All FIDE member federations are invited to participate in the World Senior Individual Chess Championships. The competitions will be held in Vrnjačka Banja, the largest spa resort in Serbia, from November 2 (arrival) to November 15 (departure), 2026.
The Championships will feature four sections: 50+ and 65+, Open and Women. All players must have turned 50 or 65 by the year 2026.
The top three players from each category of the previous FIDE World Senior Championships have a personal right to participate. Additionally, the top three players from each category of the previous year’s Continental Senior Individual Championships are directly qualified, and their spots are non-transferable.
The Championships will be played as 11-round Swiss-system tournaments with classical time control (90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move). For the second year, FIDE has boosted the total prize fund to €50,000. The category winners will receive €5,000 (Open 50+), €2,500 (Women 50+), €4,000 (Open 65+), and €2,000 (Women 65+). Special prizes will also be awarded to players aged 75 and over.
Invitation letter requests (for non-European citizens requiring a Serbian visa) must be submitted by September 1, 2026. The Serbian Chess Federation will not be able to provide visa assistance for requests submitted after this date.
Registration for all participants and accompanying persons closes on Friday, September 25, 2026.
A variety of side events, including FIDE-rated rapid and blitz tournaments, will be organized during the competition.
Invitation, regulations and schedule (PDF)
FIDE Senior Chess Championships official website (coming soon): worldsenior2026.fide.com
Email: worldsenior@fide.com