LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND - The European Bridge League, in partnership with the Polish Bridge Union, has officially confirmed that the 2025 European Transnational Championships will take place from June 21 to July 5, 2025, at the Poznań International Fair (Międzynarodowe Targi Poznańskie), one of Poland's largest and most modern exhibition and convention venues. This announcement marks the return of this prestigious championship to Poznań, which previously hosted the event in 2011 to widespread acclaim and is remembered as one of the most successful editions in the championship's history.
The European Transnational Championships represent a unique format in the international bridge calendar. Unlike traditional championships that require players to represent their national federations, the Transnational format allows participants to form teams with players from different countries, fostering international cooperation and friendship. This format has proven immensely popular among players, as it enables friends and regular partnerships from different nations to compete together at the highest level of European competition.
The 2025 championships will feature comprehensive competitions across multiple categories. The main events will include Open Teams, Women's Teams, Seniors Teams, and Mixed Teams championships. Additionally, parallel events will offer Open Pairs, Women's Pairs, Seniors Pairs, and Mixed Pairs competitions, as well as Board-A-Match (BAM) events in various categories. This extensive program ensures that players of all skill levels and preferences can find competitive opportunities suited to their interests. The tournament structure has been designed to allow players maximum flexibility in choosing their events.
The EBL has announced a simplified fee structure for 2025 that gives players unprecedented flexibility in selecting events. Participants can freely choose their tournaments and partners, whether from their team or from different partnerships. A team of three titled players and two non-titled players competing in the Open Teams Championship, for example, will pay a total fee of €2,250, with each player also eligible to participate in either the Open Pairs Championship or the Open BAM events. This new structure responds to player feedback and aims to maximize participation and enjoyment.
EBL President Eric Laurant recently visited Poznań to inspect the facilities and meet with local organizers. Following his visit, he expressed enthusiasm about the venue and preparations: "I was very positively surprised and impressed during my Poznań visit. Compared with 2011, the city center has been completely transformed, and the ultra-modern venue combined with our professional team of local organizers guarantee a perfect European championship. The International Poznań Fair offers a fantastic venue surrounded by a rich selection of restaurants, hotels, bed-and-breakfast accommodations, and hostels."
The Polish Bridge Union has demonstrated its commitment to hosting a world-class event through extensive preparations. Union President Marek Michałowski and Vice President Igor Chalupec have signed comprehensive agreements with the International Poznań Fair and the City of Poznań to ensure smooth operations and excellent support for participants. The organizers are working to create an experience that combines top-level competition with opportunities to explore Poznań's rich cultural heritage and vibrant modern atmosphere.
The 2025 championships aim to build on the success of the memorable 2023 edition held in Strasbourg, France, which attracted over 1,500 participants from around the world. The Poznań event is expected to draw similar or even larger numbers, as players from Europe and beyond take advantage of the opportunity to compete in Poland's accessible and welcoming environment. The tournament will also serve as an important preparation event for teams planning to compete in the 2025 World Team Championships later in the year.
Open to participants from all continents, the European Transnational Championships celebrate the universal appeal of bridge and its power to bring people together across national boundaries. The EBL and Polish Bridge Union extend a warm invitation to players, spectators, and enthusiasts from all corners of the world to join them in Poznań for what promises to be a tournament of the highest caliber. Early registration is encouraged, as accommodations in the most convenient locations are expected to book quickly.
For detailed information about registration, fee structure, event schedules, and accommodation options, interested parties should visit the championship website at http://euro25.eu/en/main-site/ or contact the EBL secretariat. The organizers are committed to ensuring that the 2025 European Transnational Championships in Poznań will create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds of international bridge friendship.