Armenia to host first-ever Chess Fest in October 2026

Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is set to host the inaugural Chess Fest Armenia in October 2026, a first-of-its-kind international celebration blending sport, culture, and community participation. The two-day open-air festival will take place under the patronage of Armenian Grandmaster Levon Aronian and is expected to draw chess lovers and top global names to the city.

Organised by Mediacrat Studio in collaboration with Matena Business School and supported by the Yerevan Municipality, the event aims to highlight Armenia’s deep connection with chess. Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand and legendary Hungarian grandmaster Judit Polgar are among the prominent guests expected to attend.

Aronian said the festival reflects the country’s longstanding bond with the sport. “Chess has always been more than a game for Armenians. It’s a way we express creativity, discipline, and togetherness. Chess Fest Armenia celebrates that spirit and invites everyone to experience the joy the game inspires,” he said.

Yerevan’s major parks and public spaces will turn into vibrant chess hubs during the festival, hosting simultaneous exhibition matches, concerts, storytelling sessions, and interactive art installations. A dedicated “Chess for Kids” zone will focus on young learners, while an award ceremony will wrap up the event.

The festival will be produced by Vardges Hoveyan, the Producer of thus fest, who will lead an independent organising team. The detailed programme and list of sponsors will be released in early 2026 on the official website.