The History of the London Chess Classic

The London Chess Classic is the most prestigious tournament in the UK chess calendar. First established in 2009 it quickly became one of the most significant events in the chess calendar, being held at the Olympia Conference Centre in Kensington, attracting top grandmasters from around the world.

The inaugural event in 2009 was notable for being the strongest chess tournament held in the UK in 25 years. It featured prominent players such as Magnus Carlsen, Vladimir Kramnik, and Hikaru Nakamura. Magnus Carlsen became the world’s top-ranked player in winning the first edition, setting a high standard for future tournaments.

Over the years, the London Chess Classic has seen many memorable moments and fierce competition. The tournament was part of the Grand Chess Tour from 2015 to 2019, alongside other major events like Norway Chess and the Sinquefield Cup. This inclusion further elevated the event’s status, attracting even more elite players and increasing its global visibility.

The format of the London Chess Classic has evolved over time. Initially, it was a round-robin tournament, but it has also featured knockout stages, a rapidplay event (2013), and a Scheveningen Team Event (2021). The tournament not only includes the main event but also hosts a variety of subsidiary events, such as junior competitions, amateur tournaments, and simultaneous exhibitions. In addition, a schools’ festival has welcomed many thousands of children to the London Chess Classic for a day of fun chess activities and for many, their first foray into competitive chess.

The London Chess Classic has been a platform for many chess legends to showcase their skills. Notable winners include Magnus Carlsen, who has won multiple times, Vladimir Kramnik, Viswanathan Anand, the current world champion Ding Liren, and Hikaru Nakamura. The tournament has also been a stage for emerging talents to make their mark on the international chess scene, notably Praggnanandhaa who won the 2019 FIDE Open at age 14, and Shreyas Royal who achieved a Grandmaster norm at the 2023 main event.

Despite interruptions in 2020 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the London Chess Classic has continued to thrive. It remains a beloved event for chess enthusiasts, offering a blend of high-level competition and community engagement. The London Chess Classic’s rich history and its role in promoting chess make it a cornerstone of the chess world, celebrated by players and fans alike.

For a fuller history of the London Chess Classic - please visit the tournament’s Wikipedia page#

For this year’s line up please click here.

List of Past Winners

2009: Magnus Carlsen (Norway)

2010: Magnus Carlsen (Norway)

2011: Vladimir Kramnik (Russia)

2012: Magnus Carlsen (Norway)

2013: Hikaru Nakamura (United States)

2014: Viswanathan Anand (India)

2015: Magnus Carlsen (Norway)

2016: Wesley So (United States)

2017: Fabiano Caruana (United States)