From June 27 to July 03, the traditional tournament «KBTU Open» took place in the Kunaev D.A. auditorium. This tournament has a rich history, as it was first organized in 2014.

The tournament primarily targets applicants and high school students from Kazakhstan, but it is also open to junior and middle school students from both Kazakhstan and abroad. As per the regulations of the 2023 tournament, two winners (one male and one female) receive a KBTU grant for any chosen educational program throughout their entire period of study.

Yerlan Tleukhanov from Almaty emerged as the tournament champion among the boys, while Deniz Kurmanalina, also from Almaty, secured the top spot among the girls. However, according to the tournament rules, in order to be eligible for the grant, the winners must have completed the 9th grade or higher in 2023, and since Deniz graduated from the 8th grade, the grant among girls was awarded to her older sister, Tomiris Kurmanalina, who placed second.

The winners, Yerlan Tleukhanov and Tomiris Kurmanalina, were presented with certificates for studying at KBTU, winners' cups, medals, and prizes. Many participants achieved victory in multiple categories, including «the youngest participants», «opening of the tournament»,  and «for overcoming the greatest distance on the way to the tournament», among others. Additionally, two participants, Nurbolat Rakhimov and Dameli Madina, celebrated their birthdays during the tournament and were also given gifts.

Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of KBTU Open. We are planning thorough preparations and hope to attract the attention of numerous chess players, some of whom, even if they don't win a grant, may become future students of KBTU.