Feb. 5, 2025 — The 5th Annual Kasparov Chess Foundation (KCF) University Cup concluded on Sunday, February 2, 2025, with an electrifying finish as University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) claimed the championship title after a dramatic tie-breaker showdown. The prestigious global online chess tournament, played on lichess.org, saw well over 100 teams from 26 countries across all continents competing in a nine-round Swiss system format with rapid time controls.
A Nail-Biting Championship
The battle for first place came down to UTD and Gunadarma University from Indonesia, both securing 8 match points. The first tie-breaker ended in a 2:2 draw, pushing the decision to a dramatic second tie-breaker, where UTD emerged victorious. As champions, they take home the coveted KCF University Cup for the first time. And, the team receives a training session with legendary World Champion Garry Kasparov.
World Champion Garry Kasparov joined IM Kostya Kavutskiy and WGM Sabina Foisor on a live-stream broadcast via Twitch.
Top Performers and Category Winners
Overall Standings:
1. University of Texas at Dallas – 1st place, winning on the second tie-break with 8 match points and 27.5 game points.
2. Gunadarma University – 2nd place, finishing with 8 match points and a higher game point total of 29, but falling short in the final tie-break. They were also recognized as the top team from Asia.
3. Saint Louis University – 3rd place, securing 7 match points and 26.5 game points, with key victories over strong contenders.
Category Winners:
• Top U2200 Team: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) – 7 match points, 25.5 game points. The team also wins an online training session with Garry Kasparov.
• Top U2000 Team: Universitas Brawijaya (B) – 6.5 match points, 23.5 game points.
• Top U1800 Team: American University of Armenia – 5.5 match points, 21 game points.
• Top U1600 Team: American University of Armenia (A) – 5.5 match points, 21 game points.
• Top Mixed Doubles Team: Gunadarma University (B) – 5.5 match points, 22 game points.
Top Team per FIDE Continent:
• Africa: University of Stellenbosch – 6 match points, 25 game points.
• Americas: University of Texas at Dallas – Overall champions and top team from the Americas.
• Asia: Gunadarma University (A) – 2nd place overall and top team from Asia.
• Europe: Lviv State University of Physical Culture (A) – 6.5 match points, 24 game points.
A Global Chess Spectacle
The KCF University Cup once again proved to be a premier global stage for university chess teams. With participants from over 100 teams representing 26 countries, the event showcased the depth of talent and competitive spirit in collegiate chess.
Congratulations to UTD_A for their thrilling victory, and to all teams for their outstanding performances in this prestigious international tournament. We look forward to hosting next year’s Sixth Annual Univeristy Cup! For more results see the tournament results page.