Bled Chess Festival Lichess Online Qualifier - Opportunity for Slovenian Chess Players

Dear Chess Players,

The Bled Chess Festival 2026 offers Slovenian chess players a unique opportunity to secure their place at one of the most beautiful and prestigious chess events in Slovenia through online qualifiers.

The festival will take place between 9 and 15 March in Bled, in an exceptional setting with views of Lake Bled and the castle. More information can be found on the official website: BLED CHESS FESTIVAL

The online qualifiers will be held on the Lichess platform and are open to all players. Players with a FIDE standard rating of 2300 or less (February FIDE List) can qualify for further stages (semi-finals and finals).

Link to free qualifiers: https://lichess.org/@/Lichess/blog/bled-chess-festival-online-qualifiers-on-lichess/QR8XD7v9

Qualification schedule

• 15 February - 17:00 - https://lichess.org/tournament/bled26Q1
  - 16 February - 20:00 - https://lichess.org/tournament/bled26Q2
  - 17 February - 18:00 - https://lichess.org/tournament/bled26Q3
  - 18 February - 18:00 - https://lichess.org/tournament/bled26Q3
  - 21 February - Semi-finals 16:00
  - 22 February - Final 17:00

♟ Qualification structure

• 4 open online tournaments (3+2)
• The top 50 from each tournament advance to the semi-finals
• The top 30 from the semi-finals advance to the final
• The final tournament (9 rounds, 10+2) determines the final winners

The semi-finals and the final will be commented live by Festival ambassadors:

• ♟️ Laura Unuk (WGM)
• ♟️ Markus Ragger (GM)

🏆 Prizes

The top three players in the final will receive Festival packages (Gold, Silver, Basic) for two people.

The total value of the qualification packages is up to €8,000.

In addition, one Basic Package will be drawn from among the Phase 1 participants.

🌟 Why participate?

• Performing at a top local festival
• Professional playing conditions
• A chance to meet and play with the grandmasters
• International competition in a domestic environment
• Transition from online chess to a world-class OTB event

This is an opportunity for Slovenian chess players to show their strength on home soil.

Entries and details are available on the official Bled Chess Festival website.

See you in Bled!