Capechecs Women Players : Alicja from Poland at Cap d’Agde

Out of the 933 participants in this 23rd edition, 127 are women of all ages and levels, representing nearly 15% of the field.

In 2025, the ECU (European Chess Union) Women’s Chess Commission is partnering with CAPECHECS for the first time. Its president is Antonaeta Stefanova, the 10th Women’s World Champion, who took part in the event twice, in 2006 and 2022. There will therefore be a prize awarded to the best female player in the Grand Prix. One of the favorites is the young Polish WGM Alicja Śliwicka, aged 24. She played her third round at board 9, unfortunately losing to the Indian player Sayantan Das. But she remains optimistic and hopes to be among the leaders, including winning the first women’s prize of 1,000 euros.

Alicja from Poland at Cap d’Agde

"Many people, including friends, recommended this tournament to me. They told me I had to come, saying that everything is great here—the atmosphere, the food, and the level of play in the Grand Prix. The chess environment is very serious, and at the same time, everyone seems very relaxed. For me, it’s a wonderful surprise. It’s a very big festival, and I’m proud to be part of it. I came with friends—it’s always nicer than traveling alone. I know that many very strong women players have competed in this tournament. I saw that Judit Polgar has a corridor in the center dedicated to her. I didn’t know she had played here three times. People told me it’s a special event, where you can feel the fraternity of chess. It’s not very well known in Poland, and not many of my compatriots have come to Cap d’Agde. When I return, I’ll be sure to recommend it to them myself!"