The stars of the chess world are once again on their way to Czechia. Thanks to the 5th year of the Prague International Chess Festival, we get the opportunity to see a top-class field of participants led by the Chinese GM Wang Hao. The event will host the best Czech chess players, including CZ #1 David Navara and #2 Thai Dai Van Nguyen, who finished third last year.

In addition to the above-mentioned GMs, the prestigious Masters category will feature American, Ray Robson, the defending champion from India, Pentala Harikrishna, or the German Vincent Kaymer. The remaining spots in the top ten belong to Boris Gelfland from Israel, Samuel Shankland from USA, Bogdan-Daniel Deac from Romania and Francisco Vallejo Pons from Spain.

GM Sam Shankland

A little fun fact for fans: the only players to have participated in all five years of the Masters group are Navara and 2021 champion Shankland. Hao, who lives in Tokyo, recently put his chess career on hold, but he gladly accepted the invitation with delight and even played for the 1st Nový Bor Chess Club. Deace is coached by the experienced Ivan Sokolov, and Spanish #1 Pons was so impressed with Prague last year that he accepted the invitation without any doubt.

The best chess tournament in Czechia will take place from June 21 to 30 at the four-star Hotel Don Giovanni in Prague, with the opening ceremony scheduled for June 20, as well as the draw for all categories. Participation is free of charge for all visitors.

MASTERS TOURNAMENT