Vegas Chess Festival

The Las Vegas International Chess Festival is a multi-day chess event held at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort, bringing together players of different ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. Billed as a welcoming chess vacation, the festival combines major rated tournaments with instruction, competition, and activities for families and enthusiasts. Its featured events include the National Open, a long-running premier U.S. open tournament with a guaranteed prize fund, the U.S. Women’s Open, and youth championships for younger players. Participants can also enter blitz competitions, action quads, and other side events.

Beyond tournament play, the festival offers a Grandmaster Chess Camp for children and adults, with instruction organized by age and rating. The program also includes free lectures, analysis of players’ games, simultaneous exhibitions, a puzzle-solving competition, youth activities, and a chess-themed poker tournament. Live games, pairings, standings, photos, and event news help participants follow the action. With competitive chess alongside learning and recreational activities, the festival aims to make chess engaging and accessible to newcomers and experienced players alike.