Legendary Garry Kasparov Returns to Bucharest for Super Chess Classic as New Stars Rise

The 2026 Super Chess Classic Romania marks a milestone with the return of legendary World Champion and GCT co-founder Garry Kasparov to Bucharest. As the architect of the circuit and the longest-reigning world No. 1 in history, Kasparov’s presence underscores a pivotal moment shaped by a new generation of elite players.

Kasparov will witness the rise of standout talents such as Alireza Firouzja, who became the youngest player in history to surpass the 2800 Elo rating, and Javokhir Sindarov, the youngest-ever World Cup winner, confirming the strength of the professional format he helped build.

“I’m very happy that we are now entering the second decade of the Grand Chess Tour. This is the 11th edition, and this tournament keeps the world of chess very excited. We have new players coming in and, as it often happens with great tournaments, the ener...