The FIDE World Cadet and Youth Rapid & Blitz Championship 2026 opened today in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia, drawing about 450 players from 40 national federations. Competitors are split into six age groups—U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, and U18—in Open and Girls sections.
Competition Details and Highlights
The rapid competition runs April 15–17, followed by blitz on April 19–20. Both disciplines are being played over 11 rounds using the Swiss system.
Leading ratings in the Open include Aleksandr Usov (2468), Khumoyun Begmuratov (2467), Nikolay Averin (2461), Aldiyar Ansat (2440), David Kaufman (2417), and Alex Villa Tornero (2414). The top seeds in the Girls events are Afruza Khamdamova (2367), Diana Preobrazhenskaya (2304), Zarina Nurgaliyeva (2256), Diana Khafizova (2234), Elnaz Kaliakhmet (2222), and Sara Mijic (2191).
The opening ceremony at Hotel Zepter featured the national anthem of Serbia and the FIDE anthem. Officials addressing the audience included Andrija Jorgić, President of the Chess Federation of Serbia; Ozgur Solakoglu, representing FIDE; Ratko Nikolić, State Secretary in the Ministry of Sports; and Boban Đurović, Mayor of Vrnjačka Banja. Speakers thanked national and local partners, acknowledged FIDE’s support, welcomed the young field, and emphasized fair play, learning, and the educational value of chess. The mayor underlined the town’s recent record of hosting major chess competitions.
Boban Đurović and Andrija Jorgić made a ceremonial first move before Chief Arbiter Nenad Dorić declared the tournament open. This event not only showcases the talents of young chess players but also highlights the importance of sportsmanship and community engagement in promoting the game of chess.