A major international chess tournament will take place in Jerusalem this winter, organizers announced Tuesday, marking a significant sporting milestone for Israel amid rising antisemitism worldwide.
The Jerusalem Masters, a rapid chess world championship, is scheduled for November 30 to December 3 in Israel’s capital. The elite event will bring together 12 of the world’s top players, including international grandmasters, a reigning world champion and members of Israel’s national team. The full lineup has not yet been disclosed, but organizers say the tournament will represent the pinnacle of global competition.
Jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture and Sport, the Jerusalem Municipality and the Israel Chess Federation, the tournament offers a prize pool of $140,000—among the largest ever for a chess competition in Israel. A similar event held last year drew international attention and bolstered Israel’s image in the global chess community.
The Jerusalem Open, a public rapid chess tournament, will precede the main event on November 26–27 at the Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem. Open to Israeli and international players of all genders, the competition is expected to draw around 400 participants, including top-ranked grandmasters and international masters. The top two finishers will earn spots in the Masters tournament.
Although Israel has increasingly hosted major chess events in recent years, organizers emphasized the symbolic importance of staging this tournament in Jerusalem amid rising antisemitism and ongoing security concerns that have sometimes forced Israeli teams to compete abroad.
“Chess has become a central sport in Israel, and this event is not just a tournament but a cultural celebration with a clear message: Israel is here, and it is a significant center in the world of sport,” said Gil Borochovsky, CEO of the Israel Chess Federation. "The participation of top players from around the globe shows that chess speaks a universal language of connection, values and excellence."
Minister of Culture and Sport Miki Zohar called the tournament “proof of the power of culture and sport,” while Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Loon welcomed international participants to “the game of kings.” Dr. Zvika Barkai, chairman of the Israel Chess Federation, said the event will “showcase Israel and strengthen international ties.”