The Amateur Chess Organisation (ACO) 2026 World Championship was held in Kos, Greece in May 2026.

The whole event was fabulous. It combined a friendly well organised chess tournament, with all the benefits of staying at a luxury 5 star all-inclusive hotel in Greece in May.

One of the features of all the ACO events is the Grandmaster game analysis immediately after each game. This helps you really get to know your own chess strengths and weaknesses. GM Daniel King was on hand after nearly all my games and I learnt a lot from his personal coaching sessions.

I played in the Super Senior event. https://www.amateurchess.com/past-events/aco-2026-world-super-senior-65-chess-championship

Each event is split into sections by rating. My group was and one of the biggest with players rated between 1751 and 1900. Players from Germany, UK, Switzerland, Sweden, Canada, USA and Argentina all came together for the 9 round Swiss tournament. All my games were tough and close, but fun.

In addition to the 9 rounds of standard play chess, there were Grandmaster lectures, Blitz tournaments and a Grandmaster simultaneous event that you could join in on if you wished to.

My starting rank was 22nd out of 25, and so I was pleased to finish 7^th.

https://s2.chess-results.com/tnr1404097.aspx?lan=1&art=1&SNode=S0

Players came to the event on their own or with their partners. There was plenty to do between the chess games as the hotel has pools, a beach, cafes and restaurants. The schedule even had a rest day with no chess, so you could go on the organised tour of the island, or go off on your own or stay at the hotel complex. Every evening there was live entertainment in the bar area which could be enjoyed sitting inside or outside, all with inclusive waiter service.

This is the second of these type of events I have been to and I intend to go again.

To see more information about the ACO and their future events click here https://www.amateurchess.com/

Martin Wallman