The Grandmaster Maker: Laszlo Nagy and the 35-Year Legacy of 'First Saturday'
In the world of chess, some move the pieces on the board, and then some build the stage upon which legends are born. Laszlo Nagy or you can call him Mr. 'First Saturday', a name synonymous with the vibrant chess culture of Budapest, who is a true architect of the game. For over three decades, he has provided a launchpad for the world's most promising talents to achieve their Grandmaster dreams. Laszlo is the organizer of the First Saturday Chess tournament in Budapest, and the tournament is currently in its 35th year. You will really have to search for a top professional chess player who hasn’t played in this tournament. Laszlo is not only an organizer but a person who is passionate about the game and has played a significant role in the lives of some of the top players in the world.
Carlsen, Nakamura, Fabiano, Divya......the list is very long
Imagine a tournament series where a 14-year-old Magnus Carlsen once battled for norms, and where Fabiano Caruana secures three consecutive Grandmaster norms to cement his rise to the elite. Laszlo Nagy did not just observe these moments; he made them possible. His willingness to support players like Peter Leko when they were young and financially constrained speaks to an organizing philosophy that values talent over immediate profit.
From the spark ignited by the 1972 Fischer-Spassky match to his transition from a military college teacher to a global chess organizer, Laszlo’s journey is a testament to unwavering dedication. He is the man behind the legendary "First Saturday" tournaments. He is a pillar of the chess community whose impact on the game’s professional development is immeasurable.
If you are a professional player, I am pretty sure you have played in one of his tournaments.
Abhimanyu Mishra, Sagar Shah, Divya Desmukh, Dhruv Thota, Rohit S, Leon Mendonca Luke, Rakshitta Ravi, Raja Rithvik R, Divya Deshmukh, Prraneeth Vuppala, Manish Anto Cristiano F, Shahil Dey, and the list will keep going on as Hundreds of Chess players achieved their IM or GM norms in Laszlo's Events
Interview with Laszlo Nagy
Devansh Singh: Can you tell our readers a little about your journey?
Laszlo Nagy: I was born in 1957 and spent my early career in science. I studied Chemistry at Debrecen University until 1981 and served as a teacher of military chemistry for ten years. However, in 1992, I pivoted toward my true passion, becoming a professional organizer in Budapest. Today, I am a proud husband and father of three sons.
DS: How did your military background help you organize a tournament every single month for 35 years?
LN: In the late 80s, I spent six months studying military management at the Timoshenko Academy in Moscow. That training was vital; it taught me the discipline, logistical planning, and "maniacal enthusiasm" required to run a world-class event every month without fail for over three decades.
DS: What was it about the 1972 Fischer-Spassky match that shifted your path toward chess?
LN: It wasn't just one specific move, but the incredible global atmosphere of that era. Chess was at the center of the world's attention. That energy stayed with me and eventually convinced me that organizing tournaments was my true calling.
DS: Which famous players have played in your tournament?
LN: Many legends have passed through Budapest, including Magnus, Caruana, Nakamura, and Peter Leko. We have also seen many talented Indian players find their footing here, including young stars like Divya, who have gone on to do great things for the world of chess.
DS: How do you spend the other three Saturdays of the month? Is there a day you relax?
LN: I never truly step away from the board. Once the "First Saturday" event ends, I relax by playing correspondence chess. It’s my way of staying connected to the game's beauty and logic without the stress of organizing.
DS: Before the internet, how did you track down players to invite them to Budapest?
LN: It was a very "old-school" process! I used that time phonecalls and a fax machine. It took a lot more patience and persistence to build a field of players back then compared to today.
DS: If a player is feeling low after a loss, what Hungarian dish do you recommend?
LN: I always suggest our famous chestnut puree with whipped milk cream. It is a sweet, traditional Hungarian treat that serves as the perfect "medicine" to cheer up a frustrated player.
DS: Besides chess and chemistry, what is one surprising hobby you have?
LN: I am a very active correspondence chess player. I usually have 20 to 30 games going on at the same time, which keeps my analytical mind sharp even when I’m not physically at a tournament.
DS: What is the one thing every player should pack for a First Saturday event?
LN: A laptop is essential for preparation in the modern game! But more importantly, bring a fighting spirit and a genuine love for the competition.
DS: If you could send a message to the "90-year-old Laszlo" in the future, what would you say?
LN: I would tell him: "You did a great job for the world of chess. You worked hard for the players, and now you can give your soul to God with a peaceful heart, knowing your legacy is secure."
DS: Any final advice for new organizers and players?
LN: To succeed, you must truly love chess and, more importantly, you must love the players. Treat them with respect, work for your name, and the rest will follow.
Editor's Note: The line that I loved from the interview of Nagy was 'When I am listening to holy silence of chess that makes me happy'. What a Guy!!!
If you want to experience the hospitality of Laszlo and Hungary, Checkout the GM IM Norm tournaments below.
Hungarian GM IM Norm Chess tournaments List
FIRST SATURDAY GM IM U-2250
4th-11th April (Some vacancies are available, contact Mr. Laszlo for details)
6th-13th June
4th-11th July
1st-8th August
3rd-10th October
5th-12th December
Organizer: IO Nagy Laszlo
Website: www.firstsaturday.hu
Contact: WhatsApp: +36-30-230-1914, Budapest,
BUDAPEST SPRING Festival Open,
27th February - 7th March
Organizer: WGM Csonkics
Contact: WhatsApp: +36-30-211-2499, csonkicstunde1@gmail.com
VEZÉRKÉPZŐ, GM-IM U-2250
12th-17th July
20th-25th July
Organizer: GM Czebe Attila
Website: www.vezerkepzo.com
Contact: Whatsapp: +36307152053
GM IM Open tmt Ptuj, Slovenia
13th-21st April
24th April-2 May
Organizer: IM Polajzer, WhatsApp:+386-51-660-442
Contact: black.white@siol.com
SixDays Budapest
18th-23rd March
14th-19th May
Organizer: Miklós Halák: +36-20-329-8335
Website: www.sixdayschess.hu
ZALAKAROS OPEN
23rd-31st May
Organizer: Mr. Horvath Sandor, WhatsApp:+36-30-857-37-25
ONEWEEKCHESS
11th-17th March
8th-14th August
12th-17th October
Organizer: Mr. IO Korpics
Website: https://oneweekchess.com/
WhatsApp: +36309510063
Rigo memorial: 20-26 June, clearlogicltd@gmail.com,
A huge thanks to Mr. Nagy Laszlo, FIDE International chess organizer, for providing these details.
