Oleg Romanishin, a chess legend from Ukraine, will be taking part in the 52nd International Dortmund Chess Days in August 2025. His return to Dortmund is a special one: Almost half a century has passed since he won the tournament in 1976.
Back then, Romanishin was an up-and-coming talent in the Soviet Union - today he is an experienced grandmaster and a contemporary witness to a long chess epoch.
His victory in 1976 is still regarded as one of the most impressive triumphs of a young player in Dortmund. Now, almost 50 years later, Romanischin is returning to the scene of one of his greatest successes - no longer as the top favourite, but as a guest of honour and active participant in the A-Open with historical significance.
Now over 70 years old, his participation shows that chess is not a question of age. Many fans and chess enthusiasts are looking forward to seeing him at the board again. His games promise not only nostalgia, but also profound strategic thinking. Romanishin was once a training partner of the great Mikhail Tal and has beaten several world champions.
Romanischin's return is a symbol of continuity in chess and a tribute to the long history of the Dortmund International Tournament. The organiser Initiative Pro Schach e.V. pays tribute to him as a ‘living legend’, and his participation will undoubtedly be a highlight of this year's Chess Days.
It's time for anyone who wants the chance to compete against the grandmaster. Registration is open and the number of participants is limited to a maximum of 200 players per open. Last year, both tournaments were fully booked several weeks before the start of the tournament, so early registration can secure a starting place.
Photo by Krzysztof Szeląg / Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0: Oleg Romanishin, Warsaw Najdorf Chess Festival, Warsaw 2019.