The Laâyoune International Chess Festival 2026, organized by the Laâyoune City Chess Club, concluded successfully after six days of high-level competition held from July 13 to 18, 2026, in Laâyoune, Morocco.
The festival featured three FIDE-rated tournaments: Classical, Rapid, and Blitz, bringing together chess players from Morocco and several other countries in an atmosphere of sportsmanship, friendship, and cultural exchange. The event was officially registered with FIDE, and all tournaments were submitted for international rating.
The Classical Championship attracted 104 players, including titled players and several titled women players, making it one of the strongest international chess events organized in the southern regions of Morocco. The high level of participation reflected the growing international reputation of the festival.
Moroccan CM Yasser El Haj El Khelti (pictured below) delivered an outstanding performance by winning both the Classical and Rapid Championships, confirming his excellent form throughout the festival. Meanwhile, FM Abdelrahim Taleb Mohamed of Mauritania captured the Blitz Championship title after an impressive performance against a strong field of competitors.
Beyond the competitions, the festival offered live broadcasts of the top boards as well as educational and promotional activities. The closing ceremony honored champions, arbiters, volunteers, and partners whose efforts contributed to the success of the event.
The Organizing Committee extends its sincere gratitude to all players, arbiters, officials, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and media representatives who contributed to the success of this international festival. Special thanks are also extended to the International Chess Federation (FIDE) for its continued support in promoting chess worldwide.
The Laâyoune City Chess Club remains committed to developing international chess in Morocco and looks forward to welcoming an even larger and stronger field of participants in future editions of the Laâyoune International Chess Festival.
Classical Championship complete results:
https://s3.chess-results.com/tnr1448534.aspx?lan=20&SNode=S0
Rapid Championship complete results:
https://s3.chess-results.com/tnr1454863.aspx?lan=20&SNode=S0
Blitz Championship complete results:
https://s3.chess-results.com/tnr1454862.aspx?lan=20&SNode=S0
Official website: https://laayoune-citychess.com