Inaugural Apogee Chess Festival Set for August 2026 in France

The Apogee Chess Festival is scheduled to occur in Caissargues, France, from August 22 to 30, 2026. This event aims to combine competitive chess with cultural heritage, taking place near the historic city of Nîmes.

The festival, organized by French International Master Silvia Alexieva, will feature two FIDE-rated Open sections with a total prize fund of €26,000. Notably, the tournament includes a special prize for the top female player, equal to the overall first prize, thanks to additional sponsorship.

Veselin Topalov, a former FIDE World Champion and childhood friend of Alexieva, will be a guest of honor, hosting a simultaneous exhibition. The festival also includes a public speaking contest set against the backdrop of the iconic Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, on August 29.