FIDE is pleased to announce the open tournaments selected to receive financial support under the 2026 edition of the Open Aid Project. The selected events were chosen on the basis of their classical time control, competitive strength, historical track record, geographical location, and the structure of their prize fund distribution, with particular attention paid to provisions for women, veterans, and players from developing countries.
The project, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, was originally created to help tournaments navigate a period of severe financial uncertainty while supporting chess professionals whose livelihoods depended on regular competition. Since then, it has become a recurring part of FIDE’s support for the global open circuit.
The 2026 edition of the programme, run by FIDE with the support of Freedom Holding Corp, provides targeted assistance to selected open tournaments taking place between June and December 2026. Organisers from around the world submitted applications, with the chosen events meeting the programme’s criteria aimed at promoting accessible, inclusive, and sustainable tournament organisation.
The following tournaments have been selected to receive support through the 2026 FIDE Open Aid Project:
This list is not final as some applications are under additional review.
“Open tournaments are integral to the growth of chess across the world,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. “The Open Aid Project began during the pandemic, when this kind of financial support was urgently needed to help events survive and to support chess professionals through a very difficult period. We are pleased that it has become a regular initiative. By supporting tournaments across different countries and regions, we help strengthen opportunities for players, organisers, and local chess communities while contributing to the long-term development of our sport.”
Through the Open Aid Project, FIDE continues its commitment to supporting tournament organisers and reinforcing the global calendar of open competitions, ensuring that high-quality playing opportunities remain available to chess communities around the world.