More than 450 visitors travelled to Ryde during February half term as over 300 players competed in one of the strongest chess events staged in the UK.
The Isle of Wight Chess Tournament 2026 returned to Ryde School, transforming classrooms into quiet arenas of calculation and concentration. Competitors represented more than 30 international federations, with titled players, rising juniors and Island regulars all sharing the same boards.
The elite Masters section delivered a dramatic conclusion. GM (Grand Master) Matthew J Wadsworth, IM (International Master) Tobias Koelle and GM Matthew J Turner each scored an impressive 7 points from 9 games, leaving the title to be decided on tie-breaks after a tense final round. Wadsworth edged ahead to lift the trophy.
Just half a point back on 6.5/9 was a strong chasing group including top seed GM Gawain Maroroa Jones. WIM (Woman International Master) Trisha Kanyamarala claimed the Women’s Prize with one of the standout performances of the week. Having already achieved the necessary norms, she is expected to become Ireland’s first WGM (Woman Grand Master) once ratified.
Island representation was equally noteworthy. FM (FIDE Master) Neil Dickenson, alongside David Collyer, Clive Bowley, Harry Vernon and Francis Best, competed in the Masters section, taking on Grand Masters and International Masters across 9 demanding rounds. Spectators packed into the playing hall at key moments, eager to follow local players testing themselves against internationally ranked opposition.
The festival extended beyond the tournament tables. Free community chess sessions in Ryde welcomed families and newcomers, while daily casual events and coaching opportunities allowed residents to meet visiting professionals.
A well-attended Friday simultaneous display at Yelf’s Hotel gave Islanders the rare chance to face 6 Grand Masters at once in a free exhibition that drew players of all ages.
The event also featured on BBC South, which highlighted the surge in junior participation nationwide. Among those attracting attention was England’s youngest ever GM, Shreyas Royal, who competed alongside a new generation of emerging talent.
Tournament Director David Lightfoot said the growth of the event reflected a wider rise in the game’s popularity:
“It has been fantastic to see players and visitors coming to the Island from across the world, but just as important has been the involvement of local players and families. Chess is growing incredibly quickly, and it is exciting to see the Isle of Wight becoming part of that story.”
With strong international participation, growing local engagement and hundreds of visitors supporting the town’s economy during half term, the Isle of Wight Chess Tournament is fast establishing itself as a flagship event on the UK chess calendar.
