Cyprus to Host Major Chess Championship

Cyprus is set to become a central hub for the world of chess, hosting the global chess championship from March 28th to April 16th, 2026, at the Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort in Paphos. The event will bring together eight top chess players and eight female chess players, who will compete for the position of official challenger in the final matches for the world title. The event is a continuation of the similar tournament held in Toronto, Canada, in 2024, and is expected to attract significant figures from the chess world. Cyprus was chosen as an ideal destination due to its unique hospitality environment and growing reputation as a destination for high-level sporting events. The official opening ceremony took place on March 28th, with the presence of the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, who represented the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides. Representatives of the diplomatic corps and ambassadors from various countries also attended the event. The Deputy Minister of Tourism emphasized the importance of the event for Cyprus, while the President of the International Chess Federation, Arkady Dvorkovich, expressed his gratitude to the government and partners for their contribution to the successful organization of the tournament. The President of the Cyprus Chess Federation, Kriton Tornaritis, mentioned the development of chess in Cyprus and the state's support for talented young players.