Sri Lanka’s chess calendar is about to witness one of its most anticipated events of the year. The 4th Queenstar Open International Rating Chess Championship 2026 will be held at the Youth Development Center, Gampaha, Sri Lanka, from 20th to 24th August 2026, with arrival on 19th August and departure on 25th August. Organised by the Queenstar International Chess Coaching Academy, Gampaha, in collaboration with the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, the Asian Chess Federation, and FIDE, this year’s edition promises to raise the bar higher than ever before.
A Bold Dual-Category Innovation
True to its reputation for constantly bringing fresh, game-changing ideas to the local scene, Queenstar has designed this year’s tournament around a revolutionary dual-category format that ensures every player — from the seasoned veteran to the eager newcomer — gets the ultimate competitive experience.
Category A is reserved exclusively for rated players with a FIDE rating of 1701 and above. This is the elite arena, the true international clash, where Sri Lanka’s top local masters will battle it out against incoming foreign players. The result is a rare and exciting battlefield for genuine global exposure and master-class experience without needing to leave the island.
Category B is designed for players rated 1700 and below, including all unrated players. This is the perfect launchpad for rising stars — a fair, welcoming environment where young and developing players can build confidence and successfully open their official international FIDE ratings without the intimidation of facing elite opposition.
Both categories will play across 10 rounds under the Swiss System, with a classical time control of 90 minutes per player plus a 30-second increment per move from move one. In addition to the classical event, an Open Rapid and Open Blitz championship will also be held, both FIDE-rated and open to all eligible participants.
The Ultimate School Vacation Experience
The timing of the event could not be better. Falling right in the middle of the school vacation, and nestled in the lush, natural surroundings of the Youth Development Center in Gampaha, the tournament transforms the holiday season into a powerful, memorable milestone. It is a chance for young players to unplug from screens, dive deep into strategic thinking, form new friendships across borders, and test themselves at the highest level.
Parents have not been forgotten either. The venue features premium, fully-equipped waiting facilities so families can relax in comfort throughout the day, and dedicated on-site medical care ensures the absolute safety of every child. From the moment your child walks through the door, they will be surrounded by an atmosphere built for focus, fair play, and unforgettable memories.
A Rich Prize Structure Across Every Level
The championship offers a total prize pool of Rs. 2.6 million, distributed across an exceptionally wide range of categories. Category A features main open prizes as well as dedicated female prizes and rating category awards, while Category B mirrors the same generous structure for players below 1701, including special sections for unrated players and rating-specific categories.
Perhaps most importantly, age group prizes have been thoughtfully arranged across Under 6, Under 7, Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, and Under 15, all in Boys and Girls sections separately, giving every young player a real chance to shine. Special “Best Player” awards for Queenstar Chess Academy students and Gampaha District players add even more excitement, and the Rapid and Blitz events also carry their own dedicated prize structures with female, rating, and age group categories.
To sweeten the deal further, top finishers in the Under 6 and Under 7 age categories will be awarded internationally recognised Indian chess sets — a truly memorable takeaway for the youngest champions.
Team Prizes and Sector Recognition
Recognising the importance of institutional participation, Queenstar has included team prizes for the Mercantile and Government Sector as well as the Higher Education Sector (Over 18 Years). A minimum of three players from the same organisation or institute is required to claim a team prize, with the top five scores counting toward the team result.
Why Queenstar 2026 is Unmissable
Massive prize pools. Exquisite custom-crafted trophies and medals. A dual-category system that rewards both elite ambition and grassroots participation. Family-first venue facilities. Genuine international exposure. And the priceless opportunity for a child to spend their vacation stepping onto an international stage — this is what the 4th Queenstar Open is truly about.
Registration Details
Registration is now open, and the deadline is 10th August 2026. Players registering before 20th July 2026 enjoy an early bird discount of Rs. 500, so early action is well rewarded. All FIDE rules and regulations will apply, results will be sent for FIDE rating calculations, and the tournament will be run using the Swiss Manager pairing program.
To every player, parent, and coach across Sri Lanka and beyond — the 4th Queenstar Open is calling. Give your child a holiday filled with focus, international prestige, and memories that last a lifetime. Step onto the international stage this August, and be part of history in the making at Gampaha.
Warmest good wishes to the Queenstar International Chess Coaching Academy for putting together such a well-designed event, and best of luck to every player who signs up. See you at the Youth Development Center this August.
