Turkish Grandmasters Set for the 2026 Reykjavik Open
Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, will host one of the most closely followed events in the chess world from March 25 to 31. The 2026 Reykjavik Open Chess Tournament is preparing to become one of the strongest open events of the week by bringing together grandmasters, international masters, and rising young talents from different countries under one roof. Known for its deep-rooted chess tradition, strong field, and fighting spirit, the tournament will once again offer a highly competitive atmosphere this year.
Turkey will be represented in this important event by GM Mustafa Yılmaz, GM Vahap Şanal, and GM Emre Can. Our three grandmasters, who stand out for their international experience, opening preparation, and technical playing strength, are expected to achieve strong results against tough opposition. In open tournament formats, not only consistency but also depth of preparation, time management, and the ability to calculate accurately in critical moments are decisive. From this perspective, the Turkish players have the potential both to deliver strong rating performances and to fight for the top places.
The Reykjavik Open stands out not only for its results, but also for its special place in chess culture. Iceland occupies a unique position in the memory of the sport, especially thanks to its historic chess atmosphere associated with Bobby Fischer. For that reason, every tournament played in Reykjavik is more than a classic open event; it is also a meaningful gathering that touches chess history. Given the strength of the field, even the early rounds are likely to feature sharp variations, long technical endgames, and high-level strategic battles.
From the perspective of Turkish chess, international open tournaments of this kind are of great importance for players both to test their form and to gain practice at elite level. In particular, facing opponents with different playing styles in consecutive rounds provides a valuable opportunity to assess the effectiveness of one’s opening repertoire and endgame technique. Chess fans will be able to follow the pairings, standings, and the performances of our players closely via the tournament’s official page and Chess-Results. The Turkish Chess Federation has also sent off our grandmasters with its best wishes for success, and it is believed that they will represent our country in the best possible way in Reykjavik.