Check-mate: The Jeddah Season Chess Championship 2026 is happening next month
Pawn to E4
Jeddah Season is back and ready to make our summers more fun than ever. Already bringing Lenny Jay’s ‘This is Michael‘ to a stage near us next month too, the festival is also bringing back the Jeddah Season Chess Championship 2026.
Happening from Saturday August 1 to Friday August 14 at the Culture Square in Al Balad, registrations for the Jeddah Season Chess Championship 2026 are now open, and you can sign up for SAR100.
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The championship is open to all eligible citizens and residents and will be played across seven rounds, with the winner walking away with SAR20,000. The second-place winner will receive SAR10,000, while the third-place winner will end up with SAR5,000.
The tournament is played using the official Fischer time control, giving each player 10 minutes on the clock at the start of every match, plus an extra five seconds added after every move. The fast-paced format rewards quick thinking, smart strategy, and composure under pressure.
There will also be prizes for each qualifying round, with the first-place winner getting SAR1,500, second-place getting SAR1,000, and third-place getting SAR500.
So if you or someone you know are a master of chess, your time is now.
Other Jeddah Season events
Happening this weekend, former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua will face Kristian Prenga in what marks Joshua’s first fight since September 2025. It will also be another Saudi appearance for the British boxer, who has previously competed in several high-profile bouts in the Kingdom.
Followed by This is Michael in Jeddah which is taking over the Abadi AlJohar Arena on Friday August 21. The production starring Lenny Jay is a spectacular live concert experience that has captivated audiences across Europe, Asia, and Latin America with its world-class production, electrifying performances, and breathtaking stage spectacle.
What: Jeddah Season Chess Championship 2026
Where: Cultural Square, Al Balad
When: Sat Aug 1 to Fri Aug 14
You can register here: kataya-store.sa
Image: SPA
