2026 Mavens Open International Chess Championship
The 2026 Mavens Open International Chess Championship kicks off today at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in the heart of Nairobi.
The tournament boasts a massive KES 1.5 million (Euro 10,000) prize fund, making it one of the most lucrative events in Africa. The top prize of USD 5,000 has attracted two Grandmasters (GMs), three International Masters (IMs), and around 380 participants, with intense action expected over the next four days.
Leading the pack is GM Vojtech Plat from Slovakia (rating 2457), followed by IM David Silva of Angola (rating 2334). Other top contenders include GM Attila Czebe of Hungary (2290), IM Arthur Ssegwanyi of Uganda (2330), and IM Dante Beukes of Namibia (2283).
Kenya’s top representatives are Hawi Kaloki (rating 2143) and 2025 Kenya National Champion Jadon Simiyu (rating 2108).
The event has attracted players from ten federations, including Angola, Hungary, India, Namibia, Nigeria, South Sudan, Slovakia, Uganda, Zambia, and Kenya.
Defending champion Gong Thon Gong of South Sudan will also be in action.
The championship features four sections: the main Open Section with 157 players, the Ladies Section with 32 participants, and two junior sections (Boys and Girls) with 112 and 74 players, respectively.
Mavens Chess Centre is the event organiser, with MyBoda serving as the main sponsor.
Event details
Links
2026 Mavens Open International Chess Championship on chess-results.com.