The FIDE Commission for Women's Chess has announced the return of the Queens' Online Chess Festival for its sixth edition, running from March 1 to 29, 2026, as a free celebration of women's chess tied to International Women's Day. The event features two parallel online tournaments open to female players worldwide, including unrated girls, with blitz formats and various prizes. Participation is accessible to all ages and levels via FIDE's platform.
Organized under the Chess4All FIDE WOM Project, the festival emphasizes inclusivity and fair play, welcoming women and girls of all playing strengths. It includes the Queens' Women's Open Tournament for players with a FIDE ID and the Unrated Princesses' Tournament for girls without ratings in U9 to U17 categories, with U17 players born on or after January 1, 2009.
The Women's Open begins with continental blitz qualifiers: Africa on March 1 at 9:00 UTC, Europe on March 7 at 9:00 UTC, Asia on March 8 at 9:00 UTC, and Americas on March 15 at 13:00 UTC. Each is a 9-round Swiss tournament at 3+2 time control, awarding continental 'Queen' titles and 100 USD FIDE shop vouchers to winners. Top 25 from each advance to a semifinal on March 22 at 13:00 UTC (9-round Swiss), with the top eight proceeding to a 7-round round-robin final on March 29 at 13:00 UTC (5+5 time control). Registration deadlines are February 22 for Africa, March 1 for Europe and Asia, and March 7 for Americas.
The Princesses' Tournament offers qualifications on March 16—Group A at 9:00 UTC and Group B at 13:00 UTC (7 rounds, 5+5)—leading to age-category finals on March 29 at 13:00 UTC. Unrated players under 17 can enter both events. Registration for Princesses closes March 8.
Fair play measures for semifinals and finals include FIDE Online Chess Regulations with Zoom supervision, screen sharing, camera monitoring, and post-event verification using statistical tools. All participants receive electronic certificates. Prizes for the Women's Open include training with Women Grandmasters, a 600 USD fund for the final top three, and an invitation to the 46th World Chess Olympiad 2026 in Uzbekistan for the winner, covering three nights' accommodation with full board. Princesses' awards feature diplomas, a trophy for the final winner, and vouchers up to 100 USD.
Contact the organizers at queensfestival@fide.com or visit wom.fide.com for details.
