Spectator Tickets - Wightlink Isle of Wight International Chess Tournament

Spectator Information – Wightlink Isle of Wight International Chess Tournament

We’re excited to welcome spectators to this special event! To ensure everyone’s safety and comply with fire regulations, all visitors must register in advance – even if you’re attending on a free ticket.

Players – No Ticket Required!

If you’re playing in any classical event (Masters, U2000, or Congress), you do not need a spectator ticket. Your player’s lanyard grants you access to the VIP area at any time. Please still register at the desk as you arrive so we know how many people are in the building.

General Entry – Free Admission

Experience the excitement of the tournament from the Ryde School Theatre! This spacious, modern venue will have live game broadcasts on a large screen, complete with camera feeds and commentary.

Facilities

• Food & Drink: A paid snack and coffee shop will be on site. While hot food is not available, you’re welcome to bring your own from nearby shops.

• Chess & Bridge Shop: Browse and purchase chess merchandise, books, and more.

• Tournament Shop: Exclusive event-related items will be available for purchase.

• Bar: A licensed bar will be open from 6pm to 9pm during the trophy presentation on Sunday, 23rd February.

Chess Fun!

Chess tables will be set up throughout the venue, and everyone is welcome to play a game. There will also be a range of free and paid side events throughout the week. Check the activity schedule for details on how to get involved!

Free events in the Theatre:

• Tues 18th, 11.15 - 12:00 : A Chess lesson with FIDE Master Jonny Pein. All levels welcome.

• Thurs 20th: 19:00 - 21:00: Casual Unrated Rapid Swiss with IOW Chess Club

• Sat 22nd, 10.15 - 11:00: Parents Q&A with The London Chess Trainer - Raising a Strong Junior Player

• Sun 23rd, 19:00 - 21:00: Trophy presentation, paid bar open from 6pm.

Please see the schedule for a full list of play times and social activities.

VIP Spectator Experience

Get closer to the action with our exclusive VIP Spectator Pass. Sit near the top boards, watch live games on large screens, and see elite players up close.

As a VIP, you’ll also enjoy:

• Complimentary tea, coffee, and water.

• A chance to witness top-level chess from the heart of the arena.

• Come to any round you like, or all!

We encourage local chess enthusiasts and supporters to consider purchasing a VIP ticket to help ensure the future success of this event, with hopes of bringing it back in 2026.

Important Note for VIP Spectators

To maintain tournament integrity, VIP spectators must follow the same FIDE tournament rules as players:

• No mobile phones or smart devices are allowed in the playing room. You must turn off your devices and leave them in a numbered box with staff. Devices will be returned when you leave.

• If your phone or device goes off, you will be asked to leave and will not be allowed to return. Refunds will not be issued in this case.

• No communication with players is permitted during the round. If the arbiters believe you have interacted with a player, you will be asked to leave and will not be allowed to return. Refunds will not be given.

• No food is allowed in the playing area, but you are welcome to eat in the Theatre or designated areas outside.

VIP Spectator Schedule

VIP access begins from Round 2, starting at 5pm on Tuesday, 21st February.

If you arrive after a round has started, please go to the Theatre to collect your pass, and a member of staff will guide you to your seat. You’re welcome to visit the Theatre and side activities at any time during your visit.

VIP Ticket Prices

• Single Round – £12.50

• Choose the specific round you’d like to attend during checkout.

• All Rounds – £35

• Access to every round, plus an exclusive photo opportunity with a Grandmaster!

Is VIP right for children? Pleas note that VIP spectators must remain absolutely silent during play and stay in their seats unless getting a drink or going to the bathroom. This is unlikely to appeal to most children under 12. We suggest purchasing the free ticket for the site and Theatre instead. You will still be welcome to come have a look at the playing hall before play starts.

We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting event. If you have any questions, please get in touch. Thank you for supporting the chess community and helping us bring this event back in 2026!

Terms and conditions:

Spectators and the Press

For the purposes of this section, all members of the Press are considered to be spectators.

Only approved persons may take photographs in the playing venue. Photography is allowed at all times in the spectator theatre.

Expelling Spectators: All arbiters are empowered to ask spectators or the Press to leave the playing area immediately should they be in breach of these regulations. 

Mobile Phones

During play mobile phones and other electronic devices must be completely switched off and placed in a box under your seat. If you are seen using a device in the playing hall you will be asked to leave and not allowed to return.

Anti-Cheating 

Spectators who are thought to be communicating with players will removed.

Parental Responsibility 

Parents or guardians are responsible for their children during the tournament. The organisers and helpers are not able to act ‘in loco parentis’ and are not able to take responsibility for any child’s actions, or for the actions of anyone that may affect their children

Liability

The organisers accept no responsibility for any loss, theft or accident during the tournament.

Zero Tolerance of Abuse 

The Chief Arbiter is empowered to expel a player or spectator from all tournaments entered, either for a number or rounds, a number of days, or in their entirety, who shows abuse by word or action towards an arbiter, any member of staff or any player at the isle of Wight International Open or other competitions within the event.

Cancelation of event

If the event is cancelled or postponed or a section is cancelled. The organiser will refund the cost of the entry ticket in full or give the player the option to move to an event of the same ticket cost. The oganiser is not liable for any other costs incurred.