Chess, Science and Art!

Sergey Karjakin’s Chess Lounge was set up in the spacious hall of the Science and Art Center during The International Festival of Youth 2026 in Yekaterinburg

The lounge quickly transformed into a truly international chess club where amateurs and professionals alike could sit down at the board and play. Hundreds of young activists, scientists and diplomats visited the lounge. Even the language wasn’t an obstacle: experienced chess players explained the rules to beginners with the help of simultaneous interpreters.

Visitors to the lounge did not play only against one another. They had a unique opportunity to test their skills against International Master Mikhail Pogromsky and, after the game, receive valuable advice and words of encouragement.

The highlight of the event was an international blitz tournament, which brought together representatives from different continents at the chessboards. The winners were received commemorative gifts, cups and medals by Sergey Karjakin, Senator of the Russian Federation, President of the Moscow Region Chess Federation, multiple-time world champion and International Grandmaster, who later conducted simultaneous exhibition for the best players. For many participants, playing against a world champion became the most memorable experience of the entire Festival!

Photo: TASS