Tata Steel Chess 2026: Youngest lineup ever in Wijk!

Press release by Tata Steel Chess

From January 16 to February 1, 2026, Wijk aan Zee will once again transform into the global stage of chess. During the 88^th edition of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament (TSCT), tradition, talent and top-level competition come together in an event internationally renowned as the ‘Wimbledon of Chess’. With four players from the world’s top 10 and ten from the top 30, the Tata Steel Masters 2026 lineup is once again exceptionally strong.

Tournament Director Jeroen van den Berg noted:

What truly makes this edition special is the youthful composition of the Tata Steel Masters tournament. This is the youngest lineup we’ve ever had. With an average age of 23, it promises to be a dynamic and energetic battle for the title. The new generation is eager to prove itself.

We’ve been seeing a shift in the chess landscape for some time. Young grandmasters like Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa, Keymer and World Champion Gukesh not only bring brilliant play but also a fresh appeal that resonates with the audience. That makes this tournament especially exciting. I’m looking forward to what this new generation will bring. It’s also fascinating to see how 14-year-old Erdogmus will perform. Never has such a young player competed in the Tata Steel Masters!

Anish Giri, Dutch top grandmaster and winner of the 2023 edition, is also looking forward to the tournament:

I know how important this tournament can be for your career. It’s a chance to measure yourself against the absolute world elite and to develop as a player. I’m excited to shine once again in Wijk aan Zee. This coastal town remains a special place for me. The audience, the atmosphere, the history – it’s a highlight every year. And this year, with so many young talents, it will be a battle full of surprises.

Coenraad Spaans, operations director of Tata Steel Nederland and member of the TSCT committee, emphasises the broader significance of the event:

The Tata Steel Chess Tournament has grown into a globally recognized top-level sporting event. We are proud of the reputation the tournament has built and the unifying power of chess. Chess teaches us to think ahead, find creative solutions, and work with passion – values that are also central to our company.

Local community & tradition

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The tournament is not only a sporting highlight but also a boost for the local community. In the quiet winter month of January, the event draws thousands of visitors to Wijk aan Zee, providing a welcome boost to local businesses and the region. Additionally, many amateur players traditionally participate in amateur tournaments organized alongside the grandmasters.

Van den Berg:

Many amateur players turn it into an annual holiday and have formed friendships in Wijk aan Zee. That’s what makes our tournament so special – it’s not only a top event in the chess world but also an annual reunion for friends.

The fourteen chess stars competing in this 88^th edition of the Tata Steel Masters – listed with their official FIDE ratings and world ranking as of October 1, 2025, nationality, and year of birth – are:

Average rating: 2725
Average age in January 2026: 23 years

The lineup for the Challengers tournament will be announced in mid-November.

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