Chess Festival Cēsis

Chess Festival Cēsis (Šaha festivāls CĒSIS) is a Latvia-based chess festival and multi-event tournament organizer centered in Cēsis, Latvia. Chess Festival Cēsis brings over-the-board chess into central city venues, so the game becomes visible and approachable for locals and visitors. Moreover, it operates as a recurring summer festival brand rather than a single standalone tournament.

In addition, the festival runs a packed program across classical chess, rapid chess, and blitz chess, with sections designed for different playing levels. It regularly includes at least one FIDE-rated tournament track, while also adding team and special-format events that expand participation. Furthermore, the 2026 edition is built as a multi-tournament week, which lets players combine serious competition with a broader chess-community experience.

At the same time, the organizers emphasize a city-centered concept, placing events in open and prestigious locations around Cēsis. Therefore, the festival functions as both a competitive destination and a public chess showcase that connects clubs, visiting players, and community audiences. As a result, Chess Festival Cēsis has developed into a recognizable tournament series in Latvia and beyond.