The opening ceremony of the Shirvan Open 2026 International Chess Festival has taken place at the Shirvan Olympic Sports Complex in Azerbaijan.
As reported by İdman.Biz, citing the Azerbaijan Chess Federation, the tournament is being held as part of the Azerbaijan Chess Tour calendar and has brought together 147 chess players representing six countries.
Ahead of the official opening ceremony, participants and organizers visited the monument to National Leader Heydar Aliyev in Shirvan's central square.
The ceremony was attended by Head of the Shirvan City Executive Authority Ilgar Abbasov, First Vice-President of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation Faig Hasanov, and festival director Radin Taghiyev.
The officials welcomed the participants and guests, wishing the players success in the competition.
During their speeches, they highlighted the importance of international chess tournaments in promoting the development of the sport, particularly in Azerbaijan's regions. Special attention was also given to the role of such events in encouraging chess participation and strengthening the exchange of experience among players from different countries.
Following the opening speeches, the tournament's chief arbiter, Shaig Guliyev, introduced the competition regulations and explained the main organizational details.
The first round of the festival then officially got underway.
The Shirvan Open 2026 is part of Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to develop chess beyond the capital and provide players with opportunities to gain international competitive experience.
The festival will conclude on October 26, when the final results and winners will be determined.
