Azerbaijan Hosts International Chess Festival in Ganja

Jerusalem, 13 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Baku (AZERTAC) – The opening ceremony of the “Ganja Open – 2026” International Chess Festival was held.

The Chess Federation told AZERTAC that 180 sharp minds from six countries are competing in the competition, which is organized in accordance with the calendar of the “Azerbaijan Chess Tour.”

At the opening ceremony of the competition held at the Ganja Sports Palace, the first vice-president of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation Faig Hasanov, the festival director Asif Hasanov and other officials spoke and said that the tournament supports the development of chess in the region. After the chief referee of the competition Lutfiyar Rustamov informed about the tournament regulations, the first round started.

Forty-six chess players registered in Group A, which includes highly rated and experienced masters, and 134 chess players registered in Group B, which features more mature and younger talents.

The festival is held according to the Swiss system. After the games, which will continue until October 18, the winners of the tournament will be determined and awarded at the closing ceremony.