Chess Slovak Open 2026: the strongest chess tournament in Slovak history
More than 140 players from 19 countries, seven tournaments and a Masters with an average rating of 2603. The international chess festival filled the House of Culture in Skalica once again.
From 22 to 30 August 2026 the House of Culture in Skalica hosted the international chess festival Chess Slovak Open. I serve as its Tournament Director.
The 2026 edition brought more than 140 players from 19 countries to seven tournaments. The closed Masters tournament had an average rating of 2603, which made it the strongest chess tournament ever played in Slovakia. The Masters was won jointly, on equal points, by Aditya Mittal and Abhimanyu Mishra.
JOJ Šport television broadcast live from Skalica – the first live television broadcast of chess in Slovak history. A television chess magazine was also produced in Skalica and will be re-broadcast.
The festival shows that even a town the size of Skalica can host a world-class event. Thank you to the players, partners, the town of Skalica, the volunteers and the spectators. The next edition is scheduled for 21–29 August 2027.