The 2026 International Chess Festival «Intellect Academy Cup» has come to a close in Novokuznetsk. Forty-two teams from 21 countries gathered for the closing ceremony at the Novokuznetsk Drama Theater.
Reflecting on the event, Alexander Vladimirovich Rybkin, Chairman of the Board of SGMK, remarked: «With the warmth of our hearts, we somehow managed to melt the snow in February. » His words perfectly capture the atmosphere that defined the festival's days – a spirit of enduring friendship, genuine empathy, and mutual support.
The festival received high praise from its honorary guest, Benard Wanjala, President of the Kenya Chess Federation and Continental Advisor to the FIDE President for Africa: «We came from Kenya, and the journey took us three days to reach you. And we are delighted to have found our family here – in Russia, at the Intellect Academy. We certainly didn't win, but we have built a whole network of friendship. We are one family. »
«After several packed days full of activities, we are returning home happy from our participation in this wonderful event – the best in our children's lives. And we are confident that the Intellect Academy Cup will continue to grow and develop. We are incredibly grateful to the organizers and sponsors who made this possible. Thank you! » added Carlos Rivero González, President of the Cuba Chess Federation and FIDE Zone President (Central America and part of the Caribbean).
Winners were honored in a festive ceremony.
Winners among Russian teams: 3rd place: Intellect Academy-2, Novokuznetsk, Kuzbass2nd place: Lyceum named after N.G. Bulakin, Abakan, Republic of Khakassia 1st place: Intellect Academy-1, Novokuznetsk, Kuzbass
The competition for the title of absolute champion of the Intellect Academy Cup among international teams was fierce. 3rd place: Belarus2nd place: Kazakhstan1st place – Absolute Champion of the Intellect Academy Cup: Uzbekistan
This marks a historic moment. The names of the winners will be engraved on the Grand Cup, forever inscribed in the history of the chess festival.
Winners in the individual categories were met with thunderous applause.
Aidan Gafurov, captain of the Intellect Academy‑1 team from Novokuznetsk, Kuzbass, was named «Best Captain» – a new award category introduced at this year's festival. It was his team that claimed the title of champions among Russian teams.
A special consolation prize – the «Commitment to Win» award – was presented to the team from Shumanovskaya Secondary School in the village of Shumanovka, Altai Territory. The team demonstrated exceptional character and inner strength, gained invaluable experience, and made new friends.
Congratulations to all the young athletes on their well‑earned victories! May this Cup serve as the starting point for a new and great chapter of the history.