Prize fund: 100 000$

Aktobe Open 2026 – Vladimir Dvorkovich Memorial will take place from June 2 to 12 in the city of Aktobe, Kazakhstan. The tournament is organized by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan and is the first stage of the Kazakhstan Chess Cup 2026.

The competition is aimed at honouring the memory of international arbiter Vladimir Dvorkovich, developing professional chess, and promoting the game both in Kazakhstan and beyond.

As part of the festival, two tournaments — Masters and Open — are included, which will bring together participants from different countries. The tournaments are held according to the Swiss system in 9 rounds with FIDE rating calculation and a classical time control of 90+30.

The Masters tournament is part of the FIDE Circuit series, providing participants with the opportunity to gain international rating points and compete at a high level.

Aktobe is one of the largest cities in western Kazakhstan and an important cultural and business centre of the region. The city is distinguished by its developed infrastructure, convenient transport accessibility, and modern urban environment, making it a comfortable location for hosting international events.

Aktobe features an international airport, a well-developed hotel network, and a variety of opportunities for leisure and recreation. Visitors can explore local culture, visit museums and theaters, and enjoy national cuisine.

Thanks to the combination of tradition and modernity, Aktobe is becoming an attractive venue for major sporting and international events.