Something for everyone: The 59th Biel International Chess Festival - 11 to 24 July

by Press release
5/6/2026 – For the 59th consecutive year, Biel/Bienne will host its prestigious International Chess Festival. From 11 to 24 July 2026, over the course of two weeks, more than 500 participants — ranging from ambitious amateurs to the world’s elite — will showcase their creativity, tactical finesse and strategic depth across a variety of formats. Below is an overview of the twelve tournaments, offering the chance to play alongside living chess legends such as Levon Aronian and Alexandra Kosteniuk, as well as rising star Lu Miaoyi (pictured). Matthias Blübaum and Candidates Tournament winner Vaishali Rameshbabu will also play. | Photos: Biel Chess Festival
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Press release

The participants for our prestigious invitation tournaments — the Masters, the Generations Challenge and the ACCENTUS Chess960 are confirmed — and online registration for the open tournaments is possible. Here is a quick overview of the twelve (!) events that will give you the chance to play in the same room as living legends such as Levon Aronian and Alexandra Kosteniuk!

Six classical open tournaments offer maximum flexibility: Free Style Chess, Fast Standard (9 rounds over 5 days), classical standard (ATO and MTO), and the brand-new Biel Hospital Center Total Chess — a chess triathlon where each match is combining, every morning of the final week, one rapid game (10'+5''), one blitz game (3'+2'') and one fast-standard game (60'+30'').

The most ambitious players will go for the full package: Free Style mornings in the first week, classical games in the afternoons (ATO or MTO), then triathlon mornings in the second week alongside the final rounds of the ATO or MTO — if you add the one-day tournaments 960, Rapid, and Blitz, you end up playing 50 games in just two weeks! Those with only one week to spare can choose between the Free Style Chess (7 rounds over 7 days) at the start of the Festival, or one of the two Fast Standard tournaments (±1700 Elo limit, time control 60'+30'') held over the last five days with double rounds.

Biel 2025: The organising team | Photo: Biel Chess Festival

What's new in 2026

  • Biel Hospital Center Total Chess – Triathlon (TRI): every morning of the final week, a match combining one rapid game + one blitz game + one fast-standard game. A perfect fit for ATO or MTO players or for the ones who want to enjoy the summer afternoons away from the board.
  • Fast Standard (WT1 / WT2): two nine-round tournaments (WT1 for players rated 1700+; WT2 for players rated below 1700), at the 60'+30'' time control, counting for the standard rating rating. The ideal option for those who can only attend for five days.
  • Free Style Chess (FSC): for the second consecutive year, the tournament formerly known as Chess960 or Fischer Random Chess returns, with 7 rounds at the 60'+30'' time control on the mornings of the first week.

The classic tournaments

  • ATO (Amateur Tournament): 9 rounds, 90'+30’ +30'' time control, up to 2050 Elo.
  • MTO (Masters Tournament): 10 rounds, 100'+30’ +30'' time control, from 1900 Elo.
  • RAP / BTZ: rapid and blitz tournaments.
  • JTO – Vinetum: free entry tournament for players under 19.
  • PLT: second edition of the Chess Problem Solving Competition, for chess studies enthusiasts.
  • SIM: Festival prologue, Friday 10 July given by Chinese teenage prodigy Lu Miaoyi (aged 16).

Come and challenge some of the world's finest players, sharpen your tactical instincts, and immerse yourself in a unique experience where passion, strategy and camaraderie come together. Whether you are a casual player or a seasoned competitor, the Biel Chess Festival is the perfect opportunity to improve your game, share your love of chess and create lasting memories.

Full Schedule:

Links

<< Hippopotamus Defense basics by Andrew Martin
Super Rapid & Blitz Poland: So and Niemann share the lead, Sindarov struggles >>
Topics: Biel, Biel Chess Festival 2026
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