Fans attending the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 will have a new way to experience the event up close. Throughout the tournament, an open-air Fan Zone at the venue will bring the world of elite chess closer to spectators, offering daily activities, special guests, and rare opportunities to meet some of the biggest names in the game.
Hosted by Angelika Valkova, the Fan Zone will run alongside the tournament schedule and feature a lively programme of lectures, masterclasses, simul exhibitions, and discussions with leading players and personalities from the chess world.
The highlight of the Fan Zone will be the daily appearances by the Candidates players themselves. On most days, two or more of the tournament participants will visit the Fan Zone to take part in audience Q&A sessions, sign autographs, and take photos with fans. For spectators following the drama of the Candidates, it offers a unique chance to hear directly from the players competing for the right to challenge for the World Championship.
Alongside the Candidates players, the programme will welcome several distinguished guests from across the chess world. Confirmed appearances include five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand, former Women’s World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk, former FIDE Vice President Nigel Short, and legendary grandmasters such as Boris Gelfand and Victor Bologan. Educational sessions will also feature speakers including Dana Reizniece and Professor Evgeny Levantsev.
Across the tournament, fans can look forward to a rich variety of activities: children’s masterclasses, simultaneous exhibitions, autograph sessions, and talks exploring topics such as “How to think like a Grandmaster,” as well as the connections between chess, mathematics, and technology.
The Fan Zone programme begins on March 29 with a special appearance by Viswanathan Anand and continues throughout the fourteen rounds of the Candidates Tournament, with activities scheduled on most days starting at 16:00.
More guests and events will be announced as the tournament approaches, making the Fan Zone a daily meeting point for players, fans, and the wider chess community.
Tickets for the FIDE Candidates Tournament and Fan Zone access are available through the official ticketing platform: https://tickets.fide.com
Fans are encouraged to secure their seats early and follow FIDE channels for further announcements and programme updates as additional guests are confirmed.
Official website: https://candidates2026.fide.com/