On a serene Sunday in late September 2025, the historic city of Prague echoed with the familiar clatter of chess pieces, not just in competition, but in a profound act of remembrance. The first Rapid Memorial Tournament, dedicated to the legendary Grandmaster Vlastimil Hort, unfolded at the Hotel Don Giovanni, a venue chosen with poignant significance as one of Hort`s cherished haunts. Organized by the Czech Inn Hotel Group, the event transcended mere sporting contest, evolving into a heartfelt homage to a man who shaped the chess landscape of Czechoslovakia and beyond.
More Than Just a Tournament: A Family Affair
The atmosphere was charged with both competitive energy and deep respect. The opening ceremony, a moving prelude to the day`s battles, featured a special address from Brigitte Hort, Vlastimil`s wife. Her emotional recollection of “37 wonderful years” shared with the Grandmaster resonated deeply with the assembled players and guests. Her gratitude for the impressive turnout underscored the enduring affection and admiration the chess community held for her husband. Further underscoring the personal nature of the tribute was the presence of Hort’s son, Daniel, witnessing the community’s collective embrace of his father’s memory.
Brigitte Hort later participated in the award ceremony, personally presenting the cash prizes to the triumphant competitors. In a touching gesture, over thirty participants also received a copy of Vlastimil Hort’s insightful book, My Chess Stories, ensuring his wisdom and anecdotes continue to inspire a new generation.
The Battle on the Boards: A Rapid Fire of Minds
A formidable field of 95 chess enthusiasts gathered, each eager to test their mettle in a format that mirrors the swift intellectual duels Hort himself was known to master: 7 rounds of rapid chess, with each player allocated 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment per move. The event was a vibrant display of strategic thinking and tactical prowess, a fitting intellectual contest in honor of a master tactician.
When the dust settled and the final moves were recorded, it was FM Gustav Brejník who emerged as the inaugural champion, securing a commanding 6.5 points. Hot on his heels was IM Pavel Čech, claiming second place with 6 points, while Pavel Postupa rounded out the top three with 5.5 points. The tournament also recognized excellence across various categories:
- Over-70s Category: IM Josef Přibyl
- Over-60s Category: Miroslav Muroň
- Best Female Player: WIM Olena Žemličková
- Under-15s Category: Boris Pogorelsky
The awards ceremony, held against a backdrop adorned with an image of Vlastimil Hort, served as a powerful reminder of the man whose spirit animated the entire day. It was a moment of shared celebration, marking both competitive achievement and collective remembrance.
An Enduring Legacy: Vlastimil Hort, The Chess Maverick
Vlastimil Hort, born in Kladno, Czechoslovakia, in 1944, was more than just a grandmaster; he was a personality. His career was punctuated by remarkable achievements and a captivating style. A true child prodigy, he was a Czechoslovakian runner-up at just 13 years old and went on to become a six-time Czechoslovakian Champion between 1969 and 1977. Later, after emigrating, he would also claim the German Championship title multiple times.
Hort’s talent was undeniable. In 1970, he famously participated in the “Rest of the World” vs. USSR match, a legendary confrontation where he bested Soviet Grandmaster Lev Polugayevsky 2.5:1.5. This was a testament to his strength and nerve on the global stage, often outplaying opponents who were expected to dominate.
His impressive tournament victories spanned decades and continents, from Marianske Lazne in 1965 to Hoogovens in 1970, and multiple Interzonal tournaments. He achieved his best Elo rating of 2620 in January 1978, securing a world ranking of 6, firmly placing him among the elite of his era. Hort`s presence at numerous Chess Olympiads, first representing Czechoslovakia and later Germany, cemented his status as a national chess hero for two nations.
Even in his later years, Hort continued to contribute to chess, earning the title of Senior World Champion in Chess960 in 2006, demonstrating a lifelong passion for the game in all its forms. His honorary memberships in both the German Chess Federation and FIDE are testaments to a career defined by excellence, sportsmanship, and an unwavering love for the game.
A New Tradition for a Timeless Spirit
The resounding success of this inaugural memorial tournament served as a powerful affirmation: Grandmaster Vlastimil Hort is far from forgotten. The chess community, both local and international, remains eager to honor his memory. The organizers, led by Jaroslav Svoboda, owner of Czech Inn Hotels, are resolute in their commitment to continuing this tribute.
“We will hold the tournament every year on the last Sunday in September,” stated Svoboda. “We have no doubt that it will be a success, both at home and abroad. Vlastimil would be proud of us.”
Indeed, as the first Vlastimil Hort Rapid Memorial Tournament concluded, it wasn`t just another entry in the chess calendar. It was a vibrant declaration that some legacies are simply too grand, too inspiring, to ever fade. The spirit of Vlastimil Hort, the master storyteller and chess wizard, lives on, forever etched into the fabric of Prague`s chess scene and the hearts of players worldwide.
Callum Darby 
Finley Holt