Hungarian GM Judit Polgar, the strongest female player in chess history, will host a special event on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the Hungarian Pavilion and the Women’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
To mark this rare opportunity, the Japan Chess Federation is calling for participants and audience members for both the simul and the talk event.
All selected participants will be provided with an official Expo entry pass (free of charge, valid for all pavilions).
Event Details
■ Simultaneous Exhibition
Date & Time: Sunday, June 29, 2025 — Starts at 11:00 AM (doors open at 10:30 AM)
Venue: Hungarian Pavilion, Expo 2025 Osaka
Capacity: 8 players (selected by Japan Chess Federation) + 4 reserves
Note: Reserve players may not be able to participate depending on the situation on the day.
Eligibility: Applicants must meet ALL of the following conditions (as of June 1, 2025):
- FIDE Standard Rating below 2000
- National Standard Rating below 2000
- Annual member of the Japan Chess Federation
Selection Process:
If the number of applicants exceeds the available spots, in accordance with Ms. Polgar’s wishes, preference will be given to female players and players under the age of 18 (as of December 31, 2024.)
Additional Notes:
- Chess clocks will not be used.
- Signed scoresheets will be available for those who wish, after the games conclude.
■ Talk Event
Date & Time: Sunday, June 29, 2025 — Starts at 5:30 PM (check-in from 5:00 PM)
Venue: Women’s Pavilion, Expo 2025 Osaka
Capacity: 40 audience members
Content: A talk and Q&A session with Judit Polgar about her chess career and life
Note: The session will be conducted in Hungarian or English, with interpretation provided.
Eligibility: Annual member of the Japan Chess Federation (as of June 1, 2025)
Selection Process: If the number of applications exceeds capacity, a lottery will be conducted. Preference will be given to those who were not selected for the simul, as well as participants under 18 and female applicants.
How to Apply
Please fill out the application form with the following information:
- Email address
- Full name
- Age (as of December 31, 2024)
- Gender
- Japan Chess Federation ID
- FIDE ID
- Parent/guardian’s name and email address (for applicants under 18)
Note: For participants under 18, an entry pass for one accompanying guardian will also be provided. - Which event you wish to attend (Simul / Talk / Both)
Application Form:
Application Deadline:
Saturday, June 7, 2025 — 11:59 PM (JST)
Results will be sent via email in early June, after the application deadline.