FIDE World Senior Chess Championship 2026 Kicks Off in Vrnjačka Banja

Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia — 3 November 2026 — The FIDE World Senior Chess Championship 2026 officially began today at the Zepter Hotel, welcoming a field of 385 players representing 65 national federations. The championship features two age categories — 50+ and 65+ — each contested across Open and Women’s sections.

A Celebration of Senior Chess

The event brings together an impressive 44 Grandmasters and 8 Women Grandmasters competing in a combined field that underscores the global reach and prestige of senior chess. Vrnjačka Banja, long recognised as Serbia’s capital of chess and tourism, once again proved itself a fitting host for a tournament of this magnitude.

The opening ceremony was held in the hall of the Zepter Hotel immediately before the first round. Officials including Andrija Jorgić, President of the Chess Federation of Serbia; Gunnar Björnsson, FIDE Technical Delegate; and Boban Đurović, President of the Municipality of Vrnjačka Banja, addressed the assembled players and spectators.

Tournament Format

All four competitions — the Open 50+, Open 65+, Women’s 50+, and Women’s 65+ — are structured as 9-round Swiss tournaments played under classical time control. Four world champions will be crowned at the conclusion of the event.

The total prize fund for the championship stands at €50,000, reflecting FIDE’s ongoing commitment to supporting senior chess worldwide.

Event Highlights

• 385 players from 65 national federations registered for the championship
• 44 Grandmasters and 8 Women Grandmasters among the participants
• Two age groups — 50+ and 65+ — each with Open and Women’s sections
• Four world champion titles to be awarded across the four sections
• 9-round Swiss format with classical time control
• Total prize fund of €50,000
• Hosted at the Zepter Hotel in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia

Organisational Support

Andrija Jorgić, President of the Chess Federation of Serbia, thanked FIDE for placing its trust in the local organising committee and acknowledged the municipality’s support in making the event possible. He emphasised that the championship celebrates not only competitive excellence but also the values of experience, patience, and wisdom that define senior chess.

Gunnar Björnsson, FIDE Technical Delegate, praised Vrnjačka Banja as an ideal venue and expressed confidence in Tournament Director Saša Jevtić and his team. He noted the strong turnout as a powerful indication of the health and growing popularity of senior chess on the international stage.

The championship continues over the coming days with all four sections battling it out for world title glory.

Source

This report is based on information published by FIDE — International Chess Federation.

Official source: https://www.fide.com/fide-world-senior-chess-championship-2026-begins-in-vrnjacka-banja-serbia/