Britain’s most prestigious chess event, the XTX Markets London Chess Classic, returns this month with a world-class field and high stakes at Arsenal FC’s Emirates Stadium. The 15th edition, set for Nov. 26–Dec. 5, features elite grandmasters competing for a £50,000 prize fund—while also potentially deciding who earns a place in the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament.

Top contenders Alireza Firouzja and Nodirbek Abdusattorov enter the event locked in a tight race for one of the final Candidates spots, making each round at the Emirates critical. A strong performance in London could secure their path toward a future world title challenge.

Tournament organizers Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC) say the event has played a decisive role in world championship cycles before. In 2023, Gukesh D pursued the same goal but fell short to England’s Michael Adams. Last year, Gawain Jones captured the title for the first time and returns to defend his crown.

A World-Class Field at the Emirates

The 2025 lineup brings together top English talent—including Adams, Jones, Nikita Vitiugov and Luke McShane—alongside a diverse group of international stars. The United States is represented by Abhimanyu Mishra, the youngest grandmaster in history, and Sam Shankland. Greek GM Nikolas Theodorou and Ukrainian veteran Pavel Eljanov also join the field.

But it is Firouzja, rated 2762 and ranked world No. 6, and Abdusattorov, a former World Rapid champion, who headline the competition. Both remain in striking distance of the Candidates and are expected to treat every game as must-win.

Beyond the elite tournament, the London Chess Classic will host a wide-ranging festival featuring rapid events, blitz tournaments, youth competitions, community sessions, and opportunities for spectators to challenge titled players. Activities will take place throughout the week at the Emirates Stadium.

CSC Chief Executive Malcolm Pein said the organization is “delighted to be back at the Emirates” and praised the strength of this year’s field, which includes “two from the chess elite trying to stake their claim for a shot at the world title.”

The London Chess Classic has previously crowned legends such as Magnus Carlsen, Viswanathan Anand and Vladimir Kramnik. Spectators can follow live commentary on-site or online from grandmasters David Howell, Leinier Domínguez, Stuart Conquest and Danny King.