In a historic moment, Cyprus is at the epicentre of the global chess scene. For the first time, the most important and demanding tournament in the World Chess Championship cycle is being held at Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, in the Peyia area of Paphos, from March 28 to April 16, 2026.
In this elite competition, eight of the world’s top male players and eight of the world’s top female players are competing to earn the right to become the official challengers in the respective World Championship matches.
The 2026 Cyprus event is the natural and institutional continuation of the corresponding tournament held in Toronto, Canada, in 2024. The competition features some of the greatest personalities in the chess world, combining a high level of play with a unique hospitality experience on the western Mediterranean coast of Cyprus.
The official opening ceremony took place on March 28, 2026 at Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, in the presence of Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis, representing President Nikos Christodoulides. Also present were distinguished members of the diplomatic corps, ambassadors and country representatives.
Among those in attendance were:
Tourism Deputy Minister Koumis described the hosting of this top-tier event as a great honour for the country, highlighting Cyprus’s growing reputation as a destination for high-level international sporting events.
President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Arkady Dvorkovich expressed his gratitude to the Government of Cyprus, local authorities, and the event’s partners — the Freedom Group, the Scheinberg family and Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort — for their contribution to bringing the tournament to Cyprus and ensuring excellent conditions for the participants.
President of the Cyprus Chess Federation Kriton Tornaritis reminded attendees that chess is experiencing significant growth in Cyprus, with the state awarding special distinctions to talented young players and gifted children.
CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. Timur Turlov noted that chess has helped him build friendships across a wide range of professional fields, emphasizing that it remains one of the most respected and universally loved games in the world.
Finally, the Director of Business Development at Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, Konstantinos Malaou, delivered an inspiring message, describing the tournament as a celebration of excellence at the highest level—bringing together some of the greatest chess minds in the world. A setting where every move matters, every decision carries weight and every moment reflects discipline, preparation and vision.
The evening concluded with a performance by renowned Greek singer Thomais Apergi, who, accompanied by piano and saxophone, captivated the audience with two outstanding interpretations blending jazz, soul and swing.
Chess enthusiasts will be able to follow the games live via:
Live coverage begins with the first round on March 29 at 15:30 Cyprus time.
Open FIDE Candidates
FIDE Women’s Candidates
Through events like this, Cyprus further strengthens its position on the global sporting and cultural map, attracting worldwide attention and top-tier participation.
The award-winning Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort is a luxurious five-star destination in Peyia, Paphos, renowned for its high-quality facilities, exceptional service and international profile. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean, the resort was selected by the International Chess Federation as an outstanding venue offering ideal conditions for such a prestigious tournament.
