One of the major highlights of the year ahead is the FIDE Candidates Tournament and FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. Preparations are now well underway as Cyprus gets ready to host the decisive stage of the World Championship cycle. Over fourteen rounds of classical chess, the world’s top players will compete for the right to challenge for the highest titles in the sport, making the Candidates one of the most closely followed events on the international chess calendar.
As part of the preparations, Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort has been confirmed as an official FIDE Partner for the 2026 Candidates. The luxury resort will serve as the official venue for both the Open and Women’s tournaments, providing accommodation, hospitality, transfers, catering for players and VIP guests, and a renovated main playing hall designed to meet FIDE standards.
With the line-ups now confirmed, the 2026 Candidates field presents a strong blend of established contenders and emerging forces. The tournament brings together players who have proven themselves across elite events alongside those making their first appearance at this level, underlining the depth and competitiveness of the current generation. Each game, from the opening round to the final day, will carry direct consequences for the outcome of the World Championship race.
Following the end of the early bird phase, tickets remain available at updated prices:
Standard tickets
Daily / single round: from 44 EUR
Weekends and final round: from 66 EUR
VIP tickets
Daily / single round: from 209 EUR
Weekends and final round: from 264 EUR
Full event passes
Standard: 420 EUR
VIP: 2,200 EUR
The FIDE Candidates Tournament and the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament stand as the ultimate test of consistency, preparation, and nerve. As the year progresses, attention will increasingly turn to Cyprus, where the next challengers for the World Championship titles will be decided.
Official Tournament Website
