CCC 2026, Sri Lanka
Commonwealth Chess Championship 2026 Begins in Sri Lanka!
The prestigious Commonwealth Chess Championship 2026 has officially commenced in Hotel Citrus, Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka on Sunday, bringing together the spirit of international chess and sporting excellence. Organized by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka on behalf of FIDE and the Commonwealth Chess Association, the event is being held from May 17 to 25, 2026.
More than 500 players from 14 countries are participating in the championship, making it one of the largest and most vibrant editions of the event in recent years. The tournament features the Open Championship along with various age-group categories for boys and girls from Under-8 to Under-18. Rapid and Blitz events are also part of the festival.
The grand opening ceremony was attended by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and Sri Lanka’s Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage, along with Bharat Singh Chauhan, Chairman Commonwealth Chess Association and Luxman Wijesuriya, General Secretary Commonwealth Chess Association highlighting the significance of the championship for the global chess community.
With talented players from across the Commonwealth battling over the chessboard, the championship promises thrilling games, emerging talents, and memorable moments throughout the week.
Read the final result
Commonwealth Chess FAQ
Key details about the Commonwealth Chess Championship 2026 in Sri Lanka, as published by the CCA.
General
What is the Commonwealth Chess Championship 2026?
The Commonwealth Chess Championship 2026 is an international chess event organized by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka on behalf of FIDE and the Commonwealth Chess Association. It will be held from 16th to 25th May 2026 in Sri Lanka.
Where is the venue for the tournament?
All rounds will be played at the Hotel Citrus, Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka.
Who can participate?
Players from all Commonwealth countries are welcome. There are Open and Age-Group events (U8–U18, boys and girls).
What are the event dates?
16th May – 26th May, 2026.
Registration
How much are the entry and registration fees?
Official players: USD 75. Additional players: USD 150. Registration fee: USD 110 (includes airport transfer, accreditation, and closing dinner).
How can I register?
All entries must be submitted through your National Federation using the official registration form (CCC2026.xlsx).
Are Grandmasters and titled players exempt from fees?
Yes. GMs and IMs (2400+), and WGMs and WIMs (2250+) receive free entry.
Accommodation
Where will players stay?
The official hotel is Hotel Citrus, Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka.
Are official players given free accommodation?
Yes. Each country’s official representatives (Open, Women, Senior, U20, and U8–U18 Boys/Girls) will get free accommodation with full board (twin or triple sharing).
Technical
What are the tournament formats?
Standard Event: 9 rounds, 90 min + 30s increment. Blitz Event: 7–9 rounds, 3 min + 2s increment. Swiss system pairing for both.
What is the total prize fund?
RM 95,000 (approx. USD 22,900): Standard Event: RM 85,000. Blitz Event: RM 10,000.
What titles can be earned?
Winners in the Open category may receive IM/WIM titles, and silver/bronze medallists may earn FM/WFM titles, as per FIDE regulations.
Are there direct titles available?
Yes, based on FIDE’s Direct Title Regulations (effective 1 May 2025). Refer to the FIDE handbook: https://handbook.fide.com/chapter/B01DirectTitles2025.