Tonga National Chess Championship – small number of FIDE-rated players invited

The Tonga Chess Federation will be hosting the inaugural FIDE-rated Tonga National Chess Championship from Tuesday 23 June to Friday 26 June 2026 in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.

This event will be a significant milestone for chess development in Tonga. In addition to crowning the national champion, the tournament will serve as the principal selection event for the Tonga team to the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Tournament details are as follows:

• Dates: 23-26 June 2026
• Venue: Nuku’alofa, Tonga
• Format: 5-round Swiss System
• Time Control: 60 minutes plus 30 seconds increment per move
• Eligibility: Open to Tongan players and invited international players
• Prizes (estimated):
  • 1st: TOP 750
  • 2nd: TOP 500
  • 3rd: TOP 250

The Tonga Chess Federation would be delighted to welcome a small number of visiting FIDE-rated players from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and elsewhere in Oceania. Their participation would provide valuable opportunities for local players to gain international ratings and competitive experience.

If any players, arbiters, or officials from your federation may be interested in attending, or for further details, please contact:

Bill Sanft
Secretary, Tonga Chess Federation
Email: w.sanft@gmail.com