Announcing the Chess.com Open: The World’s Largest Open Tournament!
Chess.com Global Championship Rebranded as Chess.com Open: The World’s Largest Open Tournament Awaits!
March 14, 2026 – The chess world is buzzing with excitement as the Chess.com Global Championship has officially been rebranded as the Chess.com Open. Set to kick off on March 14, this event promises to be the largest open tournament in history, boasting a staggering $250,000 prize pool and the potential for up to three direct spots at the next Esports World Cup.
The tournament’s format and qualification system remain unchanged, but the new name reflects its inclusive nature, welcoming players from all backgrounds to compete. “We believe that Chess.com Open better communicates the truly inclusive nature of this event,” said Michael Brancato, Chess.com’s Events Commissioner. “We’re looking forward to seeing how players embrace the opportunity to prove themselves against the world’s elite.”
A Star-Studded Lineup
The Chess.com Open Playoffs will feature 16 elite players, with eight qualifying through the Winter Split of the Titled Tuesday Grand Prix and the remaining eight through upcoming qualifiers. Among the already qualified players is world number-one GM Magnus Carlsen, who dominated the Winter Split, finishing over 20 points ahead of the eighth-place qualifier. Joining him are chess heavyweights such as Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Denis Lazavik, Sam Sevian, Javokhir Sindarov, Arjun Erigaisi, and Vincent Keymer.
Open Qualifiers: Your Chance to Shine
From March 14 to 25, Chess.com will host qualifiers open to anyone eager to compete. Non-titled players can join the Preliminaries, while titled players can participate through the Titled Players club. The qualifiers will include various formats, ensuring that everyone has a shot at earning a coveted playoff spot.
Qualifier Schedule:
| Qualifier | Day | Time ET | Time CET | Time IST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary 1 | Mar 14 | 12 p.m. | 17:00 | 9:30 p.m. |
| Titled Qualifier 1 | Mar 15 | 12 p.m. | 17:00 | 9:30 p.m. |
| Play-In 1 | Mar 16 | 12 p.m. | 17:00 | 9:30 p.m. |
| Play-In 2 | Mar 18 | 12 p.m. | 17:00 | 9:30 p.m. |
| Preliminary 2 | Mar 21 | 12 p.m. | 17:00 | 9:30 p.m. |
| Titled Qualifier 2 | Mar 22 | 12 p.m. | 17:00 | 9:30 p.m. |
| Play-In 3 | Mar 23 | 12 p.m. | 17:00 | 9:30 p.m. |
| Play-In 4 | Mar 25 | 12 p.m. | 17:00 | 9:30 p.m. |
What’s at Stake?
The stakes are high, with not only cash prizes on the line but also CCT Leaderboard points that can be crucial for qualifying for the Esports World Cup. Fans can follow the action through live broadcasts on Chess.com’s Twitch and YouTube channels, with coverage of the qualifiers on March 16, 18, 23, and 25, and the Playoffs resuming on April 23.
Join the Excitement!
As the chess community gears up for this monumental event, the question remains: Who will rise to the challenge and secure a spot in the Chess.com Open Playoffs? Share your predictions in the comments below and prepare for a thrilling month of chess action!