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.

He already took part in the A-Open of the Sparkassen Chess Trophy last year and will be travelling to Dortmund again in August 2025. GM David Gavrilescu, 22-year-old national player from Romania and currently at the peak of his career.

A veteran of the Dortmund chess scene and a tireless supporter of the Dortmund Chess Days has passed away. On Wednesday, 2 April, Uwe Lenser lost his battle against his serious illness. Uwe was 66 years old.

Many players and visitors of the Chess Days knew Uwe, who was already present at the spectacular Chess Meeting 1992 with Garri Kasparov and worked at the reception of the International Dortmund Chess Days. For more than three decades, later with his wife Najeeba, he always had an encouraging word and a sympathetic ear for everyone. His friendliness and pleasant nature were inspiring. He always made you feel welcome, and many friendships were forged.

At the 49th International Dortmund Chess Days in 2022, Uwe Lenser was presented with an honourary award for 30 years of commitment to the Chess Days. He was still active for the 2024 tournament before his strength left him.

The Dortmund Chess Days team will always remember Uwe fondly.

Born and raised in Lemgo, he has often taken part in the International Dortmund Chess Days. After not taking part last year, he will start again in the A-Open in 2025: GM Matthias Blübaum.