Isle of Wight Chess Tournament 2026

Isle of Wight Chess Tournament 2026 — Now Open for Registration!

The Isle of Wight Chess Tournament returns in 2026 — bigger and better than ever!

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This year’s Masters section will take place in an upgraded, state-of-the-art playing hall at Ryde School. The tournament is open to all players with a FIDE Classical rating of 1600+ and will run from Monday, February 16th to Sunday, February 22nd, 2026.

Please help us ensure a strong tournament by signing up early. What's better, you get a great discount to and this applies across all events to your total order.

20% OFF - Use code IOW20 - Expires Aug 31st 2025

10% OFF - Use code IOW10 - Expires Oct 31st 2025

(Enter the relevant code on check out)

If you checkout for more than one player please email hello@iowchess.com to confirm each players name and FIDE/ECF ID + events entered.

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We are expecting a strong Masters field once again, with several Grandmasters already confirmed, and FIDE norm opportunities available.

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What's New for 2026:

• Top 50 boards in an enhanced playing hall

• No late or tight rounds (Excluding congress R1)

• Upgraded tables, chairs, and playing facilities

• More toilets located conveniently near the playing hall

• Parents "Work from chess" area provided with free wifi.

Please find the full tournament regulations here.

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Tournament Schedule:

🗓️ Masters Tournament

• 9 rounds | February 16th–22nd

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🗓️ Weekday Tournament

• 7 rounds | February 16th–20th (Friday morning finish)

• Two sections: U2100 and Under 1700

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🗓️ Weekend Congress

• 5 rounds | February 20th–22nd

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🗓️ Additional Side Events

• Blitz Tournament: Wednesday, February 18th

• Social Chess, talks and evening activities in the town centre.

All events are FIDE & ECF rated:

Excluding Blitz, The English Chess Federation requires all players to hold a membership level of Gold or higher (Or Junior Gold) or pay a £15 surcharge. Players not playing under an English flag in the 9 Round Masters are exempt from this charge. All other players must pay in advance or hold a Gold ECF membership as on 1st Feb 2026. You can pay this on checkout.

For existing Bronze members this will upgrade you to Gold for the rest of your membership term.

You can sign up for that here.

Please enter your FIDE/ECF numbers into the relevant sections or type N/A if you don't have them.

Entry level and price for the International Masters is dependent on FIDE Rating at time of booking.

We will email players to confirm byes in Jan 2026.

If we can't locate your player profile we will follow up by email. As a parent please enter the player's name. We will follow up if it's not clear who they are.

Refund Policy:

We aim to deliver a professional event, and as such, this ticketing platform charges a service fee. Refunds will incur a 7% deduction from the total order value. Refunds are not available from 1 February 2026. If more than 7 days’ notice is given for withdrawal after this date, players may transfer their entry to the 2027 event.

Please contact us if you have any questions prior to booking hello@iowchess.com