We already reported last week that Susan Polgar was already donating extra prizes to the Fischer Random Cup which will be held on the rest day, 9th of March during the Reykjavik Open. Susan didn’t stop there and her university program at Webster has agreed to sponsor a scholarship to the top finisher under 20 years old at the 2018 GAMMA Reykjavik Open.
The Webster University program is one of the premier places in the world to combine academic studies with continued excellence in the field of chess. Webster University is expected to have 12 Grandmasters (in the 2017-2018 academic year), and players from more than a dozen different countries. The SPICE program has multiple World Champions, Olympiad Champions, and National Champions.
Webster University chess team has been ranked #1 in Division I College Chess since its inception in August 2012 (with 4 freshmen and 1 sophomore on the A team), which is nearly 300 consecutive weeks. Webster University is located in St. Louis, the current mecca of chess in the United States.
This is a remarkable opportunity for the right player and a wonderful gesture by Susan yet again!
The value of the scholarship is at a minimum $72.000 ($18.000 per year x 4 years). The scholarship must be exercised by August 2021. In addition if the top finisher is rated 2500-2599 the scholarship is $27.000 per year and if the player is over 2600 it rises to $43.000 per year and includes all tuition, fees, housing and meals.
The Reykjavik Open organisation is incredibly thankful towards Susan for providing these extra prizes to our already prestigious and historic tournament!
