Bled Chess Festival
The 2026 edition marked a successful return of chess to Bled, bringing together players from 22 countries for nine rounds of competitive play in one of Europe’s most beautiful destinations.
After nine competitive rounds, the title went to FM Zanas Nainys from Lithuania, followed by Leonard Belyaletdinov and IM Leon Mazi of Slovenia.
The festival experience extended far beyond the main tournament. Alongside competitive chess, participants enjoyed special chess events, Grandmaster evenings, social gatherings and opportunities to experience Bled together. From walks around Lake Bled and culinary experiences to simultaneous exhibitions, spa and wellness activities and time spent with Grandmasters, the festival brought together chess, travel and shared experiences in a truly unique setting.
The programme also included a chess psychology seminar, visits to Bled Castle, activities for accompanying persons and additional opportunities for players to spend time together away from the tournament hall.
A special part of the 2026 festival experience was shaped by IM/WGM Laura Unuk and GM Markus Ragger, the ambassadors of the Bled Chess Festival, together with Luka Lenič, project director of the 2026 edition.
Their presence brought participants closer to top-level chess through simultaneous exhibitions, special events, conversations and shared experiences. Laura Unuk and Markus Ragger will return as festival ambassadors in 2027.
Beyond the results, it was the atmosphere, the people and the experience of spending a week in Bled that made the festival memorable.
Bled hosts a legendary international tournament won by World Champion Alexander Alekhine.
Bled becomes one of the host locations of the celebrated Candidates Tournament.
Mikhail Tal triumphs while a young Bobby Fischer leaves a lasting impression.
Bled regularly hosts strong open tournaments and team competitions, preserving its place on the chess map.
The chess world gathers in Bled for one of the game’s largest international events.
The Bled Chess Festival is opened by Judit Polgar, widely regarded as the strongest female chess player in history.
Another major international championship adds to Bled’s long and distinguished chess tradition.
78 players from 22 countries come together as a new chapter of Bled’s chess story begins.
The successful 2026 edition was only the beginning. Bled Chess Festival has ambitious plans for the years ahead: to grow its international community, enrich the experience both on and off the board, attract players from around the world and establish Bled as one of Europe’s distinctive destinations for chess festivals.
Join us in 2027
