Where chess meets its fans: Join side activities of the Salesforce FIDE World Championship Match

The Salesforce FIDE World Championship Match 2026 will bring reigning world champion Gukesh Dommaraju and challenger Javokhir Sindarov to Geneva from 22 November to 12 December 2026, with the world title at stake.

A wider championship experience

Scheduled across three weeks, the match will be accompanied by a substantial programme of side events designed to connect fans with the game’s leading figures. The line-up includes Viswanathan Anand, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Yannick Pelletier, Anna Muzychuk and Anish Giri, offering spectators opportunities to watch established players, participate in chess activities and hear about championship experiences.

First session features Anand

The programme begins on 24 November when Viswanathan Anand shares memories and insights from his own World Championship journeys. The session offers a chance to hear first-hand stories from the former world champion, including material associated with his memoir Master Mind.

Activities tied to match play

Swiss grandmaster Yannick Pelletier and Alexandra Kosteniuk, the 12th women’s world champion, will lead fan-facing sessions linked to specific games:

• Pelletier’s fan blitz session is scheduled for Game 3.
• Kosteniuk’s audience challenge will take place during Game 1.
• Anna Muzychuk and Anish Giri will join forces for a tandem simultaneous exhibition during Game 4.

Muzychuk, one of the few women to have passed the 2600 rating mark, and Giri are also due to appear in additional activities on other days of the championship. The mix gives fans several points of entry into the event, whether through a blitz encounter, an audience challenge or a simultaneous exhibition.

Plan attendance in advance

Many of the activities require advance registration, so spectators are encouraged to reserve places early. Details of the side programme and registration options are available through the FIDE ticket platform, while further additions to the calendar are expected.

Source

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