Mitropa Cup 2026 Begins with Tribute, Top-Level Chess and First Highlights
The Austrian Chess Federation is hosting the Mitropa Cup from May 2 to 10, 2026, at the Kunsthotel Fuchspalast, celebrating the 50th anniversary of this prestigious team tournament. This year’s edition is also held in memory of Kurt Jungwirth, who founded the event in 1976 and had a lasting impact on Austrian chess as long-time president of the federation.
The event was officially opened by ÖSB President Michael Stöttinger, who mentioned the importance of the Mitropa Cup for international chess. In an emotional speech, Michael Jungwirth paid tribute to his father, who passed away last year, honoring his legacy and contributions to the chess world.
Manfred Kerschbaumer, Günter Leikam, Friedrich Knapp, Christa Kaufmann, Michael Stöttinger, Michael Jungwirth
A total of 10 open teams and 9 women’s teams from Central Europe are competing, including Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, and in the women’s event also Ukraine. The tournament is organized by the Carinthian Chess Federation under the direction of Friedrich Knapp, ensuring professional standards with strict fair-play and anti-doping regulations.
The tournament is FIDE-rated and offers players the opportunity to achieve international norms.
In the first round, Switzerland, Germany, and France each scored two victories—both in the open and the women’s competitions. From an Austrian perspective, IM Lukas Dotzer delivered a standout performance by defeating Tomothe Razafindratsima (2546) on board one. However, this remained the highlight, as the team matches against France ended in 1–3 and 0.5–3.5 losses.
All games are broadcast live by Karl Theny, while grandmaster Felix Blohberger provides daily recaps and highlights on his YouTube channel. The Austrian Chess Federation warmly invites all chess enthusiasts to follow this special anniversary event either on site in Carinthia or online.
Results: https://chess-results.com/tnr1394907.aspx
Live-Games: http://live.chess.at/info.htm
Youtube Channel GM Blohberger: https://www.youtube.com/@febloh
Photos: https://cloud.chess.at/index.php/s/gZxZw6jNA56TayE
Video Speech Michael Jungwirth: https://cloud.chess.at/index.php/s/FNdowbj5SRainSP
