Baku Opens 2026 International Chess Festival With Record 980 Players

Jerusalem, 30 April, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Baku (AZERTAC) – The opening ceremony of the “Baku Open – 2026” International Chess Festival, jointly organized by the Azerbaijan Chess Federation (ACF) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, was held at the Baku Crystal Hall Exhibition Center.

ASF President Mahir Mammadov said that a record number of 980 participants competed at the festival. He noted that Azerbaijan is recognized as one of the leading chess countries in the world. The official of the organization emphasized that the state pays high attention to chess.

Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov said that there is a chess tradition in Azerbaijan. He said that athletes have achieved successful results in international competitions. He noted that President Ilham Aliyev takes high care of all sports.

The Minister recalled that President Ilham Aliyev met today with the wrestlers who won the team championship at the European Championship and their coaches.

The total prize fund of the Baku Open international chess festival will be $50,000. The competition concludes on May 6.