Kasparov Chess Foundation Friendship Festival
KCF Friendship Festival June 25 - July 5, 2026 in Slovenian with 30.000€ prize fund
Kasparov to Visit Slovenia: 25,000 € Open Headlines KCF Friendship Festival 2026
Radenci, Slovenia | June 25 – July 5, 2026
The Kasparov Chess Foundation will host one of the most ambitious summer chess events in Central Europe: the Friendship Festival 2026, built around a 25,000 € prize fund International Open Tournament — including a 5,000 € first prize — and a special appearance by the 13th World Champion, Garry Kasparov.
Held in the Slovenian spa town of Radenci, the Festival combines high-level competition, youth events, professional education, and international networking in a single ten-day chess celebration.
25,000 € International Open (June 25–30)
The central event is a 9-round FIDE-rated Swiss Open, open to players of all federations. With a total prize fund of 25,000 € and a 5,000 € top prize, the tournament is expected to attract grandmasters, titled players, and ambitious competitors from across Europe and beyond.
Multiple special categories will be awarded (rating prizes, women, seniors, juniors), ensuring competitive opportunities throughout the field.
Professional playing conditions, live broadcasting, and experienced international arbiters will guarantee high organizational standards.
June 28 – “Kasparov Day”
A major highlight of the Festival will be June 28, when Garry Kasparov visits the event.
The day will feature:
- 2nd Albin Planinc Memorial Blitz Tournament
- International Kids Tournament
- Trainers Conference
- Special public appearances and media activities
Kasparov Day is designed as a symbolic bridge between elite chess, youth development, and modern training methodology — core pillars of the Foundation’s global mission.
International Chess Camp (July 1–5)
Following the Open, the Festival continues with a 5-day International Chess Camp, hosted at Hotel Radin.
The camp is open to players of all levels — from motivated club players to titled competitors — and offers structured training sessions, lectures, practical workshops, and interactive analysis led by experienced international trainers.
As a special highlight, camp participants will also have the opportunity for an optional visit to a Grand Chess Tour event in Zagreb, connecting developing players directly with world-class professional chess at the highest level.
A Festival Concept Beyond Competition
The Friendship Festival reflects the long-term educational philosophy of the Kasparov Chess Foundation: combining competitive excellence with structured training, youth engagement, and international cooperation.
With a 25,000 € prize fund, a 5,000 € first prize, a strong competitive framework, and the presence of Garry Kasparov, the KCF Friendship Festival 2026 is positioned to become a major fixture on the European summer calendar.
Full details and regulations:
Kasparov chess foundation friendship festival
Media Contact:
Organizing Committee – KCF Friendship Festival
kcffestival@gmail.com