For the 59th consecutive year, the city of Biel/Bienne will host one of the most prestigious events in the chess calendar: the Biel International Chess Festival.
From July 11 to July 24, 2026, more than 500 players, from ambitious amateurs to elite grandmasters, will gather to showcase their creativity, tactical sharpness, and strategic depth.
This year, participants will also have the unique opportunity to compete in the same playing hall as world-renowned players such as Levon Aronian and Alexandra Kosteniuk.
A Festival Built for Every Type of Player
With 12 open tournaments, the festival offers exceptional flexibility. Whether you are aiming for serious competition or simply looking to enjoy chess in a vibrant international atmosphere, there is a format tailored for you.
Registration for all open tournaments is now officially open, following the announcement of the invitational events: Masters, Generations Challenge, and ACCENTUS Chess960.
Classical Formats with Maximum Flexibility
Six tournaments feature classical or near-classical time controls, allowing players to design their own schedule:
- Free Style Chess (FSC)
- Fast Standard (WT1 / WT2) — 9 rounds in 5 days
- Classical Standard (ATO / MTO)
- Total Chess Triathlon (TRI) — a brand-new format
The Ultimate Challenge
Ambitious players can combine multiple events into a full festival experience:
- Week 1 (mornings): Free Style Chess
- Week 1 (afternoons): ATO or MTO
- Week 2 (mornings): Total Chess Triathlon
- Week 2 (afternoons): Final rounds of ATO or MTO
Add the one-day events (Rapid, Blitz, Chess960), and you can play up to 50 games in just two weeks.
Shorter Options for Busy Players
If you only have limited time, the festival still has plenty to offer:
- Free Style Chess (7 rounds in 7 days) — first week
- Fast Standard (WT1 / WT2) — 9 rounds in 5 days
- Near-standard tournaments (~1700 Elo) — second week, with double rounds
New Highlights for 2026
Biel Hospital Centre Total Chess – Triathlon (TRI)
A unique format combining three games into one match every morning of the second week:
- Rapid: 10’+5”
- Blitz: 3’+2”
- Standard: 60’+30”
Perfect for players who want competitive mornings and relaxed summer afternoons.
Fast Standard (WT1 / WT2)
Two tournaments designed for different rating levels:
- WT1: Elo 1700+
- WT2: Elo under 1700
- Time control: 60’+30”
- Duration: 5 days (9 rounds)
Ideal for players seeking a compact, rating-eligible event.
Free Style Chess (FSC)
The return of Fischer Random (Chess960):
- 7 rounds
- Time control: 60’+30”
- Played during the mornings of the first week
The Traditional Tournaments
ATO (Amateur Tournament)
- 9 rounds
- Time control: 90’+30” + 30” increment
- Open to players up to 2050 Elo
MTO (Master Tournament)
- 10 rounds
- Time control: 100’+30” + 30” increment
- Open to players from 1900 Elo
RAP / BTZ
- Rapid and Blitz tournaments
- Fast-paced and exciting formats
JTO – Vinetum
- Free tournament for players under 18
PLT
- Chess composition solving competition
- For fans of studies and problems
Special Event
SIM – Simultaneous Exhibition
- Date: Friday, July 10, 2026
- Featuring: Chinese prodigy Lu Miaoyi (16 years old)
A perfect opening highlight to kick off the festival.
Why You Should Join
The Biel Chess Festival is more than just a tournament. It is a complete chess experience.
- Play alongside world-class grandmasters
- Improve your skills across multiple formats
- Meet players from around the world
- Enjoy a unique mix of competition and community
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned competitor, this festival offers an unforgettable opportunity to grow and connect through chess.
Contact Information
- Tatjana Kraska Horvath (Secretariat)
office@bielchessfestival.ch
Tel: +41 32 589 68 68 - Florian Zarri (Tournament Regulations)
arbiter@bielchessfestival.ch - Paul Kohler (Festival Director)
paul.kohler@bielchessfestival.ch - Peter Bohnenblust (Organizing Committee President)
Tel: +41 76 405 80 87
I’m a passionate board game enthusiast and a skilled player in chess, xiangqi and Go. Words for Attacking Chess since 2023. Ping me at Lichess for a game or chat.