Meet ChessKid and the Young Superstars Taking Over ChessFest 2026!
ChessFest is back, and this year ChessKid is showing up in a big way! Kulsum Qasim, President of ChessKid, and WIM Ivette García, Director of ChessKid Español, will be on the ground at Trafalgar Square ready to meet YOU!!
The FREE event, hosted by Chess in Schools and Communities, will take place on Sunday, July 12 at 12:00 PM. Trust us, it's going to be a blast! No tickets or registration are required, and yes… everything is completely free!
Watch the ChessKid Transatlantic Match LIVE at ChessFest
One of ChessFest's most exciting traditions is back. Young chess stars from opposite sides of the Atlantic will face off live! We have two exciting player matchups from your favorite ChessKid stars to watch on the big stage.
Matchup 1: GM Faustino Oro (Argentina) vs. FM Supratit Banerjee (England)
Fausti, the newly-minted grandmaster, is known for his ferocity on the board. He holds multiple FIDE records, including being the youngest to reach International Master (IM), at age 10. He has also defeated multiple GMs and even Super-GMs Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura in blitz.
New grandmaster Fausti Oro will represent Argentina in the ChessKid Transatlantic Match
At just 11 years old, Supratit is one of the world's youngest chess prodigies. He's already a ChessKid Youth Championship Under 13 winner with his sights set on his next conquest.
Supratit will represent England in the live Transatlantic Match.
Matchup 2: WIM Megan Paragua (U.S.) vs. FM Bodhana Sivanandan (England)
Megan, recently awarded the Samford Fellowship and a previous participant in ChessKid events, steps into the Transatlantic Match for the first time. Her last appearance in a ChessKid event was one to remember: she defeated WGM Nemo Zhou and WFM Anna Cramling in Kids vs. Stars!
Megan, a familiar face in ChessKid's Kids vs. Stars events, makes her first appearance at ChessFest.
Bodhana has been a rising star ever since she became an Under 8 champion in England. She reached WIM at nine, and has been competing in ChessKid events ever since. She is also a triple crown holder in classical, rapid, and blitz, making her a force to be reckoned with over the board.
Bodhana returns to Chess Fest to defend her record at the Transatlantic Match.
Last year, Supratit and Bodhana represented England in the Transatlantic Match and left with victories. Now they are back to defend their winning record. Do you think they'll do it again?
Visit the ChessKid Team!
Look for the ChessKid booth and come say hello! This is a great chance to connect with the ChessKid team in person. Ask questions, take photos, and get in on the fun. We can't wait to meet you!
Get Ready for the ChessKid Puzzle Championship
Think you've got what it takes? The ChessKid Puzzle Championship is back, and your moves will be projected live on the giant screen over Trafalgar Square for everyone to see!
We'll run TWO rounds so you get a second shot if you want it. Here's how to be ready:
✔️ Download the ChessKid app on your device before you arrive
✔️ You'll need cellular service (don't count on WiFi)
✔️ Log out of your personal ChessKid account
✔️ Special ChessFest accounts will be set up so the playing field is level for everyone
Once the clock starts, you'll have 10 minutes to climb as high as you can in puzzle rating!
Don't Miss the Living Chess Set
A ChessFest classic! 32 professional actors take to the square as life-size chess pieces, recreating historic games from legendary players. It's chess like you've never seen it before. You don't want to miss this!
Mark your calendars and come find us on July 12! It's a full day of chess, community, and fun, right in the heart of London. And, it's completely free. See you at Trafalgar Square!