Hastings International Chess Congress

The Hastings International Chess Congress is one of the most storied chess tournaments in the world, and widely considered the longest-running international chess event still active today. It began in 1895 with a tournament so strong that it set the standard for elite chess competition for decades. That first edition was won by Harry Nelson Pillsbury of the United States, then a relatively unknown 21-year-old, in one of the great upsets of 19th-century chess.

The tournament is held in Hastings, on the southern coast of England, typically running across the New Year period from late December into early January. Over 130 years, it has attracted virtually every great player of each era. All the world champions from Lasker to Carlsen have played in Hastings, with the notable exceptions of Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov.

The 2025/26 edition was the 99th Congress. Alexander Kovchan and Alex Golding shared the top prize, finishing level on points in one of the most competitive fields in recent memory. With the centenary edition approaching in 2026/27, the chess world will be watching closely. The 100th Hastings promises to be a landmark event.

Hastings runs multiple sections, from the elite Premier section to open and amateur divisions, meaning players at all levels can participate. The town of Hastings has embraced the tournament as part of its cultural identity, and the event draws visitors and competitors from across the globe each year.

For chess history, Hastings is a primary source. Games from 1895 onward have been published and studied, and the tournament's archive represents one of the most complete records of competitive chess over the past century.