The 2026 XTX Markets London Chess Classic

24th November - 7th December 2026

The XTX Markets London Chess Classic returns for a 16th edition in November 2026. Ten of the world’s top grandmasters led by World Number 5 Nodirbek Abdusattorov will compete in an elite chess tournament held at venues across the capital. There will also be opportunities for players of all standards to take part in classical, rapidplay and blitz events held at London Novotel West in Hammersmith. The event is organised by the charity Chess in Schools and Communities which will also be running the LCC Schools Festival for over 1000 children.

The 2026 XTX Markets London Classic will take place between 24th November and 7th December 2026. The event will feature:

• Opening Ceremony - held in the historic setting of the Tower of London

• LCC Masters - an elite all-play-all tournament featuring some of the top grandmasters in the world

• LCC Challengers - a new 10-player all-play-all invitational tournament with a qualifying spot for next year’s LCC Masters

• LCC Swiss - a 9-round classical chess tournament suitable for players seeking GM and IM norms (ELO 2000+)

• LCC Weekend and LCC Weekday - 5-round tournaments with rating sections (classical chess)

• Pro-Biz Cup - giving people from business the chance to partner with one of our elite grandmasters

• Super Rapid - a tournament giving everyone the chance to compete against our chess stars and some special guests (Anish Giri, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave)

• Individual Blitz tournaments held in the evenings

• Team Blitz event for teams of four players

• Live Commentary with expert guests, both online and in-person (in-person Rounds 3-9 only)

• Schools Festival - 5 days of activities for children giving 1,000 pupils from CSC schools around the country the chance to visit the London Chess Classic

• LCC Dinner - a charity dinner at The Dorchester, raising funds to support the work of Chess in Schools and Communities

Entry to the LCC Masters and LCC Challengers is by invitation only. Entries to all other tournaments are open now - please see the individual tournament pages for details.

For all enquiries, please contact Chess in Schools and Communities here.

Past winners of the London Chess Classic