Chess Slovak Open® 2026 unveils another star of the closed Chess Slovak Masters tournament. Belgium’s number one, GM Daniel Dardha, is heading to Skalica – one of Europe’s most talented young grandmasters.
The youngest grandmaster in Belgian history
Daniel Dardha (born 1 October 2005 in Mortsel) earned the grandmaster title at just 15 – the youngest in Belgian history. He first became Belgian Champion at the age of 13 (2019), again the youngest champion in the country’s history, and has since claimed the national title four times in total.
European Vice-Champion and world No. 58
His greatest senior success came in 2024, when he finished an excellent 2nd at the European Individual Championship in Petrovac, Montenegro, becoming European Vice-Champion. His peak rating of 2665 (March 2025) lifted him to 58th in the world rankings. His current rating is 2587.
An elite field in Skalica
Dardha will compete in the closed Chess Slovak Masters 2026 tournament alongside other grandmasters – the organisers are aiming for the strongest average ELO in the event’s history, above 2600. The Chess Slovak Open® 2026 festival takes place 22–30 August 2026 at the House of Culture in Skalica.
We look forward to watching one of world chess’s greatest talents in action right here in Záhorie!