The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has officially announced that Cyprus will host the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament and the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. The events will take place between March 28 and April 16, 2026, marking the first time the prestigious tournament will be held on the island.

Following its 2024 debut in Toronto, the iconic event now returns to Europe, setting its stage at the Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, a five-star venue located near Paphos on Cyprus’s scenic southwestern coast.

The Candidates Tournament serves as the final qualifying stage in the FIDE World Championship cycle, determining the challenger for the reigning World Champion.

First held in 1950, the Candidates Tournament has long been regarded as one of the most thrilling and competitive events in the chess world, celebrated for its dramatic finishes and high-stakes rivalries.

“The Candidates Tournament is the ultimate and most demanding test for any chess player seeking to challenge the World Champion. Cyprus has already hosted the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix twice, and the time has come for the most prestigious event in the chess calendar,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich.

Dvorkovich also expressed gratitude to FIDE’s long-term partners: “We thank our partners, Freedom Holding and the Scheinberg Family, for joining forces to support this historic event and for their continued commitment to chess.”

“The location and dates have been carefully chosen to ensure the best possible playing conditions,” said FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky. “From the moment I saw Cap St Georges, it felt like the perfect venue. This is not only about a record prize fund but also about creating a world-class experience for the chess community and the wider public.”