The idea of establishing Dortmund as the chess capital arose in 1972 when Eugen Schackmann, the head of the city's press and information office, suggested Dortmund as the venue for the World Championship between Spassky and Fischer. Although Reykjavik eventually won the bid, Dortmund aroused the interest of the German Chess Federation, which decided to hold the 2nd International German Individual Championship in Dortmund in 1973.

He was awarded grandmaster in 2022 and has now already shot up to the 2600 rating mark: GM Frederik Svane, current German No. 8 in the rankings, will participate in the A-Open of the 50th International Dortmund Chess Days just like his brother GM Rasmus Svane.

In a new in-depth interview, the 10-time winner of the Dortmund International Chess Days Vladimir Kramnik talks in detail about his career, current coaching projects and chess itself. Of course, the Sparkassen Chess Trophy is also mentioned by the world champion, to which Kramnik will return in June for the 50th anniversary: Interview with Wladimir Kramnik

After last year's individual European Champion Matthias Blübaum has already registered for the A-Open of the 50th International Dortmund Chess Days, we welcome a team European Champion to the strong tournament as well: regular guest GM Daniel Fridman is also taking part in the anniversary of the Sparkassen Chess Trophy 2023 in Dortmund.