NCFP launches national eliminations for 2026 Chess Olympiad

Noah Barro

In preparation for the upcoming 46th World Chess Olympiad in 2026 in Uzbekistan, the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) will stage the National Elimination Chess Championships for men and women, across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Victorious players from the Grand Finals will earn the right to represent the Philippines in the international stage, along with a 185,000 peso prize.

The Luzon leg will take place at Robinson’s Magnolia in Quezon City, from August 23 to 25, 2025. The Visayas leg will be hosted at GMall Cebu City on September 13–14, while the Mindanao leg is scheduled for Misamis Occidental on September 27–28.

The tournament will use the 8-round Swiss System format with a 60-minute + 30-second increment time control. Players must score at least five points in the elimination phase to advance to the semifinals.

There, semifinalists will compete against FIDE-titled players; FIDE Master and International Master in the men’s division, and Woman FIDE Master and Woman International Master in the women’s division.

For the women’s side, contenders will also have to compete against members of the Philippine Women’s Olympiad team, who clinched the Category B gold medal at the 2024 Olympiad in Hungary.

All participants must be bona fide NCFP members with a secured FIDE ID number issued through their membership with the governing chess body. Standard rating requirements also apply: 2099 and below for the men’s division and 1750 and below for the women’s division.

The program is spearheaded and organized by NCFP Chairman and President Hon. Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., in collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) under Chairman Hon. John Patrick C. Gregorio and Commissioner-in-Charge for Chess Hon. Edward Hayco, backstopped by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).