The worldโs largest open chess tournament is back! From April 2nd to April 6th, 2026, the Congress Center Karlsruhe will once again become the epicenter of the chess world.
This year, the event reaches new heights by hosting two massive simultaneous events: the traditional GRENKE Chess Open and the highly anticipated GRENKE Freestyle Chess Open.
World Championship Qualification Path
The GRENKE Freestyle Chess Open A provides a direct opportunity for top-tier competition alongside players such as Magnus Carlsen and Vincent Keymer. The qualification stakes are as follows:
- FIDE Freestyle World Championship 2027: The winner of the A-Open earns a direct qualifying spot. If the winner is already qualified, the place moves to the next highest-placed non-qualified player.
- FIDE Womenโs Freestyle World Championship 2026: The three highest-placed female players in the A-Open will secure their tickets to the inaugural women’s world event.
Two Formats, One Massive Prize Pool
With a combined prize fund exceeding EUR 285,000, the stakes have never been higher.
GRENKE Freestyle Chess Open (Total: EUR 215,000)
- This format (Chess960) tests pure creativity, as starting positions are drawn right before each round.
- A-Open (Rating > 1950): A staggering EUR 60,000 top prize.
- Format: 9 rounds, Swiss System.
- Time Control: 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment.
GRENKE Chess Open (Total: EUR 70,000)
The classic tournament that has drawn thousands of enthusiasts over the years.
A-Open (Rating > 1950): Top prize of EUR 20,000.
B & C Opens: Dedicated sections for amateur and developing players, ensuring competitive pairings for everyone.
Tournament Information
Date: April 2 โ April 6, 2026 (Easter weekend).
Venue: Schwarzwaldhalle, Karlsruhe, Germany.
Flexible Participation: Players have the unique option of a one-time transfer from the Classic Open to the Freestyle Open up to Round 5 (carrying over their points), allowing participants to experience both formats.
Zero Tolerance: In the Freestyle section “default time is zero” as players must be at their boards when the position is revealed.
Schedule
The action kicks off on Thursday, April 2nd, with the opening ceremony at 18:30. Over the following four days, players will follow a demanding schedule of two rounds per day (10:00 and 16:00), culminating in the final rounds and awards ceremony on Easter Monday.
Registration Deadline: All participants must confirm their presence on-site or via online check-in by 17:00 on April 2nd.
GRENKE Freestyle Chess Open, top players:
GM Carlsen Magnus 2840
GM Abdusattorov Nodirbek 2771
GM Keymer Vincent 2776
GM Nepomniachtchi Ian 2723
GM Aronian Levon 2729
GM Niemann Hans Moke 2735
GM Duda Jan-Krzysztof 2739
GM Maghsoodloo Parham 2708
GM Dominguez Perez Leinier 2738
GM Fedoseev Vladimir 2708
GRENKE Chess Open, top players:
GM Kovalenko Igor 2682
GM Indjic Aleksandar 2622
GM Eljanov Pavel 2659
GM Idani Pouya 2615
GM Movsesian Sergei 2591
GM Moussard Jules 2602
