Prague, a city steeped in history and intellectual pursuits, recently played host to a poignant and spirited event: the 1st Rapid Memorial Tournament in honour of the late Grandmaster Vlastimil Hort. On Sunday, September 28, 2025, chess players and enthusiasts gathered at the Hotel Don Giovanni, not just for a competition, but to pay a heartfelt tribute to one of the most charismatic and formidable figures in Czechoslovakian and international chess history.
A Personal Connection and Touching Tributes
The choice of Hotel Don Giovanni as the venue held a deep personal resonance. It was, as many knew, one of Vlastimil Hort`s cherished spots in Prague. The atmosphere was charged with both anticipation for the games and a profound sense of remembrance. The opening address was delivered by Grandmaster Hort`s wife, Brigitte Hort, whose moving words underscored the enduring impact of her husband. She spoke of their “37 wonderful years” together, a testament to a life shared with a man who profoundly influenced the chess world. Her gratitude for the large turnout of players and guests, all keen to honour Vlastimil`s memory, was palpable. Daniel Hort, the couple’s son, also graced the event, further emphasizing the family’s presence and blessing of this beautiful initiative.
The Battle of Wits: Rapid Chess in Hort`s Memory
Ninety-five chess players, a diverse group spanning generations and skill levels, engaged in seven rounds of rapid chess. The format – 2×15 minutes with a 10-second increment per move – ensured a dynamic and exhilarating experience, a fitting pace for a tournament honoring a player known for his engaging style. While the clocks ticked down, the spirit of Vlastimil Hort, a master tactician and brilliant strategist, undoubtedly permeated the playing hall. One might even muse that the rapid format was a subtle nod to the quick wit and decisive play Hort himself often displayed, ensuring players had to be as sharp as the legend himself.
FM Gustav Brejník Claims Inaugural Title
After a day of intense mental duels, the inaugural Vlastimil Hort Memorial Rapid Tournament found its champion in FM Gustav Brejník, who scored an impressive 6.5 points. The competition was fierce, with IM Pavel Čech securing a well-deserved second place with 6 points, and Pavel Postupa claiming third with 5.5 points. These top performers not only showcased their skill but also embodied the competitive yet respectful spirit that Vlastimil Hort championed throughout his career.
Recognizing Excellence Across Categories
The tournament celebrated talent across various age and gender categories, ensuring that Hort`s legacy inspires every generation of chess players. Brigitte Hort herself presented the special cash prizes:
- IM Josef Přibyl emerged victorious in the Over-70s category.
- Miroslav Muroň clinched the title in the Over-60s category.
- The distinction of Best Female Player went to WIM Olena Žemličková.
- The future of chess was also highlighted, with Boris Pogorelsky winning the Under-15s category.
Beyond the cash, many participants also received a copy of Vlastimil Hort`s book, My Chess Stories, a thoughtful gesture connecting players with the Grandmaster`s narratives and insights—a prize perhaps as valuable as any monetary award, enriching the chess journey of its recipients.
An Enduring Legacy: A New Annual Tradition
The resounding success of the first Vlastimil Hort Memorial Tournament solidified its place in the annual chess calendar. Jaroslav Svoboda, owner of Czech Inn Hotels and a key organizer, expressed a clear vision for the future:
“We will hold the tournament every year on the last Sunday in September. We have no doubt that it will be a success, both at home and abroad. Vlastimil would be proud of us.”
This commitment ensures that Grandmaster Hort`s name and contributions will continue to resonate, inspiring future generations of chess players and maintaining a vibrant link to his extraordinary life in the annals of Czech and world chess.
Vlastimil Hort: A Chess Titan`s Journey
To understand the depth of this tribute, one must recall the brilliance of Vlastimil Hort. A Grandmaster since 1965, he achieved a peak Elo rating of 2620 in January 1978 and reached the impressive rank of World No. 6 in 1977. His career was a tapestry of remarkable achievements:
- Six-time Czechoslovakian Champion (1969-1977), showcasing his dominance in his home country.
- Three-time German Champion (1987, 1989, 1991), a testament to his adaptability after moving to Germany.
- A memorable victory against the formidable Lev Polugayevsky in the legendary “Rest of the World” vs. USSR match in 1970, a highlight of international team competition.
- Numerous Candidates Tournament appearances and significant tournament victories worldwide, including prestigious events in Hastings, Hoogovens, Reykjavik, and the Biel Interzonal.
- A stalwart of many Chess Olympiads, notably winning team silver with Czechoslovakia in 1982 and an individual silver on board 1 in 1972, demonstrating his consistent high performance on the global stage.
- Even in his later years, he continued to excel, becoming the Senior World Champion in Chess960 in 2006, proving his mastery across different chess variants.
- His contributions extended beyond the board, earning him honorary memberships in the German Chess Federation (2019) and FIDE (2022), reflecting the respect he commanded throughout the chess world.
The inaugural Vlastimil Hort Memorial Tournament was more than just a competition; it was a vibrant testament to a life dedicated to chess, a community`s enduring respect, and a promise that the stories of Grandmaster Hort will continue to unfold for many years to come, inspiring new generations to embrace the royal game.
