Tashkent is going to host the 3rd edition of the UzChess Cup from 7-15 June, bringing elite-level chess to life.
The Master’s section will feature a round-robin tournament with 10 players, with a combination of top Uzbek players and some of the best players in the world today.
There will be a lot of talent among the players, meaning this will be one of the most competitive events in the tournament’s history.
Top players to watch
Leading the field is Nodirbek Abdusattorov (2780), who continues to be one of the brightest young stars in chess. Close behind is Arjun Erigaisi (2751), followed by Javokhir Sindarov (2745).
The international presence remains strong with players like Ian Nepomniachtchi (2729) and Hans Niemann (2728), both known for their aggressive and dynamic play.
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Also in the mix are Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (2715) and Vidit Gujrathi (2708), adding further depth to an already loaded field.
Uzbekistan will have solid representation beyond Abdusattorov and Sindarov. Nodirbek Yakubboev (2689) and Shamsiddin Vokhidov (2641) will look to make an impact on home soil.
Rounding out the lineup is Nikolas Theodorou (2635), completing a balanced and competitive field.
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UzChess Cup Format and what to expect
The format of this tournament will be the usual round robin, where each of the 10 players will play against all other competitors one time each. This type of setup promotes consistency and offers little margin for error when compared to a typical event of this nature with 10 high-calibre individuals.
With several players rated above 2700, look for matches to be fought hard, with a substantial amount of preparation being put into them, with very few, if any, “easy” points available to earn.
Where to Watch?
Like previous editions, the event is expected to receive detailed coverage, including live games and regular updates, making it easy for fans to follow every round.
With a mix of rising stars and established names, the UzChess Cup 2026 is shaping up to be a must-watch event on the chess calendar.
Participants list (by rating)
Here’s the list of all the participants as per their rankings:
- Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB, 2780)
- Arjun Erigaisi (IND, 2751)
- Javokhir Sindarov (UZB, 2745)
- Ian Nepomniachtchi (RUS, 2729)
- Hans Moke Niemann (USA, 2728)
- Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (AZE, 2715)
- Santosh Gujrathi Vidit (IND, 2708)
- Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB, 2689)
- Shamsiddin Vokhidov (UZB, 2641)
- Nikolas Theodorou (GRE, 2635)
When was the UzChess Cup First Held?
The UzChess Cup was first held in June 2024. This inaugural edition took place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from June 6 to June 14, 2024.
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As a relatively new addition to the international chess calendar, the tournament has quickly gained prestige. It is structured into different levels- Masters, Challengers, and Futures, to accommodate various skill tiers.
Basic Facts About UzChess Cup
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Inaugural Winner (Masters): Nodirbek Yakubboev
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Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
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Format: Round-robin
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Second Edition: Held in June 2025, where Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa took the Masters title after a thrilling tie-break.
So, now, the third edition is already on the horizon, scheduled for June 7–15, 2026.
Also Read: Grand Swiss Chess 2027: Everything to Know About the High-Stakes Qualifier
