FIDE strengthens its presidential representation and advisory team
FIDE is expanding its system of presidential representatives and advisers as part of the organisational changes announced on 26 October 2026. Together with the previously announced representatives, the new members will contribute to strengthening the political and institutional role of the President’s team within FIDE. They will support the Federation’s international interests and maintain direct dialogue with the global chess community. Three professionals will take on new roles. Håkan Jalling – Representative of the President for Olympic Games Inclusion Håkan Jalling, President of the Nordic Chess Federation and former President of the Swedish Chess Federation, has been closely involved in efforts to strengthen chess’s position within the Olympic movement. Under his leadership, the Swedish Chess Federation gained recognition from the Swedish Olympic Committee in April 2026. He also chairs the European Chess Union’s Chess Olympic Affairs Commission. Jalling will contribute to FIDE’s efforts to promote the inclusion of chess in the Olympic Games programme, drawing on Sweden’s experience. His work will include supporting relations between national chess federations and their national Olympic committees, in cooperation with other members of the FIDE team involved in this area. Darcy Lima – Representative of the President for Institutional Dialogue Brazilian Grandmaster Darcy Lima is a former President of the Brazilian Chess Federation with many years of experience in international chess. Lima will contribute to FIDE’s efforts to strengthen institutional dialogue within the global chess community. His work will include facilitating cooperation between federations and encouraging the exchange of experience and best practices, in coordination with other members of the FIDE team working in related areas. Alexander Martynov – Senior Advisor to the President Alexander Martynov will provide advice to the FIDE President on strategic and organisational matters. His responsibilities will include supporting the President’s priority initiatives and contributing to the development of the federation’s long-term agenda. The system of presidential representatives is being developed as an important channel for political dialogue and institutional cooperation within FIDE. Working alongside previously announced representatives, Jalling and Lima will help strengthen the Federation’s engagement with chess organisations and the international sports movement. Martynov’s appointment will further reinforce the advisory support available to the President.
FIDE President Timur Turlov meets Akaki Iashvili to discuss future events and chess development
FIDE President Timur Turlov held a meeting with Akaki Iashvili, President of the Georgian Chess Federation and Representative of the FIDE President for Special Projects, to discuss a wide range of strategic matters related to the development of international chess, the organisation of major competitions, and new initiatives for the coming years. The meeting covered the recent FIDE elections in Uzbekistan and the World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, with particular attention given to sporting results, organisational matters and the overall execution of the event. A significant part of the discussion focused on the international chess calendar for 2027–2028, including World Championships and other events falling within the scope of the FIDE Events Commission. The two officials exchanged views on possible improvements to competition formats, organisational standards and the overall experience for players, organisers, spectators and media. A number of new ideas and initiatives are currently being considered with the aim of further raising the quality and appeal of major FIDE events. Chess development in Georgia The meeting also addressed the current projects and strategic plans of the Georgian Chess Federation. One of the key topics was the major reconstruction of the Tbilisi Chess Palace, a landmark chess venue located in the center of the Georgian capital. The renovation and restoration works are expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Another area of discussion was the development of chess in preschool education. A project introducing chess to young children is already being implemented in 15 kindergartens in the Georgian city of Poti. The initiative was highlighted as a model with potential for further development and possible adaptation in other countries. New social initiative: chess for miners The meeting also touched upon a new social initiative aimed at bringing chess to workers in the coal-mining industry. Among the ideas discussed was the possibility of organising the first World Chess Championship for Miners. Given the active coal mines in the city of Tkibuli, Georgia could play a pivotal role in the development of such a project. The initiative reflects the broader objective of expanding the social reach of chess and creating new opportunities for people from different professional and social backgrounds to engage with the game. Expanding chess globally A substantial part of the discussion was dedicated to the continued development of chess across all continents. Timur Turlov and Akaki Iashvili discussed ways to broaden the geographic reach of international competitions, strengthen support for national federations, develop new chess projects, and deepen international cooperation. Particular attention was given to countries and regions where chess already has a strong foundation but retains considerable potential for further growth. The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue working closely on these areas and to develop practical proposals for new projects and improvements to FIDE competitions in the coming years.
FIDE World Senior Chess Championship 2026 begins in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia
The FIDE World Senior Chess Championship 2026 commenced today in Vrnjačka Banja, the Serbian capital of chess and tourism. The event has brought together 385 players from 65 national federations, including 44 Grandmasters (GMs) and 8 Women Grandmasters (WGMs). The championship is held in two age groups – 50+ and 65+ – across Open and Women’s sections. All four competitions are 9-round Swiss tournaments with classical time control. The opening ceremony was held in the hall of the Zepter Hotel, immediately preceding the first round. It began with the playing of the anthems of the Republic of Serbia and FIDE. The President of the Chess Federation of Serbia, Andrija Jorgić, FIDE Technical Delegate Gunnar Björnsson, and the President of the Municipality of Vrnjačka Banja, Boban Đurović, addressed the players and spectators. In his speech, the President of the Chess Federation of Serbia, Andrija Jorgić, expressed gratitude to the World Chess Federation for the trust placed in them, as well as to the Municipality of Vrnjačka Banja for its invaluable assistance and support. “The World Senior Chess Championship is not only a great sporting competition, but also a celebration of knowledge, experience, friendship, and love for the ancient game that has connected people around the world for centuries. Chess is one of the rare games in which age is not an obstacle, but an advantage. Experience, patience, wisdom, and the ability to make the right decisions are values that are cultivated throughout one’s entire life. That is precisely why veterans are a special and precious part of our chess family. Serbia has a rich chess tradition, with great champions and generations of exceptional players who have spread the glory of Serbian chess around the world. We are especially proud that today we have the opportunity to host the best and most experienced chess players from numerous countries, to provide them with the conditions for top-level competition, and to be the hosts of such a significant event,” said Jorgić. On behalf of the World Chess Federation, FIDE Technical Delegate Gunnar Björnsson addressed the attendees, wishing all participants a warm welcome and great success at the championship. “It is a great pleasure for me to greet you all here in Vrnjačka Banja on behalf of FIDE on the occasion of the 2026 World Senior Chess Championship. This beautiful spa town is an ideal place to host chess players who have spent decades at the board. I was here on the occasion of the 2024 European Club Cup, and based on that experience, I am sure that this tournament will be a success under the leadership of Tournament Director Saša Jevtić and his team. In 11 days, we will crown four world champions. The €50,000 prize fund reflects FIDE’s continuous support for senior chess, and the strong turnout of around 400 players from 65 countries tells a powerful story. On behalf of FIDE, I thank everyone who worked to make this event possible: the organisers, the local authorities, the government, and, of course, the players themselves,” said Björnsson. The President of the Municipality, Boban Đurović, recalled that over the decades, Vrnjačka Banja has hosted numerous domestic and international events, but that the organisation of such a massive and prestigious competition as the World Senior Chess Championship is a special source of pride for the municipality and all its citizens. “The fact that today we are hosting around 400 competitors from as many as 65 countries from all corners of the world speaks to the size and significance of this event. We are especially glad to have the opportunity to host true chess giants in Vrnjačka Banja – grandmasters and champions who have defined entire eras of this noble game. Your many years of dedication to chess, experience, and mastery inspire not only the younger generations who are just entering the world of black and white squares, but also all of us, promoting patience, wisdom, respect, and fair play as key values in society. Chess is not just a sport; it is the art of thinking and a bond that connects different cultures, peoples, and generations. We are extremely proud that Vrnjačka Banja has been recognised as a place that has all the infrastructure and organisational capacity to meet such high demands and provide top-level conditions for all participants. I thank the Chess Federation of Serbia for the trust shown and the partnership, as well as everyone who participated in the preparation of this event,” said Đurović. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Đurović and Jorgić made the ceremonial first move, after which Chief Arbiter Ashot Vardapetyan officially declared the competition open. Official website: https://wscc.beochess.rs/
Total Chess unveils star-studded broadcast team and new highlight show for Budapest Pilot
GothamChess star Levy Rozman to lead the new Total Chess Highlight Show, while Anna Rudolf, Fiona Steil-Antoni, David Howell and Jovanka Houska anchor the tournament broadcast. Total Chess has unveiled an accomplished broadcast team and a new dedicated highlight show for its upcoming pilot event in Budapest, bringing together some of the most recognised voices in chess to deliver comprehensive coverage of the competition. Renowned chess creator and International Master Levy Rozman, popularly known as GothamChess, will lead the newly developed Total Chess Highlight Show, serving as its principal presenter. The show will feature player interviews, conversations with special guests, analysis and coverage of the tournament’s defining moments and emerging storylines. The tournament’s main broadcast will feature an experienced presenting and commentary team comprising Anna Rudolf, Fiona Steil-Antoni, David Howell and Jovanka Houska. In addition to her broadcast role, Rudolf will report directly from the venue in Budapest, offering viewers behind-the-scenes access, exclusive on-site content and a closer look at the players and personalities shaping the competition. The Total Chess World Championship Tour pilot, taking place from November 10–20, 2026, at the Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel, will bring together 24 of the world’s leading chess players for a unique competition across Blitz, Rapid and Fast Classic formats. With reigning world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen among the leading contenders, the event will showcase an innovative format that brings together the world’s best players to compete across three time controls, laying the groundwork for the Tour’s inaugural season in 2027. Speaking about his involvement, Rozman said: “Chess is entering an incredibly exciting new era, and I’m thrilled to be part of the very first Total Chess Pilot event in Budapest. We’re bringing together the world’s best players, intense competition, and a completely new way of telling the stories behind the games. With our daily highlights show, we want to go beyond traditional chess coverage – bringing fans closer to the players, the rivalries, the drama, and the personalities that make this game so special. It’s going to be entertaining, unpredictable, and a lot of fun. I can’t wait!” The introduction of the Total Chess Highlight Show marks a new dimension in the Tour’s content strategy. Led by Rozman, the show will complement the main tournament broadcast with a personality-driven format featuring interviews with competing players, guest appearances, discussions of the tournament’s biggest stories, and analysis of the moments that matter most. The aim is to offer fans a deeper connection with the players and the narratives unfolding throughout the event. Anna Rudolf, who will combine her broadcast responsibilities with on-site coverage from Budapest, said: “I’m so excited to be the on-site host of the upcoming Total Chess event in Budapest – Magnus Carlsen will be challenged by the world’s very best, to prove who is the strongest at all three different time controls in chess!” She added, “A Tour that brings Magnus Carlsen back to compete in a new format that tests the very best across three time controls? What else can we ask for? The Total Chess Tour, and the pilot event starting this November, is an absolute must to follow. I’m so honoured to bring the viewers all the action from Budapest together with my buddy Levy Rozman (aka GothamChess).” Kjell Madland, CEO of Norway Chess and Founder of Total Chess, said: “Total Chess is about more than determining who is the strongest player across three time controls. We want to create a global chess property that brings the game closer to audiences everywhere, combining world-class competition with compelling storytelling and fresh perspectives. Our main broadcast will bring together an outstanding team of experienced presenters and commentators, while the Total Chess Highlight Show, led by Levy Rozman, will give fans a fresh and engaging way to follow the tournament’s biggest stories and personalities. The Budapest pilot is an exciting milestone as we build towards the inaugural Total Chess World Championship Tour season in 2027.” Together, the main broadcast and the Total Chess Highlight Show reflect the Tour’s ambition to develop a comprehensive viewing experience that appeals to established chess fans while engaging a broader global audience. By combining live tournament coverage and expert commentary with dedicated storytelling, player access and post-match insights, Total Chess aims to bring the intensity and personalities of elite chess to viewers around the world. Conceptualised by Norway Chess and sanctioned by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the Total Chess World Championship Tour is a new global chess property designed to identify the world’s most complete chess player across three time controls – Fast Classic, Rapid and Blitz. The Budapest pilot will serve as a test event for the format and broadcast offering ahead of the Tour’s inaugural global season, planned for March 2027. With an elite international field, an innovative competitive format, and two complementary video products, the Budapest pilot marks an important step in Total Chess’s ambition to redefine how the world’s best chess players compete – and how audiences experience the game. About the format The Total Chess World Championship Tour Pilot introduces a groundbreaking competition format designed to identify the world’s most complete chess player by combining Fast Classic, Rapid and Blitz into a single championship. The pilot event will bring together 24 elite players, who will begin the tournament in a group stage comprising four groups of six players each. Every group follows a double round-robin format over five days, with players contesting ten Fast Classical games (45 minutes plus a 30-second increment). Victories earn three points, while draws are worth one point. A nine-round Blitz Swiss tournament held before the competition determines tie-break rankings. Following the group stage, players progress into knockout brackets based on their finishing positions. Each knockout match is played over two days and tests competitors across all three disciplines—four Blitz games (3+2), two Rapid games (15+10) and one Fast Classical game (45+30)—with weighted scoring rewarding success in longer formats. The four highest-ranked players across the Tour qualify for the Grand Final, where semifinals
Continental Chess Presidents Inaugurate World Junior Rapid & Blitz Championships in Al Ain
Al Ain adds a third World Championship milestone to its international chess legacy. The fourth edition of the FIDE World Junior Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships kicked off in Al Ain. Following an intense opening day, five players share the lead in the Open section, and three are tied at the top of the Girls’ standings, all with perfect scores after three rapid rounds. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the championships are organised by the Al Ain Chess & Mind Games Club in cooperation with FIDE and the UAE Chess Federation. The event, bringing together 150 players from 40 countries, runs from November 1 to 7 at the Danat Al Ain Resort. The opening ceremony was attended by Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation, Chairman of the Al Ain Chess & Mind Games Club, and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee; African Chess Confederation President Bernard Wanjala; and Confederation of Chess for the Americas President José Antonio Carrillo Pujol. Also in attendance were Javier Ochoa de Echagüen, FIDE Honorary Vice-President and President of the Spanish Chess Federation; Hulkar Tohirjonova, President of FIDE’s Central Asian Zone; Özgür Solakoğlu, FIDE Technical Delegate; and representatives of national federations and participating delegations. Following the UAE National Anthem, Sheikh Sultan welcomed the players and delegations, highlighting the championships’ role in bringing young talent together through competition, friendship, and the shared values of concentration, discipline, and sound decision-making. He expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his continued support of sport and youth development, and to His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region. He also thanked His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his patronage, alongside the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, FIDE, the UAE Chess Federation, and the event’s organising partners. Sheikh Sultan noted that the championships coincide with Al Ain’s designation as the Arab Capital of Tourism for 2026, offering visiting delegations an opportunity to discover the city’s heritage, landmarks, and hospitality. Javier Ochoa delivered the address on behalf of FIDE before Sheikh Sultan officially declared the championships open and joined the distinguished guests in making the ceremonial opening moves on the top Open and Girls’ boards. Perfect starts set the stage for a battle for the lead Five players won all three opening games in the Open section to lead on three points: Artem Uskov (FIDE), India’s Pranav V and Praneeth Vuppala, Kazakhstan’s Satbek Akhmedinov, and Artiom Stribuk. In the Girls’ competition, Kazakhstan’s Zarina Nurgaliyeva, Valeria Kleymenova (FIDE), and Uzbekistan’s Umida Omonova (pictured below) finished the day tied for first place with three points each. Just half a point behind are Eline Roebers of the Netherlands, Aliaksandra Tarasenka of Belarus, and Marina Kuznetsova and Margarita Bendik (both FIDE), setting up closely contested encounters in the coming rounds. Among the UAE players, Hamad Essa Al-Blooshi and Husain Ali Alhammadi each collected two points in the Open section, while Rouda Essa Alserkal scored 1½ points in the Girls’ section. The nine-round rapid competition will conclude on November 4, followed by the blitz events on November 5 and 6.
FIDE World Junior U20 Championship 2026: Registration deadline extended
FIDE and the Venezuelan Chess Federation, in cooperation with the Ministry of People’s Power for Sport, invite all FIDE Member Federations to participate in the FIDE World Junior U20 Championship to be held in Caracas from November 17 to 28, 2026. Each National Federation may register up to two invited players (one per category). Additional players may be sent at the federation’s own expense. Players holding personal participation rights under FIDE Regulations are also eligible as invited players: Top three players of the 2025 World Junior Championships; Continental Junior Champions of the year preceding this edition; Top six Junior U20 players (Open) and top four (Girls) from the FIDE Rating List as of 1 January 2026; World Youth Under-18 and Under-16 Champions of the year preceding this edition By agreement with the Venezuelan organizers, the registration deadline (including visa support requests) has been extended to November 10, 2026. All registrations must be submitted through the respective National Federation using the official registration form. Security measures The Organizing Committee, in close coordination with FIDE, reaffirms its commitment to the well-being of all participants and visitors during their stay in Caracas and announces the following protocols: National Security Measures: Coordination with state security forces to ensure a secure corridor, hotel security, and continuous surveillance of the playing hall. Included Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health and medical insurance for every accredited participant for the duration of the event. Emergency Response Service: Primary medical care center and a 24-hour ambulance at the venue. Controlled Transfers: Official transport exclusively for airport-hotel-airport transfers and tournament-related activities. For further information, please contact: worldjunior@fide.com Attachments: Official statement by the organizing committee of FIDE World Junior U20 Championship (PDF) Registration form (PDF)
Champions crowned at Asian Seniors Chess Championships 2026
The Asian Seniors Chess Championships 2026 held in standard, rapid and blitz chess sections across the 50+ and 65+ age groups concluded in Osh, Kyrgyzstan. The competition wich ran from October 15 to 25, brought together 74 players from 11 countries. Held at Jannat Resort Osh, the event was organised by the Kyrgyz Chess Union together with the chess federations of Osh city and Osh Region, with support from the Osh city administration, under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation and FIDE. Adilet Attokurov served as Tournament Director. The standard competition comprised nine rounds, with a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move. Gold, silver and bronze medalists in each discipline and category are listed below. Standard Open 50+ (pictured above) 🥇 Nikolai Vlassov (FIDE)🥈 Oleg Yuferev (FIDE)🥉 Jamshed Isaev (Tajikistan) Women 50+ 🥇 Irina Mikhailova (FIDE)🥈 Alfiya Turebayeva (Kazakhstan)🥉 Nina Sirotkina (FIDE) Open 65+ 🥇 Evgenij Kalegin (FIDE)🥈 Vladislav Nasybullin (Kazakhstan)🥉 Tilek Takyrbashev (Kyrgyzstan) Women 65+ 🥇 Irina Bulanova (Kazakhstan)🥈 Galina Strutinskaia (FIDE)🥉 Baktygul Tilenbaeva (Kyrgyzstan) Standard – full results Rapid – full results Blitz – full results Photos: Instagram Channel of KYRGYZ Chess Federation
FIDE World U7-U17 Rapid and Blitz Championships 2026 Egypt: Registration deadline extended
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the Egyptian Chess Federation are pleased to announce that the registration deadline for the 2026 FIDE World U7–U17 Rapid and Blitz Championships has been extended to 10 November 2026. The event will take place in Cairo, Egypt, from 8 December (arrival) to 15 December (departure) 2026. The participants will compete across six age categories: Under 7, Under 9, Under 11, Under 13, Under 15, and Under 17, with separate Open and Girls sections. Players who secured first place in the previous edition of the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Cadets & Youth Championships (U9–U17 age groups) are granted the personal right to participate in the corresponding (or higher) age category, provided they meet the age requirement as of January 1, 2026. FIDE Member Federations may register any number of players and accompanying officials/persons. The registration deadline is November 10, 2026. Invitation, regulations, schedule (PDF) Registration details: Registration form: https://forms.gle/sJW3H1QfS5FZ3kqE8 Email: youthrapidblitz@fide.com Official website: https://youthrapidblitz2026.fide.com
FIDE introduces the first members of its administrative team
After announcing its new organisational structure on 26 October 2026, FIDE has begun assembling the team responsible for the Federation’s daily operations. The administration will be headed by Secretary General Alina Dvoretskaya. Her team will execute FIDE’s decisions and coordinate the ongoing work of the various departments. The first stage covers four key areas. Marat Umutpayev – Legal Marat Umutpayev is an international lawyer from Kazakhstan who has worked on cross-border legal matters. At FIDE, he will provide legal support for the Federation’s activities and ensure compliance with its regulations. Nadezhda Kravchuk – External Relations & Communications Nadezhda Kravchuk has held several roles within FIDE, taking increasing responsibility over time. She now moves to a position covering external relations and communications. Her path within the Federation illustrates the opportunities for professional growth that the new structure aims to encourage. Anton Zhuravlev – Events Anton Zhuravlev, who has spent many years organising major international chess competitions, will head the Events department. His duties will include planning events and coordinating with tournament organisers. Pavel Tregubov – Sports Grandmaster Pavel Tregubov, a former European Champion, has experience in international chess administration. In his new role, he will oversee sporting matters, including competition regulations and cooperation with the relevant FIDE bodies. The next stage FIDE is building a team that draws on the experience of its current staff and the expertise of professionals joining the organisation. The new structure offers opportunities for internal career development and creates room for new people to contribute to the Federation’s work. The process of forming the administrative team is ongoing. FIDE welcomes expressions of interest from qualified professionals who would like to join the organisation and take on other roles within its administration. A detailed overview of the departments and their areas of responsibility is outlined in the new organisational structure. Further announcements regarding the administrative team will follow in due course.
Fujairah to host WFCC Grand Prix Final: World’s best solvers and composers to compete for €30,000
The World Federation for Chess Composition (WFCC) is pleased to announce that the Grand Final of the WFCC Fujairah Grand Prix 2025–2026 will take place from 27 to 30 November 2026 in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. The world’s leading chess solvers will meet in the new building of the Fujairah Chess & Culture Club, home of the WFCC Main Office, to decide the first Grand Prix champion, and to vote for the best of the original compositions created to challenge them. The new building of the Fujairah Chess & Culture Club, venue of the Grand Prix Final The event is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, on whose personal initiative the series was created. The project was realised by WFCC 1st Vice-President Abdulla Ali Aal Barket and WFCC Secretary Mohammad Alhallak, and the 2025–26 edition is the first cycle of what is planned to become a traditional competition. The road to Fujairah Qualification spanned four official championships: the European Chess Solving Championships in Athens (April 2025) and Skopje (May 2026), and the World Chess Solving Championships in Alba Iulia (July 2025) and Magdeburg (August 2026). Each solver’s two best results counted towards the overall standings. Piotr Murdzia (Poland) and Danila Pavlov (FIDE) finished the cycle tied at the top with 87 points each, ahead of Kacper Piorun (Poland) and Arno Zude (Germany), who both scored 72. Top-finishers of the World Chess Solving Championship 2026 in Magdeburg, from left: Piotr Murdzia (2nd), Danila Pavlov (1st) and Arno Zude (3rd) The finalists Following several withdrawals, the line-up of the final is as follows: From the top 12 of the Grand Prix standings: Piotr Murdzia (POL), Danila Pavlov (FIDE), Kacper Piorun (POL), Arno Zude (GER), Ural Khasanov (FID), Eddy Van Beers (BEL), Mihnea Costachi (ROU), Bilguun Sumiya (MGL), Maksim Kharitonov (FID), Nikos Sidiropoulos (GRE), and Kevinas Kuznecovas (LTU), who, in line with the regulations, replaces his compatriot Martynas Limontas from the reserve list Best solvers from other countries: Ilija Serafimović (SRB), Oleksiy Solovchuk (UKR), Joost Michielsen (NED) Organisers’ nominees: Anirudh Daga (IND), the best Indian junior solver, and Renars Muzis (LVA), winner of the Youth Chess Composing Challenge 2026 Still to be confirmed: solvers from the host Fujairah Chess & Culture Club and FIDE nominees Format and rating The Final consists of six rounds over two days in the familiar WCSC/ECSC format. On 28 November (11:00–14:30) solvers face two-movers, three-movers and endgame studies; on 29 November (10:00–13:30) helpmates, more-movers and self-mates. All 18 problems are original, previously unpublished compositions by 18 different composers. The tournament is rated with coefficient 3, and solving title norms can be achieved. As an invitational event, it does not form part of the World Solving Cup. A substantial prize fund With a total of €30,000, the Final offers a generous prize fund for a single chess-solving event. The solvers’ share of €27,000 is more than double the €12,000 awarded at each World Chess Solving Championship leg of the series, and the Final alone accounts for well over a third of the €74,000 distributed across the entire Grand Prix cycle. The winner will receive €3,800, with €2,900 for second and €2,400 for third place. Every finalist receives a prize of at least €750. All finalists are accommodated in single rooms on a full-board basis at the official hotel, Royal M Hotel by Gewan Fujairah. Composers and solvers: a duel and a dialogue Without composers there would be no solving competitions, and the Grand Final puts this relationship at its heart. All 18 problems and studies come from an accompanying composing tournament, in which problemists from around the world compete to create works that are beautiful, yet hard enough to challenge the best solvers in the world. At the end, the roles are reversed: for the first time, the solvers will reward the composers by vote. The finalists will rank the three compositions of each round for clarity, beauty, surprise and difficulty, and based on the marks of the top 10 solvers, the best composition in each round earns €500 – €3,000 in total. Preference is given to composers from countries not represented in the Final, and the selected works and their authors will be revealed on 29 November. The aim, as the composing tournament announcement puts it, is to “revive the dialogue between composers and solvers” – bringing together the two sides of chess composition. As previously announced on the official WFCC Fujairah Grand Prix website, the deadline for submissions is 1 November 2026. Entries (up to three per author) should be sent to Grand Prix Final Director Axel Steinbrink at axel.steinbrink@gmx.de. The dialogue will continue off the clock. On the evening of 28 November, a Youth Evening will see the five junior finalists – Renars Muzis, Ural Khasanov, Ilija Serafimović, Kevinas Kuznecovas and Anirudh Daga – present their own original compositions for the senior participants to solve. Afterwards the tables turn, as experienced finalists such as Piotr Murdzia and Joost Michielsen set their own problems for the juniors. Schedule Participants arrive on 27 November. The evening of 28 November, after the first competition day, is reserved for the Youth Evening. The closing ceremony takes place on 29 November at 19:00, followed by departures on 30 November. A separate blitz solving event for domestic solvers is planned for 29 November, with details to be announced. Full regulations, standings, and the list of finalists are available on the official website: https://grandprix.wfcc.ch/ Officials Tournament Director: Dr. Abdulla Ali Aal Barket Head of Technical Committee: GM Marjan Kovačević Head of Organising Committee: IA/IO Mohammad Alhallak Chief Arbiter: ISJ Axel Steinbrink Contact: grandprix@wfcc.ch Written by: Dragana Nikolovska