Tata Steel Chess Challengers 2026
16 Jan — 1 Feb, 2026
Wijk aan Zee, The Netherlands
The line-up for the #TataSteelChess Challengers 2026 is here!
A dynamic mix of rising stars and experienced players will battle for a place in the 2027 Masters.
We’re proud to welcome the 14 Challengers to Wijk aan Zee:
Erwin l’Ami
Aydin Suleymanli
Velimir Ivic
Daniil Yuffa
Vasyl Ivanchuk
Marc’Andria Maurizzi
Andy Woodward
Max Warmerdam
Bibisara Assaubayeva
Faustino Oro
Carissa Yip
Lu Miaoyi
Panesar Vedant
Eline Roebers
With an average rating of 2544, this year’s field stands out for its diversity: four top female players, prodigies such as 12-year-old Faustino Oro, and a true chess legend in Vasyl Ivanchuk, former world No. 2 and Masters champion of 1996.