Katowice, April 20, 2026 — The 2026 European Individual Chess Championship, held in Katowice, Poland from April 6–20, concluded with a dramatic finish and a surprising winner. The tournament also brought important news for Chess Slovak Open® fans — three confirmed players of the August festival in Skalica delivered outstanding performances in the Polish city.
Sensational Winner from Ukraine
The 2026 European Champion is IM Roman Dehtiarov (Ukraine, ELO 2452), who scored an impressive 9 points out of 11 games, finishing ahead of far higher-rated grandmasters. Dehtiarov’s triumph ranks among the biggest upsets in the Championship’s history — an International Master claiming the title in a field of nearly three hundred grandmasters from across Europe.
Silver and bronze went to three Azerbaijanis: GM Nijat Abasov (2586), GM Aydin Suleymanli (2653), and GM Mahammad Muradli (2605), all scoring 8.5 points. Azerbaijan’s dominance — three players in the top four — was one of the most remarkable team performances of the event.
Donchenko, Korobov and Dardha — Top Finishers Heading to Skalica
Among the players performing at the very top of European chess are three grandmasters who are confirmed for Chess Slovak Open® 2026 (August 22–30, Skalica):
GM Alexander Donchenko (Germany, ELO 2642) — 8th place
The German grandmaster finished in the top ten with 8 points. Donchenko has long been part of the European elite and confirmed his form in Katowice. He will arrive in Skalica as one of the highest-rated players in the Masters tournament.
GM Daniel Dardha (Belgium, ELO 2606) — 18th place
The young Belgian grandmaster also scored 8 points and placed in the TOP 20 of the European Championship. Dardha is one of the most talented players of his generation, and his presence in Skalica promises exciting games.
GM Anton Korobov (Ukraine, ELO 2610) — 20th place
The experienced Ukrainian grandmaster also finished with 8 points and a TOP 20 place. Korobov is a long-standing participant at the strongest European tournaments and brings decades of top-level experience to the Masters event in Skalica.
A Strong Masters Field Continues to Grow
In addition to the three European Championship participants, Chess Slovak Open® 2026 will also feature GM Aditya Mittal (India, ELO 2617) and GM Leon Luke Mendonca (India, ELO 2595) — two of India’s brightest chess talents.
The total prize fund is €15,000, with the Masters tournament offering prizes from first through fifth place. The event takes place at the Dom kultúry in Skalica, with organizers targeting 300+ participants from across Europe and beyond.
Registration and up-to-date information at chessslovakopen.sk.