The Ganja Open 2026 International Chess Festival has kicked off at the Ganja Sports Palace, drawing 180 players from six countries.
The Ganja Open 2026 International Chess Festival is being held as part of the Azerbaijan Chess Tour calendar, the Azerbaijan Chess Federation announced. The tournament brings together 180 chess players from six countries competing at the Ganja Sports Palace.
The opening ceremony was attended by Federation first vice-president Faig Hasanov, festival director Asif Hasanov and several other officials. In their remarks, they noted that tournaments of this kind have a positive effect on the development of chess in the Ganja region. Chief arbiter Lutfiyar Rustamov explained the competition rules before the first round got under way.
The tournament is split into two separate groups. Group A, featuring experienced and highly rated players, has 46 registered participants, while Group B, which has drawn a larger field showcasing young talent, has 134 registered players.
The event is being run under the Swiss system and will continue until October 18. Winners will receive their prizes at a closing ceremony once the tournament concludes.
