We have a great slate of approximately 20 Professionals attending the Congress to provide lectures, game reviews, and simuls. You will see them around all Congress activities, feel free to introduce yourself and ask questions as you see fit.
Below are the pictures and biographies of the professionals scheduled to attend in 2025.
Invitations to professionals are still in progress, this page will be updated as professional attendance is confirmed.
Simul Game Etiquette
- When the professional player approaches your board for the first move, it is customary to greet them.
- Do not delay your move. When the pro comes around to your board, make your move.
- Do not play your move before the pro arrives. It is rude to make the pro find your move.
- Do show respect for the pro by not discussing your game (or anything else) with bystanders.
- Do resign when the game is lost. Please resist the temptation to play the game out until the bitter end.
- Quietly thank the professional, and clear off the board before you leave. In three-game simuls, pros will often do brief analyses after all three games are finished.
- The event director reserves the right to terminate any games that are clearly lost.
Please do not sign up for more than one simultaneous game until Thursday so that all attendees will have an opportunity to play one. If you have not played a game by Thursday and would like one, please let the staff know and we will give you priority.