18/06/2026
♟️ BATTLE OF THE GRANDMASTERS 2026: Where Champions Are Made and Olympians Are Chosen
Every move matters. Every point counts. Every game could change a career.
From June 23 to July 2, 2026, the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) proudly presents the 2026 National Chess Championship – Battle of the Grandmasters at PACE, Quezon City—the country's highest-level national chess championship and the final stage in selecting the Philippine Team for the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad, which will be held in Uzbekistan from September 15–27, 2026.
This championship is the culmination of months of competition. Before reaching this stage, players successfully advanced through the Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao Qualifiers, and the National Semi-Finals, earning the opportunity to compete against the country's established Grandmasters and top-rated masters. Only the very best have reached this final battle.
At stake are the three (3) coveted spots on the Philippine Men's Team that will represent the country at the World Chess Olympiad—one of the most prestigious international team competitions organized by FIDE. Selection is based solely on performance, ensuring that those who wear the Philippine colors have truly earned their place over the board.
This year's field features an exceptional lineup of the country's finest chess players:
♟️ GM Daniel Quizon
♟️ GM Darwin Laylo
♟️ GM Rogelio Antonio Jr.
♟️ GM Rogelio Barcenilla
♟️ IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia
♟️ IM Paulo Bersamina
♟️ IM Christian Gian Karlo Arca
♟️ IM Michael Concio Jr.
♟️ IM Mark Jay Bacojo
♟️ IM Ronaldo Bancod
♟️ WGM Janelle Mae Frayna
♟️ WIM Ruelle Canino
♟️ NM Phil Martin Casiguran
♟️ Melvin Merilos
Adding even greater excitement is the tournament's historic ₱500,000 total cash prize, making it the largest prize fund ever offered in an NCFP National Open Chess Championship. More than the financial reward, however, the true prize is the opportunity to represent the Philippines on the world stage.
The championship also offers players an opportunity to achieve important milestones in their international chess careers. WGM Janelle Mae Frayna, the Philippines' first Woman Grandmaster, has already completed all the required International Master (IM) norms and now needs only to attain the required FIDE rating to officially become a full-fledged International Master.
Meanwhile, WIM Ruelle Canino continues her remarkable rise in international chess as she aims to earn her second Woman Grandmaster (WGM) norm. She secured her first WGM norm during the 6th ASEAN+ Age Group & Individual Chess Championships held in Misamis Occidental in November 2025, and another outstanding performance in this championship could bring her one step closer to achieving the prestigious Woman Grandmaster title.
Adding even more prestige to the tournament, any non-Grandmaster player who wins the championship and satisfies all FIDE requirements will earn a Grandmaster (GM) norm—making this event not only a gateway to the World Chess Olympiad but also a significant opportunity for players pursuing the highest title in international chess.
To bring the championship closer to chess fans worldwide, selected games will be played on DGT Electronic Boards, allowing audiences around the globe to watch the action live and follow every critical move in real time.
The National Chess Federation of the Philippines extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Philippine Sports Commission, headed by Chairman Hon. John Patrick C. Gregorio and Commissioner-in-Charge Hon. Edward L. Hayco, for their continued commitment to Philippine chess and the development of our national athletes. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in helping the Federation organize programs and competitions that prepare our players for international success.
Our sincere gratitude also goes to the Philippine Olympic Committee, under the leadership of President Hon. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, for its steadfast support of Philippine sports and its continued confidence in our national athletes as they proudly represent the country on the world stage.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to AQ Prime, led by Atty. Aldwin Alegre, and Legaspi Realty, headed by Sir Jojo Legaspi, for their invaluable support and partnership in helping make this championship possible. Their continued belief in Philippine chess contributes significantly to the successful staging of this historic event.
Finally, we thank all the players, coaches, arbiters, tournament officials, sponsors, partners, and members of the chess community for their unwavering passion and dedication to the game. Every championship is made possible through your commitment to helping Philippine chess continue to grow.
As the road to Uzbekistan begins, this championship is about more than winning titles or prize money. It is about earning the privilege of wearing the Philippine colors, carrying the hopes of a nation, and proving that Filipino chess belongs among the world's finest.
We invite everyone to follow the tournament through the DGT Live Boards and witness the country's finest players compete for the honor of representing the Philippines at the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad.
Good luck to all participants. Play with courage, determination, integrity, and pride. The nation will be watching. Mabuhay ang Philippine Chess! 🇵🇭♟️
