2nd Kuwait International Chess Festival
The 2nd Kuwait International Chess Festival will take place in Kuwait City from 15-24 January 2026, organized by the Kuwait Chess Federation in cooperation with Chess House Academy – Kuwait. This prestigious festival welcomes players of all ages and skill levels from around the world, offering multiple tournament categories, generous prizes, and professional organization.
📌 Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | 15 – 24 January 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Kuwait City, Kuwait |
| 🏟️ Venue | Residence Inn by Marriott Kuwait (playing hall nearby) |
| 🏁 Tournament Type | FIDE-rated International Festival |
| 🧩 Tournament System | Swiss System |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 9 (per classical section) |
| ⏱️ Time Control | Varies per section (see below) |
| 🏢 Organizer | Kuwait Chess Federation & Chess House Academy |
| 🔖 Rating | FIDE Standard, Rapid, Blitz |
💰 Prize Fund
Masters – Total $9,300
| Place | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1st | $2,400 |
| 2nd | $1,800 |
| 3rd | $1,200 |
| 4th | $900 |
| 5th | $800 |
| 6th | $600 |
| 7th | $500 |
| 8th | $400 |
| 9th | $300 |
| 10th | $200 |
| Best Kuwaiti Player | $200 |
Challengers – Total $1,640
| Category | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1st | $400 |
| 2nd | $230 |
| 3rd | $165 |
| Best Kuwaiti Player | $165 |
| 1st U1800 | $130 |
| 2nd U1800 (Kuwait) | $100 |
| 1st Junior U18 | $130 |
| 2nd Junior U18 | $100 |
| 1st Veteran 55+ | $130 |
| 2nd Veteran 55+ (Kuwait) | $100 |
Ladies – Total $1,615
| Category | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1st | $400 |
| 2nd | $230 |
| 3rd | $165 |
| Best Kuwaiti Female | $130 |
| 1st U1800 | $130 |
| 2nd U1800 | $100 |
| 1st Junior U18 | $130 |
| 2nd Junior U18 | $100 |
| 1st Veteran 55+ | $130 |
| 2nd Veteran 55+ (Kuwait) | $100 |
Rapid & Blitz – Total $1,110 (each $555)
| Category | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1st | $130 |
| 2nd | $100 |
| 3rd | $65 |
| Best Kuwaiti | $65 |
| 1st Junior U18 | $65 |
| 2nd Junior U18 | $65 |
| Best Female Overall | $65 |
Prizes are not shared; players receive the single highest prize they qualify for. Participation certificates for all.
⏱️ Time Control & Tournament System
- Masters: 90′/40 moves + 30′ to finish, with 30″ per move from move 1 (9-round Swiss, 1900+)
- Challengers: 60′ + 30″/move from move 1 (9 rounds, open)
- Ladies: 60′ + 30″/move from move 1 (9 rounds, female players)
- Rapid: 10′ + 3″/move (9 rounds)
- Blitz: 3′ + 2″/move (9 rounds)
Tiebreaks: Direct Encounter → Buchholz → Sonneborn‑Berger → Most Wins with Black.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Masters | Challengers | Ladies | Rapid | Blitz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Jan | Arrival | Arrival | Arrival | – | – |
| 15 Jan | R1 – 17:00 | R1 – 17:15 | R1 – 17:20 | – | – |
| 16 Jan | R2 – 17:00 | R2 – 17:10 | R2 – 17:10 | – | – |
| 17 Jan | R3 – 17:00 | R3 – 17:10 | R3 – 17:10 | – | – |
| 18 Jan | R4 – 17:00 | R4 – 17:10 | R4 – 17:10 | – | – |
| 19 Jan | Free Day / Special Events | Free Day | Free Day | Rapid Starts – 11:00 | – |
| 20 Jan | R5 – 17:00 | R5 – 17:10 | R5 – 17:10 | – | – |
| 21 Jan | R6 – 17:00 | R6 – 17:10 | R6 – 17:10 | – | – |
| 22 Jan | R7 – 17:00 | R7 – 17:10 | R7 – 17:10 | – | – |
| 23 Jan | R8 – 17:00 | R8 – 17:10 | R8 – 17:10 | – | – |
| 24 Jan | R9 – 11:00 | R9 – 11:10 | R9 – 11:10 | Blitz Starts – 11:00 | Blitz (9 rounds) |
| 24 Jan | Closing & Prize Ceremony – 19:30 | – | – | – | – |
📝 Registration & Fees
- Deadline: 1 December 2025
- Masters (by rating):
- 2300–2399 & IM <2300 / WIM <2200: $40 (before 10 Dec) / $65 (after)
- 2201–2299: $50 / $75
- 2100–2199: $60 / $85
- 1900–2000: $70 / $95
- GCC players (1700+): $50 / $90
- Challengers: $50 / $90
- Ladies: $50 / $70
- Rapid: $40 / $55
- Blitz: $40 / $55
- All players must complete payment before confirmation. The organizer reserves the right to accept or deny entries.
🏢 Organizer
The Kuwait Chess Federation, in partnership with Chess House Academy, organizes the festival, continuing efforts to promote international chess in Kuwait and the GCC region. The team ensures professional conditions, fair play monitoring, and cultural hospitality.
- Mrs. Bashaer Alzaid (IO): +965 98049966 / +965 50803161
- Mr. Weeam Ghanam: +965 99237329
- Email: kuwaitchessfed@kmsa-kw.com
🏟️ Venue
Residence Inn by Marriott Kuwait – modern 4‑star hotel, walking distance to the playing hall.
🛏️ Accommodation
Residence Inn by Marriott Kuwait (4★)
- Single with 3 meals: 34 KD/night
- Double with 3 meals: 44 KD/room (22 KD per person)
- Includes: 3 buffet meals, 4 laundry pieces/day, airport transport, Wi‑Fi, gym
Millennium Central Downtown Hotel (4★)
- Single with breakfast: 28 KD/night
- Double with breakfast: 35 KD/room (17.5 KD per person)
- Single with 3 meals: 35 KD/night
- Double with 3 meals: 45 KD/room (22.5 KD per person)
- Includes: fitness & wellness center, pool, fruit basket, free Wi‑Fi, AC/heating
🚉 How to Get There
- By Air: Kuwait International Airport (KWI) – main entry point with organizer‑provided transfers
- By Car: Well-connected through Kuwait’s highway network
- By Local Transport: Shuttle and taxis are available between the venue hotels and the city
⚖️ Regulations & Fair Play
- Dress code: business/elegant casual; no shorts, caps, or slippers
- Smoking is forbidden in the playing area
- No electronic devices allowed in the hall
- Random anti‑cheating checks and inspections may be carried out
- Only players, arbiters, and officials are allowed in the playing zone
The 2nd Kuwait International Chess Festival promises a world‑class multi‑event chess experience, combining top‑level play, cultural hospitality, and excellent prizes. With five categories – Masters, Challengers, Ladies, Rapid, Blitz – this festival celebrates chess as a truly global event in the heart of the Gulf.
