Venue: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
August 3–9
Almaty, Kazakhstan
FIDE World University Team Chess Championships 2026
ABOUT
Prize Fund: € 50 000
The competition has three stages. It begins with Online Swiss Qualifiers, followed by an Online Knockout stage. The over-the-board finals will then take place in Almaty from 3 to 10 August 2026.
There will be two online Swiss Qualifiers. The registration deadlines are 27 April 2026 at 11:59 PM UTC for teams participating in Online Swiss Qualifier 1, and 4 May 2026 at 11:59 PM UTC for teams participating in Online Swiss Qualifier 2.
The finals will feature 16 teams – eight that have qualified from the knockout, and eight wild cards, invited by FIDE and the organiser.
The tournament features an inclusive team concept – each match will be played on four boards and lineups must include at least one female and at least one male player.
Participation is open to university teams, with players born between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2008 and currently enrolled in at least one class at the university.
The winning team will become the FIDE World University Team Champion and receive a prize of €25,000. The team finishing second will be awarded €15,000, while third-place will receive €10,000.
The competition has three stages. It begins with Online Swiss Qualifiers, followed by an Online Knockout stage. The over-the-board finals will then take place in Almaty from 3 to 10 August 2026.
There will be two online Swiss Qualifiers. The registration deadlines are 27 April 2026 at 11:59 PM UTC for teams participating in Online Swiss Qualifier 1, and 4 May 2026 at 11:59 PM UTC for teams participating in Online Swiss Qualifier 2.
The finals will feature 16 teams – eight that have qualified from the knockout, and eight wild cards, invited by FIDE and the organiser.
The tournament features an inclusive team concept – each match will be played on four boards and lineups must include at least one female and at least one male player.
Participation is open to university teams, with players born between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2008 and currently enrolled in at least one class at the university.
The winning team will become the FIDE World University Team Champion and receive a prize of €25,000. The team finishing second will be awarded €15,000, while third-place will receive €10,000.
TEAMS
It brings together 16 teams: the 8 winners of the second stage listed above plus 8 wild card entries invited by FIDE and the organizers.
It brings together 16 teams: the 8 winners of the second stage listed above plus 8 wild card entries invited by FIDE and the organizers.
Qualified through the online competition:
Wild cart invitations:
TEAM MEMBERS
Isabella Mikhailovna Raskin Calvo
1615
01.03.2006
Captain
Ellen Wang
2162
05.10.2007
Player
Derek Jin
1983
12.01.2007
Player
Davin Yin
1831
27.04.2008
Player
Kasper Elior Halevy
NA
26.10.2005
Reserve player
2419
30.10.2003
Akira Nakada
Player
Position
University
Full name
Fide Rating
Date of Birth
George Smith
1748
29.01.1994
Captain
Remy Rushbrooke
2158
13.02.2007
Player
Nicolas Pacetti-Tera
1989
12.04.2001
Player
Emilia Mezykowska
1716
08.02.2003
Player
Arjun Gupta
1959
07.09.2004
Reserve player
2473
29.12.2005
Rajat Makkar
Player
Position
University
Full name
Fide Rating
Date of Birth
Wang Sida
NIL
29.01.1994
Captain
He, Canzhou
2018
13.02.2007
Player
Henderson de La Fuente, Andrea
2013
12.04.2001
Player
Pang Khai Jie, Ryan
1951
08.02.2003
Player
Paul, Ted
1749
07.09.2004
Reserve player
2174
29.12.2005
Henry Adams
Player
Position
University
Full name
Fide Rating
Date of Birth
Julio Sadora
2618
10.06.1997
Captain
Yair Parkhov
2445
24.11.2002
Player
Koustav Chatterjee
2484
21.07.2003
Player
Maili-Jade Ouellet
2325
29.05.2002
Player
Munkhzul Davaakhuu
2174
21.03.2006
Reserve player
2516
09.09.2006
Aditya Samant
Player
Position
University
Full name
Fide Rating
Date of Birth
Shogren, David
NA
01.01.1963
Captain
Sargsyan, Anna
2360
04.10.2001
Player
Bommini, Mounika Akshaya
2105
13.04.2003
Player
Vittanala, Toshali
2035
14.03.2001
Player
2526
29.04.2002
Sonis, Francesco
Player
Position
University
Full name
Fide Rating
Date of Birth
Pingin Artem
2477
01.02.2008
Captain
Makarian Rudik
2548
30.07.2004
Player
Lobanov Sergey
2515
19.05.2001
Player
Garifullina Leya
2423
05.11.2004
Player
2597
20.01.2003
Nesterov Arseniy
Player
Position
University
Full name
Fide Rating
Date of Birth
Roberto Alejandro Trujillo Travizany
12.02.1984
Captain
Camilo Alonso Henriquez Hidalgo
2141
07.06.2002
Player
Alvaro Andrés Orellana Canelo
2119
22.03.2003
Player
Rocio Antonella Contreras Suazo
1982
14.12.2005
Player
Marcelo Andrés Orrego Palermo
2082
17.07.2006
Reserve player
2171
01.10.2002
César Rodrigo Chacon Salinas
Player
Position
University
Full name
Fide Rating
Date of Birth
Aryan Chopra
1748
29.01.1994
Captain
Bharath Subramaniyam H
2591
17.10.2007
Player
Nikolozi Kacharava
2528
03.03.2004
Player
Viktor Gazik
2545
13.12.2001
Player
Thalia Cervantes Landeiro
2262
26.11.2002
Reserve player
2637
12.10.2001
Aryan Chopra
Player
Position
University
Full name
Fide Rating
Date of Birth
Bunawan Bong
05.12.1956
Captain
Aditya Bagus Arfan
2370
31.10.2006
Player
Fabian Glen Mariano
2361
10.05.2007
Player
Diajeng Theresa Singgih
2110
04.03.2004
Player
Zacky Dhia Ulhaq
2333
06.05.2004
Reserve player
2421
2313
05.01.2003
Gilbert Elroy Tarigan
Player
Position
University
Full name
Fide Rating
Date of Birth
Kyriakos Tampakakis
28.04.1981
Captain
Vasilios Kasioumis
2361
21.12.2004
Player
Nikolaos Koutlas
2360
18.12.2006
Player
Panagiota Kiousi
2024
07.01.2006
Player
Konstantinos Tsarsitalidis
2230
23.09.2004
Reserve player
2538
2313
25.04.2003
Dimitrios Alexakis
Player
Position
University
Full name
Fide Rating
Date of Birth
Gao,Mingze
28.04.1981
Captain
Zhang,Haoxu
1921
15.12.2005
Player
Xing,Jiacheng
-
14.11.2005
Player
Liu,Jiachen
-
26.12.2005
Player
Li,Zechen
-
23.09.2004
Reserve player
2038
2313
26.09.1990
Gao,Mingze
Player
Position
University
Full name
Fide Rating
Date of Birth
Dennis Moyo
26.09.1990
Captain
Devon Smit
1920
14.11.2005
Player
Rowan Gounder
1772
26.12.2005
Player
Hayley Nel
1861
25.07.2006
Player
Yoshua Smit
1720
11.01.2006
Reserve player
2074
1711
15.12.2005
Michal Ooosthuizen
Player
Position
University
Full name
Fide Rating
Date of Birth
Serikbay Shyngyskhan
2007
Captain
Tursunali Bekarys
2024
2005
Player
Amanzhol Sultan
1982
2005
Player
Lesbekova Assel
1954
2004
Player
Akpanbetova Darina
1569
2005
Reserve player
2251
1711
2007
Tleukhanov Erlan
Player
Position
University
Full name
Fide Rating
Date of Birth
Shakenov Yerzhan
26.09.1990
Captain
Akhmedinov Satbek
2363
26.02.2006
Player
Issanzhulov Arystan
2383
19.06.2003
Player
Kamalidenova Meruyert
2400
03.08.2005
Player
Mazhkenov Alisher
2078
10.12.2003
Reserve player
2494
1711
13.05.2004
Nogerbek Kazybek
Player
Position
University
Full name
Fide Rating
Date of Birth
Khamit Daulet
26.09.1990
Captain
Alimbetov Dias
2149
22.02.2006
Player
Zhumabek Nurasyl
2025
10.12.2007
Player
Yerkinbek Nuray
1502
22.04.2007
Player
Ualikhan Anuar
1640
08.09.2007
Reserve player
2272
1711
07.05.2004
Bizhigitov Zhangir
Player
Position
University
Full name
Fide Rating
Date of Birth
Oliver Li
26.09.1990
Captain
Jackie Li
2136
06.11.2006
Player
Marco Le Lun Zheng
2050
09.04.2007
Player
Chloe Fan
2002
03.05.2007
Player
Ryan Zheng
1908
30.09.2006
Reserve player
2287
30.08.2003
Luis Chan
Player
Position
University
Full name
Fide Rating
Date of Birth
Here you can find all necessary information about the tournament and other activities prepared for you by Organizing Committee.
Please keep it with you and stay tuned for more news.
Please keep it with you and stay tuned for more news.
SCHEDULE
3-9 August
- 3 AugustArrival Day
20:00 - Technical Meeting - 4 August13:00 Opening Ceremony
13:30 Group Stage – Round 1, Match 1
17:30 Group Stage – Round 1, Match 2 - 5 August09.30-12.30 – Shymbulak (Side Event)
13:30 Group Stage – Round 2, Match 1
17:30 Group Stage – Round 2, Match 2 - 6 August09.30-12.00 – Almaty Museum of Arts (Side Event)
12:30-13:30 – Kazakh National Day (Side Event)
13:30 Group Stage – Round 3, Match 1
17:30 Group Stage – Round 3, Match 2 - 7 August
13:30 Quarterfinals – Match 1
17:30 Quarterfinals – Match 2
21:30 Quarterfinals – Tie-breaks
20:30-22:00 – Friendly football tournament - 8 August13:30 Semifinals – Match 1
17:30 Semifinals – Match 2
21:30 Semifinals – Tie-breaks - 9 August11:00 Final & Bronze Medal Duels – Match 1
15:00 Final & Bronze Medal Duels – Match 2
19:00 Final & Bronze Medal Duels – Tie-breaks
TBD Closing Ceremony
Upon finishing the WUTCC – BBQ Party - 10 AugustDeparture Day
1. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
2. Almaty Management University (AlmaU)
3. Harvard University
4. Kazakh National University of Sports (KNUS)
5. National Technical University of Athens
6. Peking University
7. Saint Louis University
8. Universidad de Chile
9. Universitas Gunadarma
10. University of Cambridge
11. University of Melbourne
12. University of Oxford
13. University of Pretoria
14. University of Texas at Dallas
15. Ural State Mining University
16. Webster University
2. Almaty Management University (AlmaU)
3. Harvard University
4. Kazakh National University of Sports (KNUS)
5. National Technical University of Athens
6. Peking University
7. Saint Louis University
8. Universidad de Chile
9. Universitas Gunadarma
10. University of Cambridge
11. University of Melbourne
12. University of Oxford
13. University of Pretoria
14. University of Texas at Dallas
15. Ural State Mining University
16. Webster University
Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan, located in the southeastern part of the country at the foothills of the Zailiyskiy Alatau.
With a population of about 2.3 million people, Almaty is the cultural, leading financial, and economic center of Kazakhstan.
With a population of about 2.3 million people, Almaty is the cultural, leading financial, and economic center of Kazakhstan.
Hotel Kazakhstan is one of the most iconic landmarks of Almaty. With its distinctive high-rise architecture, it offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The hotel provides comfortable rooms, several restaurants and cafes, as well as conference facilities, making it suitable for both leisure and business travelers. Its central location ensures easy access to cultural attractions, shopping areas, and event venues.
Farabi Hub, Almaty
The FIDE World University Team Chess Championship 2026 will take place at Farabi Hub, one of Almaty's premier venues for international conferences, exhibitions, and major cultural events.
Named after the great philosopher Abu Nasr Al-Farabi, the venue combines modern architecture with state-of-the-art facilities, providing an ideal setting for world-class competitions and international gatherings. Its spacious halls, advanced technical infrastructure, and convenient location make it a preferred destination for global events.
Situated in the heart of Almaty, Farabi Hub offers easy access to hotels, restaurants, and the city's main attractions, ensuring a comfortable experience for participants and visitors. As a symbol of Kazakhstan's growing role as a center for education, innovation, and international collaboration, Farabi Hub is a fitting venue to host the world's leading university chess teams.
The FIDE World University Team Chess Championship 2026 will take place at Farabi Hub, one of Almaty's premier venues for international conferences, exhibitions, and major cultural events.
Named after the great philosopher Abu Nasr Al-Farabi, the venue combines modern architecture with state-of-the-art facilities, providing an ideal setting for world-class competitions and international gatherings. Its spacious halls, advanced technical infrastructure, and convenient location make it a preferred destination for global events.
Situated in the heart of Almaty, Farabi Hub offers easy access to hotels, restaurants, and the city's main attractions, ensuring a comfortable experience for participants and visitors. As a symbol of Kazakhstan's growing role as a center for education, innovation, and international collaboration, Farabi Hub is a fitting venue to host the world's leading university chess teams.
UTC +5
Early August is one of the warmest and sunniest periods of the year in Almaty. Daytime temperatures typically range from +28°C to +34°C, while evenings and nights are more comfortable, with temperatures between +18°C and +22°C. The weather is generally dry, with plenty of sunshine and low chances of rain.
The mornings are fresh, and in the evenings a light breeze from the mountains often brings pleasant relief from the daytime heat. This is an excellent time for outdoor activities, sightseeing, visiting parks, and taking trips to the nearby mountains. Comfortable summer clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended for daytime excursions.
The mornings are fresh, and in the evenings a light breeze from the mountains often brings pleasant relief from the daytime heat. This is an excellent time for outdoor activities, sightseeing, visiting parks, and taking trips to the nearby mountains. Comfortable summer clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended for daytime excursions.
The official currency of Kazakhstan is the tenge (KZT). All purchases and services in the country must be paid for in the national currency.
Almaty has many currency exchange offices, some of which operate 24/7, as well as a large number of ATMs throughout the city.
Bank cards (Visa, MasterCard, EuroCard) are widely accepted in most shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants.
Almaty has many currency exchange offices, some of which operate 24/7, as well as a large number of ATMs throughout the city.
Bank cards (Visa, MasterCard, EuroCard) are widely accepted in most shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants.
Kazakhstan uses European-style sockets (types C, E, and F) with a voltage of 220 volts and a frequency of 50 hertz.
We recommend that foreign participants obtain a voluntary medical insurance policy (VMI) for foreign citizens. It can be arranged in advance or on the first day of your stay in Kazakhstan.
Health insurance for foreign nationals is a common and widely available service in the Republic of Kazakhstan, offered by many insurance companies.
Major insurance providers in Kazakhstan include:
(list can be added here if needed)
Under a standard policy for foreign citizens, coverage may include:
Health insurance for foreign nationals is a common and widely available service in the Republic of Kazakhstan, offered by many insurance companies.
Major insurance providers in Kazakhstan include:
(list can be added here if needed)
Under a standard policy for foreign citizens, coverage may include:
- medical expenses;
- accident insurance;
- and other options upon request.
ORGANIZERS
PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNERS
