The legendary chess grandmaster returns to Antwerp
the main event - October 21, 2026
Thank you to all 400 young players and everyone who watched live. The recordings of both sessions will be uploaded soon so you can watch them back.
Replay coming soon
The video will be uploaded shortly.
Replay coming soon
The video will be uploaded shortly.
Out of 400 players at the preselections at DPG Media, these six young chess players earned a seat opposite Garry Kasparov at KMSKA.
Nand De Smet
Eeklo · 2014
Tristan Verhagen
Antwerpen · 2014
Ludwig Brand
Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe · 2012
Ilias Majees
Beringen · 2015
Ivan Bolhov
Brussel · 2013
Odilon Seyns
Turnhout · 2013
Photos: Rahim Aharar
Five events, four venues, one unforgettable chess experience.
Birth years 2012 through 2020 (ages 6–14) — qualify to face Kasparov.
Exploring the future of AI and human intelligence.
Afternoon simultaneous exhibition against Grandmaster Nigel Short.
The legendary chess grandmaster returns to Antwerp.
On October 11, 2026, 400 young players compete at DPG Media for a once-in-a-lifetime prize: a seat opposite Garry Kasparov at the KMSKA on October 21.
No chess experience? No problem — first-timers compete alongside club players.
Every child gets a shot at qualifying — pure talent, no entry fee.
The winners sit down across from a former World Champion.
Limited spots
Only 400 seats — registration fills up fast. Secure your child's place now.
Curious what it's like?
Watch the 2025 highlights →Well-known entrepreneurs and media figures take on chess legend Garry Kasparov at the KMSKA. Meet the challengers.
Viktor Verhulst
Mediapersoonlijkheid & Ondernemer
Geert Noels
Econoom, Auteur & Ondernemer
Dietert Gielen
Finance Manager
Els Aerts
Audiovisueel Storyteller
David Ziegler
Co-Founder & CCO
Rob Van herck
Journalist
Piet Spiessens
Ondernemer
Peter De Roover
Kamervoorzitter
Idan Gotlib
Student
Arturo Reyes
CFO
Jan Vertonghen
Ex-profvoetballer
Seppe Lambert
13 en bijzonder gepassioneerd. En nu ook heel moedig!
