Baku Open 2026

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Baku Open 2026: A Chess Celebration in the Crystal Hall

Baku Open 2026
Group A
Group B
Group C

These days, the capital of Azerbaijan has become the main chess center of the region. From April 27 to May 6, the famous Baku Crystal Hall will host the traditional international chess festival - Baku Open 2026.

This year's tournament brought together over 900 participants from 10 countries around the world, confirming the high status of the event. The festival was organized by the Azerbaijan Chess Federation in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth and Sports within the framework of the Chess Tour Azerbaijan project.

Format and Prize Fund

The competition is held according to the Swiss system in 9 rounds. The festival is divided into three main categories:

  • Group A: for professionals (rating from 2250 for men and 2100 for women).

  • Group B: for players with an international rating up to 2249.

  • Group C: tournament for young talents under 12 years old (born in 2014 and younger).

The total prize pool of the festival is 50,000 USD, ensuring a fierce fight on every chessboard.

Baku Open 2026

Ukrainian footprint and star guests

This tournament is special for Ukrainian fans, as one of the festival's main stars is former FIDE world champion and legendary Ukrainian grandmaster Ruslan Ponomariov. His participation adds a special status to the tournament, as Ruslan remains one of the youngest champions in chess history and continues to demonstrate the highest level of play.

In addition to Ponomariov, 16 grandmasters and dozens of strong masters, including leading chess players from Azerbaijan, are competing in Group A.

Why is this important?

Baku Open is not just a series of games, but a large-scale platform for the exchange of experience between titled masters and the rising generation. In parallel with the main groups, the Azerbaijan Championship among veterans is also held, which emphasizes the continuity of chess traditions.

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