Stage set for 8th Sharjah Chess Masters C’ship

The prestigious 8th Sharjah International Chess Masters Championship is set to take place from Saturday to May 26.

To be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, this highly anticipated event once again positions Sharjah as a key global hub for competitive chess.

This year’s championship will feature a remarkable turnout of 350 players representing 60 countries, highlighting the event’s strong international appeal and diverse competitive field.

Participants range from rising stars and national champions to seasoned grandmasters, all competing for top honors and valuable FIDE rating points.

Sheikh Dr. Khaled bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club and President of the Arab Chess Federation, emphasized the tournament’s significant global importance, particularly as it is officially accredited by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

He noted that participants earn valuable points toward qualification for the Chess World Cup, which has greatly encouraged player participation. The registration process saw exceptionally high demand.

He added, “Initially, we expected around 260 players to participate, but due to the overwhelming turnout, we increased the number of participants. Even so, the waiting list remains very large. The presence of numerous titled players in the tournament enhances its competitive level and elevates its international prestige.”

The top seed is World No. 6, GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov. He is joined by fellow 2700+ rated grandmasters GM Anish Giri and GM Parham Maghsoodloo.

The field also includes fifteen players rated above 2600, such as GM Sam Sevian, GM Amin Tabatabaei, European champion GM Aleksandar Indjic, local favorite GM Salem Saleh, GM Leon Luke Mendonca, and GM Niko Theodorou.

Rounding out the lineup are another 60 highly skilled and promising players, including GM Zhu Jiner—who recently dominated the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix—rising star IM Faustino Oro, US prodigy GM Andy Woodward, and last year’s Sharjah Challengers champion, IM Divya Deshmukh.

Grandmaster Salem Abdulrahman, a member of the UAE national chess team and a player for the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club, will lead the UAE contingent in the tournament, which will see full participation from the national team.

Among them are Woman Grandmaster Rouda Al Serkal, Arab Champion and player for the Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club and the national team, as well as Omar Nouman, Omran Al Hosani, Ibrahim Sultan, and several other national team members. Additionally, a large number of players from chess clubs across the UAE will take part in the event.

The organizing committee of the Sharjah International Chess Masters Championship, also increased in the prize fund for the tournament’s eighth edition.

This year’s edition will feature a total prize pool of $75,000.

Tournament Director Abdullah Murad Al Mazmi explained that the prize increase was prompted by the introduction of three competitive divisions: the main event for players rated above 2500, a second division for those rated below 2500, and a third division for players rated around 1400.

Ensuring fairness and smooth conduct throughout the championship is a panel of 15 internationally accredited arbiters, led by FIDE official Faisal Al Hammadi in his role as Head Arbiter. He will be supported by Deputy Arbiter Salman Al Taher, both renowned for their expertise and dedication to upholding the highest standards of chess officiating.