ALMATY: Kazakhstan is set to host the Asian stage of the newly restructured World School Chess Championship 2026, marking a historic beginning of the global cycle in Asia for the first time.The championship will be held at the iconic Hotel Kazakhstan, situated at the foot of the majestic Zailiysky Alatau mountains. Sponsored by Freedom Holding Group, the tournament represents a major transformation in the international school chess calendar.
The new competition format was introduced by FIDE in collaboration with the International School Chess Federation (ISCF). Instead of one global championship, the event will now feature continental stages across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Each continent will crown a champion team that will advance to the Grand Final scheduled for December 2026.The year 2026 has officially been declared the Year of Chess in Education, underlining the growing global focus on integrating chess into school systems.Almaty will welcome top school teams from across Asia, all winners of their respective national qualifiers, to compete for the title of Asian champion and secure a place in the world final.In addition to high-level competition, the championship will include masterclasses by leading grandmasters, educational sessions for teachers and parents, and interactive workshops for students.
A vibrant cultural program will highlight Kazakhstan’s hospitality and showcase the scenic beauty of Almaty.Kazakhstan has long been recognized as a leader in chess development, and hosting the opening stage of this new world cycle is seen as international recognition of the country’s strong standing in both sports and education.With this prestigious event, Kazakhstan once again reinforces its position on the global chess map, setting the tone for a landmark year in school chess worldwide.
