World #4 Confirms Masters Attendance
The lineup of the Masters tournament is becoming clearer. The current world champion Gukesh Dommaraju and Czech pillars David Navara and Thai Dai Van Nguyen will be joined by six world-class GMs – Vincent Keymer, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Parham Maghsoodloo, Aravindh Chithambaram, Jorden van Foreest and Nodirbek Yakubboev.
Masters tournament, which will be held at the 8th edition of the Prague International Chess Festival from 24th February – 6th March 2026 at Don Giovanni Hotel Prague, boasts a highly attractive lineup, led by the reigning world champion.
German GM Vincent Keymer is one of the greatest talents of the past decade. The former European junior champion and winner of several prestigious tournaments enjoyed another steep rise last year. He became the champion of Germany, smoothly won the prestigious Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters in India, and finished just half a point behind the winner at the FIDE Grand Swiss. In October, he represented the national team at the European Team Chess Championship on board one, scoring 7/9, and only days later shone again on the first board for the Nový Bor team (5/6) at the European Club Cup. He capped off his successful year by reaching the World Cup semifinals. A total gain of 43 rating points lifted Vincent Keymer up to the 4th spot in the world rating.
O
ne of the top favorites of the tournament will undoubtedly also be Nodirbek Abdusattorov. The Olympiad winner, world rapid chess champion, and established member of the world’s top 20 has already won the Masters title in the past — at the 2024 tournament. As an unyielding fighter and Uzbekistan’s number one, he will surely do his best to claim another title.
His compatriot Nodirbek Yakubboev has recorded a significant rise in performance over recent seasons and has established himself as a regular participant in the world’s strongest tournaments. Last year in Prague, he was one of the stars of the Challengers tournament. The tightly contested event was decided in a shoot-out, where Yakubboev defeated Danish grandmaster Jonas Bjerre and advanced to the Masters.
Another participant is Iranian player Parham Maghsoodloo, who has taken part in the Masters several times in the past and, according to his own words, always enjoys returning to Prague. Known for his aggressive style and fighting spirit, he has consistently added excitement to the Festival. Further good news is that Indian grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram has also confirmed his participation; he won last year’s Masters with one-point ahead of Anish Giri and Wei Yi.
MASTERS
| 1 | Keymer, Vincent (GER) | 2776 |
| 2 | Gukesh D (IND) | 2754 |
| 3 | Abdusattorov, Nodirbek (UZB) | 2751 |
| 4 | Maghsoodloo, Parham (IRI) | 2708 |
| 5 | Van Foreest, Jorden (NED) | 2703 |
| 6 | Aravindh, Chithambaram VR. (IND) | 2700 |
| 7 | Yakubboev, Nodirbek (UZB) | 2691 |
| 8 | Nguyen, Thai Dai Van (CZE) | 2656 |
| 9 | Navara, David (CZE) | 2635 |
| to be announced | ||
| ∅ 2708 | ||
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 features elite tournaments, everyday morning tournaments, and attractive side events. The closing ceremony will take place on Friday, 6 March 2026 at 18:00. The registration is open. Binding applications to open tournaments D and E must be sent before 10th February 2026.
About the program
What you get with the digital PICF card
Regulations of PICF 2026