2026 XTX London Chess Classic Announces Star-Studded Line-Up

The 2026 XTX Markets London Chess Classic has revealed its impressive ten-player line-up, featuring notable grandmasters such as Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Levon Aronian, and Vasyl Ivanchuk. The tournament is set to take place from November 24 to December 7 in London.

Abdusattorov, a 22-year-old grandmaster, leads the field, which also includes India's Nihal Sarin and 16-year-old American talent Andy Woodward. The competition will offer a total prize fund of £100,000, with £50,000 awarded to the winner. Other participants include England's Michael Adams, Gawain Maroroa Jones, Luke McShane, and the newly crowned British champion, Shreyas Royal.

The event will feature a Masters tournament as its centerpiece, alongside a new Challengers tournament, where the winner will secure a spot in the 2027 Masters. The festival will also host various competitions and activities aimed at promoting chess among young people, organized by the charity Chess in Schools and Communities.