The Vugar Gashimov Chess Open 2026 officially commences in Baku, and will be played from 24 to 30 July at the Baku Olympic Hall. Organized in honor of late Grandmaster Vugar Gashimov, this year’s tournament holds special significance as it marks the 40th anniversary of his birth.
Ahead of the event’s opening, on the morning of July 24, family members, friends, players and colleagues visited GM Vugar Gashimov’s grave to mark his birthday and pay tribute to his lasting legacy in Azerbaijani and international chess.
The tournament begins on Saturday, July 25, at 15:00 local time with Round 1. The main Group A Open tournament features nearly 200 participants competing across 9 rounds under the Swiss system, with a time control of 45 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move.
In addition to the main classical event, the festival includes two side tournaments: Rapid and Blitz. The Rapid tournament will be played in 7 rounds, swiss system, and time control of 10 minutes + 3 seconds increment and the Blitz competition will be played in 9 rounds, swiss system, with the time control of 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment.
The total prize fund of the events is 30.000 AZN (~17.647 USD).
Detailed information about the event, prize list, list of players and link to the live games can be found through the official website of the event.
