Baku: The opening ceremony of the 'Baku Open 2026' International Chess Festival took place at the exhibition center of Baku Crystal Hall, marking the beginning of a significant event in the chess calendar. The festival is co-organized by the Azerbaijan Chess Federation and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, with the ceremony commencing with the performance of the National Anthem.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Mahir Mammadov, President of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation, announced a record participation of 980 players in the festival. Mammadov highlighted Azerbaijan's status as a leading chess nation and the substantial support the game receives from the state. Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sports, echoed these sentiments by pointing to Azerbaijan's strong chess tradition and the country's notable achievements in the sport.

The tournament will see participation from 150 top-seeded chess players representing countries such as Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, China, England, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, Trkiye, Ukraine, the U.S., Uzbekistan, and FIDE flag players. The event will be played in a 9-round Swiss system format across three tournaments (A, B, and C), offering a total prize fund of USD 50,000.