Chess Slovak Open® 2026 unveils another star of the closed Chess Slovak Masters tournament. GM David Navara is heading to Skalica – the Czech Republic’s number one for nearly two decades and one of the strongest players our region has ever produced.
A grandmaster at sixteen
David Navara (born 27 March 1985 in Prague) earned the grandmaster title at the age of 16 – just three days before his 17th birthday. He has since become a 14-time Czech Champion, most recently in 2026, and a fixture of the European elite.
World top 13 and a peak rating of 2751
In 2006 Navara climbed to No. 13 in the world rankings, and his peak rating reached 2751 (2015). His honours include an individual gold medal at the 2012 Chess Olympiad in Istanbul (board 2) and the European Blitz Championship title (2014, 2022 and 2023). His current rating is 2639.
An elite field in Skalica
Navara will compete in the closed Chess Slovak Masters 2026 alongside other world-class 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 European chess’s greatest figures in action right here in Záhorie!