KCF Friendship Festival 2026

by ChessBase
6/13/2026 – With only a few weeks remaining before the start of the Kasparov Chess Foundations's Friendship Festival 2026 in Radenci, Slovenia, interest from the international chess community continues to grow. Players, trainers, and chess enthusiasts from around the world are preparing for what promises to be one of the most diverse chess festivals of the summer. The event combines top-level competition, educational activities, and unique opportunities to meet some of the most influential figures in chess.
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Open Tournament Attracts Strong International Field

The KCF Friendship Festival Open is quickly shaping up to become one of the strongest international tournaments in the region. More than 150 players have already registered, representing dozens of countries and a wide range of playing strengths. The tournament offers ambitious young talents a chance to compete alongside experienced grandmasters and international masters in a truly international environment.

Leading the field is GM Vladimir Fedoseev, one of the biggest stars in world chess today. Known for his creative style, fighting spirit, and numerous victories against elite opposition, Fedoseev has established himself as one of the most exciting players on the international circuit.

His participation adds further prestige to an already impressive field and gives participants a rare opportunity to compete in the same tournament as one of the world’s leading grandmasters.

With a growing list of titled players and strong international representation, the Open Tournament is expected to provide exciting chess from the very first round until the final day.

Kasparov Day and International Trainers Conference

One of the most anticipated moments of the festival will be the special Kasparov Day, dedicated to chess education and the future of coaching.

The centerpiece of the day will be the International Trainers Conference, bringing together coaches, organizers, and chess educators from around the world. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from some of the most respected names in chess training.

The conference will feature presentations by Garry Kasparov, the 13th World Champion, GM Alexander Onischuk, one of America’s leading grandmasters and trainers, and...

...Michael Khodarkovsky, President of the Kasparov Chess Foundation and one of the most influential figures in modern chess education.

An additional highlight will be a presentation by ChessBase, showcasing how modern technology and database tools can help trainers improve their work, prepare lessons more efficiently, and support the development of their students. The conference aims to provide practical ideas that coaches can immediately apply in their everyday training activities.

Kasparov Day will not be limited to educational activities. The festival will also host the 2nd Albin Planinc Memorial Blitz Tournament, honoring one of Slovenia’s greatest chess players and most creative grandmasters. The event is expected to attract a strong field of titled players and chess enthusiasts eager to celebrate Planinc’s remarkable legacy.

Young chess fans will have their own opportunity to participate as well, with a special Under-10 Children’s Tournament taking place during the day. The event will give the youngest generation of players a chance to compete, learn, and become part of the festival atmosphere alongside some of the biggest names in world chess.

Welcoming Participants From Around the World

The educational side of the festival continues with the International Chess Camp, which will take place from July 1–5. The camp has already attracted around 60 participants from all over the world and is expected to become one of the major highlights of the festival.

The training program will be led by GM Adrian Mikhalchishin, one of the most respected chess coaches in the world. Throughout the camp, participants will attend lectures, training sessions, workshops, and game analysis classes designed to help ambitious players improve their chess understanding and tournament performance.

Beyond chess training, the camp offers a unique international experience. Participants will enjoy sports activities, social events, music, and numerous opportunities to build friendships with young players from different countries. A special excursion to the Grand Chess Tour event in Zagreb will allow campers to experience elite chess firsthand and see many of the world’s best players in action.

By combining serious training with fun, friendship, and cultural exchange, the KCF International Chess Camp continues the festival’s mission of bringing the global chess community together in a unique and inspiring environment.

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