The 2026 National Rapid Chess Championship, sponsored by Readymix Concrete and hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation, begins this Saturday, April 18th, in the Atlantic Room of the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, Kingston. Guyana’s top chess players will compete in a fast-paced, one-day, nine-round Swiss tournament starting at 9 am, with a time control of 15 minutes plus 5- second increments. The contest will determine the new National Rapid Chess Champion for 2026.
Reigning National Rapid Champion FIDE Master Anthony Drayton will be defending his title, drawing stiff competition from talented players such as National Chess Champion Candidate Master Sachin Pitamber, Candidate Master Taffin Khan, Kyle Couchman, Keron Sandiford, Joshua Gopaul, and others. Top females who are also competing are Woman Candidate Master Jessica Callender, National U16 and U14 Girls Champion Kataleya Sam.
This FIDE-rated tournament is open to all ages and genders. The Federation expects a competitive field of approximately 40 players, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and rising juniors. Every participant will be vying for the prestigious National title in a showcase of tactical skill and brilliance over the board.
A total prize fund of $175,000 and trophies await the top winners, with a special cash prize for the best female competitor.
The Guyana Chess Federation sincerely thanks the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre for their hospitality and vital support of the local chess community. We also wish to thank Readymix Concrete, which has been a steadfast sponsor of chess over the years.
Tournament results and pairings are available for public viewing on chess- results.com. The top twelve boards will be live-streamed for viewers by GCF’s FIDE Arbiter and Technical Director John Lee. For further details on our chess clubs, membership registration, and upcoming events, please visit our official website at guyanachess.gy or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
