Experience the PICF to the fullest! The Festival introduces a Digital Card for every player
According to responses and feedback collected over the years, one of the main reasons fans of the royal game remember the Prague International Chess Festival so fondly – and keep returning – is its exceptional atmosphere. This year, all halls will once again be prepared to offer comfortable conditions for chess matches of all levels. And once again, the capital hopes to surpass last year’s record of 376 participants.
The friendly and inspiring environment of the Don Giovanni Hotel plays a key role in creating the distinctive atmosphere that has become the Festival’s trademark. „We truly cherish this. There is something charming about the hotel, and it’s the players, chess enthusiasts, and fans who make the atmosphere so unique,“ says Festival Director Petr Boleslav. This is also the main reason why the organizing team has decided to introduce a new feature designed to provide players with even better service. Every registered participant will now receive a Digital PICF Player Card, which can be saved to Apple Walle tor Google Wallet. The card provides priority access to Festival news and updates, special prices on Festival merchandise, discounts on selected services at the Don Giovanni Hotel, and other benefits. Each player will automatically receive a download link for the card via e-mail once they complete registration for any Festival tournament.
The PICF Grand Prix also offers an extraordinary experience, as its winner gets the unique opportunity to shake hands with the Masters tournament players, receive a PICF T-shirt with their autographs, and gain access to the closing VIP after-party, where they can meet their favourite players. The competition runs throughout all nine Festival days, and results from every Festival tournament or competition contribute to the overall standings. The highest total sum of points counts – and it may be the factor that sends the most successfull player to the main stage of the closing ceremony.
Registration is now open! You can sign up via an online form. Binding applications for the open tournaments D and E must be submitted no later than February 10, 2026.
The eighth edition of the Prague International Chess Festival (PICF) will take place from 24 February to 6 March 2026 at the Don Giovanni Hotel Prague. The Festival, which has become one of Europe’s major chess events, will once again feature an elite Masters tournament, attractive side events and numerous competitions and options for both professional and amateur players.
The Festival program includes not only the main tournaments, but also a solving competition, daily afternoon tournaments and a rich selection of side events. The closing ceremony will take place on Friday, 6 March 2026 at 18:00.
About the program
What you get with the card
Regulations of PICF 2026
Registration form