A defining moment for Armenia’s cultural and intellectual landscape, the inaugural Chess Fest Armenia is scheduled for October 2026, as announced by PR Newswire. This event positions Armenia on the global stage as a center of strategic thought, education, and cultural exchange.
The festival will take place under the patronage of Grandmaster Levon Aronian, one of the most celebrated figures in contemporary chess. Distinguished international guests include Viswanathan Anand, five-time World Chess Champion, and Judit Polgár, widely regarded as the strongest female chess player in history.
Organized by MEDIACRAT Studio in collaboration with MATENA Business School, the two-day gathering aims to unite chess enthusiasts, families, and visitors from around the world in a vibrant celebration of strategy, creativity, and community. Aronian noted that chess has always been more than a game for Armenians, explaining that it is a way people express creativity, discipline, and unity. He added that Chess Fest Armenia honors that spirit and invites everyone to experience the imagination and joy the game inspires.
Throughout Yerevan’s parks and public spaces, the festival will feature simultaneous exhibitions, concerts, storytelling sessions, and interactive art installations. A dedicated Chess for Kids zone will introduce younger players to the beauty of the game and encourage their growth. The event will conclude with a grand awards ceremony recognizing standout participants.
Vardges Hoveyan will serve as General Producer, leading an independent organizing team focused on delivering a world-class cultural experience.
