The Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2026 once again took place in Wijk aan Zee, reaffirming its status as one of the most prestigious and historic events on the global chess calendar. Renowned for its unique atmosphere and uncompromising competitive spirit, the tournament brought together elite players across several sections, including the Masters, Challengers, and additional events that celebrate chess at all levels.
The Masters group, featuring the world’s top stars – including the reigning World Champion Gukesh – delivered thrilling, high-quality chess and drew global attention. The Challengers section was equally competitive, combining rising talents with experienced legends such as GM Vassily Ivanchuk, creating a dynamic mix of generations and styles.
Anastasia Sorokina, Chair of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, attended the event as a special guest and officially opened one of the rounds with the traditional gong, marking the start of another exciting day of play.
The Tata Steel Challengers was particularly notable for the outstanding performances of women players, who competed directly against their male counterparts and demonstrated once again that women belong at the very top of open elite chess events. GM Bibisara Assaubayeva finished an impressive 5th place, gaining 19 Elo points and scoring memorable victories, including a win against the eventual tournament winner GM Andy Woodward. IM Carissa Yip secured 7th place, gaining 20 Elo points, winning five games, and defeating the top seed GM Velimir Ivic.
IM Miaoyi Lu, finishing 13th, recorded important wins against GM Max Warmerdam and FM Vedant Panesar, while IM Eline Roebers, placed 14th, produced a beautiful victory against GM Daniil Yuffa. Their fighting spirit and resilience contributed to a tournament filled with exciting games and hard-fought battles.
The Masters section also delivered many great moments, with Nodirbek Abdusattorov emerging as the tournament winner after an intense and closely contested event.
The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess sincerely thanks the organizers of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament for the invitation and for once again delivering an inclusive, top-level event that showcases chess excellence across generations and genders. Tata Steel continues to set a benchmark for elite competition, and we look forward to many more exciting years of battles in Wijk aan Zee!
