The World Senior Team Chess Championship 2026 officially commenced on 19 April at the five-star Grand Blue Fafa Resort in Durrës, Albania.
Nestled on the Adriatic coast, the venue offers excellent playing conditions befitting a world-class event. This year’s edition has once again drawn strong international participation.
In the 50+ section, a total of 36 teams from 23 countries are competing, while the 65+ section features 54 teams from 28 countries, making it the largest group of the event. The top-seeded teams based on average rating are USA 1, England 1, and Kazakhstan, followed by Italy, Iceland, and Alkaloid Chess Club. Among the many titled players, notable participants include GMs Michael Adams, Simen Agdestein, and Jaan Ehlvest.
In the 65+ section, rating favorites include Lasker SGK, England I, and Iceland, with Montenegro, the FIDE team, and France 1 also among the main contenders. This field features renowned players such as GMs Artur Yusupov, John Nunn, and Sergey Janovsky.
Due to insufficient registrations for separate competitions, the Open and Women’s categories have been merged, in accordance with FIDE regulations.
The opening ceremony was conducted by Chief Arbiter IA Mahdi Abdulrahim, who also introduced the dignitaries. Brief welcoming speeches were delivered by Albanian Chess Federation President Erald Dervishi (pictured above), European Chess Union President Zurab Azmaiparashvili, and FIDE Council Vice President Georgios Makropoulos.
Round 1, featuring matchups such as USA I vs. Philidor Brothers (France) in the 50+ section and Lasker Schachstiftung GK vs. England 4 in the 65+ section, has already been played, with the favorites scoring convincing victories.
Looking back at the previous edition for a short recap: USA I captured the title in the 50+ category, led by Jaan Ehlvest and Alexander Shabalov, who also secured the individual gold medal on board three, delivering crucial victories, including in the final round against the German team Confluentia. In the 65+ category, England I claimed gold, edging out Lasker Schachstiftung GK.
With strong participation and a distinguished field across both sections, the championship promises tightly contested matches in the rounds ahead.
Moreover, the comfortable surroundings and well-balanced schedule allow participants to combine competitive play with moments of relaxation, as the author can personally attest, having participated in the 2023 European Club Cup held at the same venue.
Report and photos by WFM/IA Georgia Grapsa
Official website: https://wstcc.com/