The third edition of the International Chess Tournament “UzChess Cup” is scheduled to take place in Tashkent from June 6 to June 16, 2026. The elite event aligns with the presidential mandate aimed at preparing the country for the upcoming 46th World Chess Olympiad and expanding the engagement of youth in competitive sports.
Jointly managed by the Youth Affairs Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Uzbekistan Chess Federation, the festival will be staged across two primary venues: the Crowne Plaza hotel and the International Chess Academy.
The competition splits into four distinct tournament groups utilizing FIDE rules, with specific player criteria across each tier:
- “Masters” Group: Features five international grandmasters rated 2700 or above, four selected players from Uzbekistan, and the reigning champion from the previous tournament’s Challengers division. This elite group will play a 9-round round-robin event at a standard classical time control of 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, then 30 minutes for the rest of the game, plus a 30-second increment.
- “Challengers” Group: Comprises of six international players rated 2600 or above, three selected Uzbek players, and the previous “Futures” group champion. It runs as a 9-round round-robin event with 90 minutes allotted for the entire game plus a 30-second increment.
- “Futures” Group: Consists of six international players rated 2500 or above, three selected domestic competitors, and the prior “Open” group winner. It shares the same 9-round round-robin format and time control as the Challengers.
- “Open” Group: Available to all interested chess players who register and complete the requisite entry fees. This division is structured as a 9-round Swiss system event.
Masters:
GM Abdusattorov, Nodirbek UZB 2777
GM Erigaisi, Arjun IND 2761
GM Niemann, Hans Moke USA 2742
GM Nepomniachtchi, Ian RUS 2733
GM Mamedyarov, Shakhriyar AZE 2717
GM Vidit, Santosh Gujrathi IND 2708
GM Yakubboev, Nodirbek UZB 2689
GM Vokhidov, Shamsiddin UZB 2637
GM Theodorou, Nikolas GRE 2634
GM Madaminov, Mukhiddin UZB 2586
To prevent quick non-games, draw offers in all four tournament sections are strictly prohibited before the 30th move. Furthermore, a promotion path connects each section: winners of the Open, Futures, and Challengers groups automatically secure qualification into the next highest tier for the subsequent IV “UzChess Cup”.
The tournament features a total prize pool of USD 121,500 provided by the organizers and sponsors:
- Masters Winner: $20,000 USD
- Challengers Winner: $6,000 USD
- Futures Winner: $4,000 USD
- Open Winner: $2,500 USD (with an extra $300 pool for top women finishers)
International titleholders (GM, IM, WGM, WIM) receive free entry into the Open section, while local and unrated foreign participants are subject to tiered entry fees increasing for late registration. Strict rules require players to adhere to the FIDE dress code, cooperate with mandatory fair play guidelines, and participate in media interviews under penalty of a $200 fine per missed press appearance.
