IM Klaudia Kulon of Poland won the 11th Menchik Memorial, a women-only international round-robin held in London from 24 to 30 August 2026.
Vera Menchik, the first Women’s World Chess Champion
The tournament honours Vera Menchik, the first Women’s World Chess Champion, who won the inaugural title in 1927. Menchik remained World Champion until her tragic death in 1944, when she was killed in an air raid during the Second World War. She remains the longest-reigning Women’s World Champion in history, having successfully defended her title on numerous occasions.
Menchik was also a pioneer beyond the women’s game. At a time when chess was overwhelmingly dominated by men, she regularly competed in strong international tournaments and became the first woman to compete at master level. Her victories over some of the strongest players of her era, including two victories against Max Euwe, earned those opponents a place in the famous “Vera Menchik Club”.
Remembering pioneers such as Menchik remains important not only as a tribute to their achievements, but also as a way of keeping their contribution to the development of women’s chess visible. Memorial tournaments such as this one connect the history of the game with the opportunities available to today’s players, ensuring that the names and achievements of earlier generations continue to inspire new ones.
This year’s Memorial
The prestigious event, hosted by the English Chess Federation, took place at the ILEC Conference Centre as part of the 30th Mind Sports Olympiad. The 10-player tournament, with an average rating of 2210, offered participants the opportunity to compete for international title norms, bringing together players from across Europe in a strong and competitive field.
Klaudia Kulon from Poland had an outstanding tournament, finishing unbeaten with 7½ points from 9 games. She scored 6 wins and 3 draws to take clear first place. WIM Cecile Haussernot of France finished second with 6½ points, while WIM Andreea-Marioara Cosman of Romania took third with 6 points.
The field also included GM Ketevan Arakhamia-Grant of Scotland, one of the most experienced and accomplished players in women’s chess, whose participation added further strength to the event.
The Menchik Memorial is part of the English Chess Federation’s ongoing efforts to provide strong competitive opportunities for women players. The 2026 edition was organised by the English Chess Federation and Agnieszka Milewska, director of the women’s chess in England and member of the Women’s Commision of the European Chess Union.
The tournament also brought a strong online presence, with commentary provided by WGM Anna-Maja Kazarian, and a well-known chess streamer, helping bring the games from London to a wider audience and promote women’s chess (and you can still rewatch it – on Anna-Maja’s Twitch channel or English Chess Federation youtube channel).
Final standings:
The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess congratulates Klaudia Kulon on her victory and all the participants of the 11th Menchik Memorial. And big thank you to the organisers – we are delighted to see Vera Menchik’s legacy remembered through an event that brings together strong women players and creates new opportunities for the next generation.
