The number of Azerbaijani chess players who have fulfilled the Grandmaster norm is 43.
According to information obtained by Modern.az from the Chess Federation, 29 men and 12 women chess players are international grandmasters.
The Federation also provided our website with information about upcoming regional and international events. It was noted that this year the “Azerbaijan Chess Tour” will be held:
"As was the case last year, the “Azerbaijan Chess Tour” will also be held this year. In 2026, chess players from various age groups will participate in international competitions according to the calendar. The national teams consisting of women and men will compete in the World Chess Olympiad in autumn.
The “Baku Open” International Chess Festival, organized for many years, will also be held this year. Around 1000 chess players from more than 10 countries are expected to participate in the competition".
It was also noted that a new generation is currently forming in the country's chess scene:
"Azerbaijan has maintained its reputation as a chess country for many years. It is sufficient to recall the successes achieved just last year. The national team of women chess players took second place in the World Championship. The Azerbaijani men's team won a silver medal in the European Championship. 14-year-old Khagan Ahmad became the European champion. Currently, a new generation is forming in the country's chess scene. As a result of the state's care for sports, the necessary conditions are created for teenagers and young people. Thanks to the strong support shown by the President of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, to chess and chess players, these talented individuals always strive for victory in the competitions they participate in", - the Federation informed our website.
