigious victory, but it also witnessed the emergence of a potential future star in Václav Finěk. And while some may downplay the tournament’s importance with the phrase “it’s just the Mitropa,” in the grand journey to the top, every step matters.

Congratulations to all players and teams.