2nd Sahel Chess Festival 2026: Tunisian Coastal City of Monastir Set to Host an Exciting Chess Festival
Following the remarkable success of its inaugural edition, the Sahel Chess Festival is back for its second edition, scheduled to take place from October 24 to November 1, 2026, in the beautiful coastal city of Monastir, Tunisia. Designed to bring together chess enthusiasts from around the globe, this international event combines high-level competitive play with a wonderful week of cultural exchange and leisure.
Key Tournament Details
Dates: October 24 – November 1, 2026
Venue: Hôtel El Habib, Monastir, Tunisia
Total Prize Fund: Approximately 28,000 Tunisian Dinars (approx. €8,200)
Tournament Categories: Open Elo categories, Seniors S50 tournament, and an exciting Blitz tournament catering to all levels from beginners to Grandmasters.
Venue and Accommodation
The tournament will be hosted at the 4-star Hôtel El Habib, perfectly situated just a few minutes from the sea and approximately 600 meters from Qaraiya Beach.
Amenities: Air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs and balconies, complimentary Wi-Fi, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, on-site restaurants offering buffet and continental options, and spacious gardens and terraces. It provides an ideal, comfortable setting for players, accompanying family members, and chess fans.
It was Norwegian GM Johan Sebastian-Christian (left) who won the 1st edition of Sahel Chess Festival 2026! Read the detailed ChessBase report here. Photo: Diana Mihajlova (She is the one conducting the interview on the right!)
Read the complete ChessBase preview about the 2nd edition of the Sahel Chess Festival 2026
Organizing Team
Festival Director: Chaher Eddine Miladi
Deputy Director: Vadim Tsypin
PR & Media Manager: Diana Mihajlova
Registration & Contact Information
Due to capacity limits, participants are strongly encouraged to secure their spots early. Registration must be completed via the official online form on the festival's website.
Official Website: sahelchessfestival.com
Official Facebook page
Official Instagram page
Official Email: sahelchessfestival@gmail.com
Contact Number: +216 52 219 319
The Sahel Chess Festival YouTube Channel