Sardinia World Chess Festival 2026: Registration Starts
There are only a few tournaments on the international chess calendar that manage to establish their identity in such a short span of time. The Sardinia World Chess Festival is undoubtedly one of them.After two highly successful editions, the festival is set to return once again from 3 May to 10 May 2026, offering a total prize fund of €50,100. From its very first editions, the event earned a strong reputation for excellent playing conditions, high organizational standards, a well-equipped tournament hall, and attractive prize money.
The tournament will once again be hosted at the beautiful ITI Marina Beach Hotel & Resort, located in Orosei, right next to the Sardinian coastline. The natural seaside setting, relaxing atmosphere, and comfortable accommodation make this venue truly special and memorable for all participants.
Overall, this is a destination tournament that players genuinely look forward to returning to. Once again, chess enthusiasts will have the chance to take part in the Sardinia World Chess Festival 2026, with events organized in three categories, as in previous editions. Full details are available in the article below.
Sardinia World Chess Festival – Registration Now Open
Registrations for the Sardinia World Chess Festival 2026 have officially opened, giving players once again the opportunity to be part of this prestigious chess event. Here’s a look at how you can participate in the tournament.
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In 2024, the festival title was claimed by Belgian Grandmaster Daniel Dardha
while the 2025 edition was won by American Grandmaster Christopher Yoo.
Returning once again to one of Italy’s most beautiful locations, Sardinia, the tournament is back with an impressive total prize fund of €50,100.
The presence of experienced Italian Grandmaster Roberto Mogranzini as the Tournament Director is one of the key reasons behind the success of this event. After all, who understands a player’s needs better than someone who has himself competed at the highest level?
Read what Tournament Director GM Roberto Mogranzini has to say to you:
Dear Participants,
It is our great pleasure to welcome you all to the Sardinia World Chess Festival. This event has quickly become a landmark on the international chess calendar, bringing together players of all levels to share in the joy, challenge, and beauty of the game. Your presence has elevated the prestige of our festival and inspired the many young talents who join us year after year.
Hosting this tournament in Sardinia is a privilege in itself. Our island is a land of striking contrasts—crystal-clear seas, rugged mountains, and a cultural heritage that stretches back thousands of years. To play chess in such a setting is to combine intellectual competition with the discovery of a land rich in tradition, hospitality, and natural beauty.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Local Government of Sardinia, whose continued support makes this festival possible. Their commitment to sport, culture, and international exchange ensures that the Sardinia World Chess Festival grows stronger with each edition.
On behalf of the organizing team, I wish you all inspiring games, rewarding encounters, and unforgettable memories here in Sardinia.
Welcome to the Festival, and welcome to our island!
— Roberto Mogranzini,
Tournament Director
Please read all regulations carefully. Once again, the tournament will be conducted in three categories:
Category A: Players with an Elo rating of 2000 and above
Category B: Players with an Elo rating of below 2000
Category C: Players with an Elo rating of below 1700
The Sardinia World Chess Festival follows a uniform entry fee structure for all participants, without any distinction based on rating, title, or playing category. This policy reflects the festival’s inclusive spirit and its objective of bringing together players from diverse backgrounds on equal terms.
A single fee system ensures transparency and simplicity for everyone wishing to participate, while maintaining identical registration conditions for all players.
Special Conditions for Players Rated Above 2600
The Organizing Committee offers special entry conditions exclusively for players with an Elo rating above 2600:
Registration by March 31: €100
Registration by April 15: €130 (subject to Organizing Committee approval)
Registration after April 16: €150 (subject to Organizing Committee approval)
Once again, the official hotel of the event will be the same:
The tournament will be hosted at the ITI Marina Beach Hotel & Resort, which will also serve as the official accommodation for the Sardinia World Chess Festival 2026.
Watch this video to see the venue, and it will surely help you plan your participation.
This year, the Sardinia World Chess Festival has also arranged special accommodation options for players traveling in groups who prefer to cook their own meals.Check out these apartments located just 1 km from the venue, offering convenience and flexibility for participants.
Check Out the Prize Structure
The event will start on May 3 and conclude on May 10 in the afternoon.
Beyond the chessboard, participants also get a wonderful opportunity to explore Sardinia, one of Italy’s most stunning travel destinations. From crystal-clear beaches and dramatic coastlines to charming towns, natural caves, and rich local cuisine, Sardinia offers unforgettable tourist experiences—making the festival a perfect blend of high-level chess and leisure. Overall, this is a true destination tournament that players love to return to. Once again, chess enthusiasts will have the chance to be part of the Sardinia World Chess Festival 2026
2024 Final Ranking
Rk. | SNo |
| Name | Typ | sex | FED | RtgI | Pts. | TB1 | TB2 | TB3 | TB4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 8 | GM | 2630 | 7 | 52 | 48 | 39,75 | 2465 | |||||
2 | 3 | GM | 2675 | 7 | 49,5 | 45,5 | 38 | 2413 | |||||
3 | 7 | GM | U18 | 2632 | 7 | 48 | 44,5 | 37 | 2459 | ||||
4 | 4 | GM | 2668 | 7 | 45,5 | 43,5 | 34,5 | 2390 | |||||
5 | 5 | GM | 2644 | 6,5 | 54 | 49 | 37,25 | 2514 | |||||
6 | 1 | GM | 2690 | 6,5 | 53 | 48 | 37,25 | 2480 | |||||
7 | 20 | GM | 2513 | 6,5 | 51,5 | 47,5 | 34,75 | 2537 | |||||
8 | 13 | GM | U18 | 2578 | 6,5 | 51 | 46,5 | 35,75 | 2446 | ||||
9 | 16 | GM | 2551 | 6,5 | 49,5 | 45,5 | 34 | 2435 | |||||
10 | 23 | IM | U18 | 2490 | 6,5 | 49 | 45 | 34 | 2430 |
2025 Final Ranking
Rk. | SNo |
| Name | FED | Rtg | Pts. | TB1 | TB2 | TB3 | TB4 | K | rtg+/- | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 4 | GM | USA | 2588 | 7,5 | 9 | 52 | 42,25 | 2480 | 10 | 18,9 | ||
2 | 6 | GM | UKR | 2572 | 7 | 9 | 47 | 36 | 2328 | 10 | 0,9 | ||
3 | 7 | GM | ITA | 2570 | 7 | 9 | 45 | 33,75 | 2281 | 10 | -2,6 | ||
4 | 1 | GM | BEL | 2650 | 6,5 | 9 | 53,5 | 37,25 | 2392 | 10 | -5,2 | ||
5 | 16 | IM | FRA | 2451 | 6,5 | 9 | 53 | 36 | 2448 | 10 | 20,6 | ||
6 | 8 | GM | NOR | 2546 | 6,5 | 9 | 50,5 | 35,75 | 2376 | 10 | 1,1 | ||
7 | 3 | GM | IND | 2601 | 6,5 | 9 | 50,5 | 35 | 2388 | 10 | -0,4 | ||
8 | 9 | GM | ISR | 2546 | 6,5 | 9 | 50,5 | 34,75 | 2384 | 10 | 2,5 | ||
9 | 20 | IM | GER | 2436 | 6,5 | 9 | 45,5 | 31,25 | 2324 | 10 | 8,1 | ||
10 | 23 | IM | ISR | 2407 | 6,5 | 9 | 45 | 30,5 | 2337 | 10 | 12,8 |
2026 Starting rank
No. |
| Name | FideID | FED | Rtg | sex | Gr | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GM | IND | 2669 | A | ||||
2 | GM | CRO | 2655 | A | ||||
3 | GM | MEX | 2639 | A | ||||
4 | GM | IND | 2611 | A | ||||
5 | GM | ESP | 2583 | A | ||||
6 | GM | BRA | 2569 | A | ||||
7 | GM | FRA | 2536 | A | ||||
8 | GM | IND | 2467 | w | A | |||
9 | IM | IND | 2381 | w | A | |||
10 | FM | ITA | 2343 | A | ||||
11 | FM | GER | 2268 | A | ||||
12 | CM | IND | 2247 | A | ||||
13 | GER | 2187 | A | |||||
14 | CM | IND | 2175 | A | ||||
15 | ITA | 2126 | A | |||||
16 | IND | 2114 | A | |||||
17 | CM | FRA | 2099 | A | ||||
18 | FRA | 2077 | A | |||||
19 | WCM | IND | 2057 | w | A | |||
20 | FRA | 2055 | A |
Links
Sardinia Chess Festival: Official site, fb page and instagram
Download the Full Tournament Details
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