The world's most inspiring chess event turns ten this year - Let's celebrate together with Judit Polgar and Ernő Rubik

Inspiration is an integral part of our lives. We can draw ideas from our morning coffee just as much as from a meaningful conversation or the life journey of the world's best female chess player, whose charisma inspires millions. This inner motivational power is brought to us by the chess legend Judit Polgar at the jubilee Global Chess Festival. Recharge your creative energy! The two-day event series kicks off at the Hungarian National Gallery.

"Based on feedback from visitors and speakers, this festival is the most inspiring event of the year, which is why they love to return again and again. Their opinions inspire me as well. That's why I chose inspiration as the central theme of this year's event. Looking back, I was inspired as a child by my parents, my siblings, and various situations. For example, I was 12 years old, and one of the greatest chess players of all time, Garry Kasparov, watched my game. As an adult, I can find inspiration in a good book, an interesting performance, or a meaningful conversation. can draw inspiration from a good book, an interesting lecture, or a meaningful conversation. We will not lack any of these at the festival," revealed Judit Polgár, the best female chess player in history and the festival's founder.

The organizers added that the 10th Judit Polgar's Global Chess Festival, sponsored by Morgan Stanley, a company with an outstanding chess culture, will be about anniversaries, great encounters, and celebrations. More than 20 programs await visitors across three locations.

Chess brings together families and communities

On September 17, the first day of the festival at the National Gallery, visitors will have the opportunity to meet the Polgár sisters in person for a joint book signing, happening for the first time in five years. One of the festival's flagship programs is the community chess simul where Judit Polgar will play against eight communities (hundreds of thousands of people). One of her opponents will be Chess.com, the world's largest chess community. Other challengers include a team of Hungarian sports legends, featuring Dr. Jenő Kamuti, National Athlete of Hungary, and Ádám Varga, silver medalist in kayaking at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. The artist community will also participate, represented by poet and slammer Zsófi Kemény, musician Charlie, actress and theatre director Enikő Eszenyi, and writer and film director Péter Gárdos. Additionally, the chess influencer Zachary Saine (The Chess Nerd) and his community will take part. The extraordinary chess simul can be followed live on-site and online from 2:00 p.m.

This year's festival patron is Ernő Rubik. "Games and puzzles provide a magical way to learn and flourish. Judit Polgár has explored every small path of this adventure and inspires thousands of children to join in every year. It was with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation to be patron of the Jubilee Chess Festival, as the 50th anniversary of the Cube could not receive a more worthy recognition as a symbol of playful learning," highlighted the world-famous inventor of the Rubik's Cube.

Alongside the children, parents can also find inspiration at the festival from Judit Polgar's new six-volume interactive book series, the Chess Palace, and its magic world. "The new book series is the result of two years of work. Parents can experience adventures and creative challenges with their children. They can draw inspiration from the books to play together. Chess Palace brings generations within families closer together," said Judit Polgar.

"We are delighted to support the Global Chess Festival and Judit Polgár's mission for the sixth consecutive year to inspire the next generation of strategic thinkers. Chess has become an integral part of life at Morgan Stanley, not just in Budapest but globally. It is truly special to see how chess connects our colleagues—from grandmasters to enthusiastic amateurs. I am deeply moved by seeing my colleagues succeed, whether over the chessboard or at the forefront of the global financial world, where they work with the same dedication, creativity, and strategic thinking," said Norbert Fogarasi, head of Morgan Stanley's Budapest office.

Success Stories in Education from Hungary to Denmark and Singapore

What skills can chess develop from the age of four? How can we combat Alzheimer's disease with chess? How can chess assist in improving the social skills of children with autism? Chess camps in shopping malls? These are just a few of the questions that will be answered on the festival's second day at the 4th Educational Chess Summit on September 18 at the InterContinental Hotel.

With 20 speakers from 14 countries, the presentations will explore chess's potential in education, its role in fostering social connections, and its contributions to physical and mental well-being.

"With the festival, I want to show how inspiring chess is, in the sense that it is present in everything: in our everyday lives, our speech, in science, and the arts," said Judit Polgár.

On the second day of the festival, September 18, you can also meet Judit Polgár at the BOK Hall, the venue of the Budapest Chess Olympiad, where the Judit Polgar Chess Foundation will welcome visitors with creative workshops, games, a photo exhibition, and presentations.

Come, join the festival and get inspired by chess challenges and interactive programs!

For the detailed program of the 2024 Global Chess Festival, click on this link.

Further information: press@juditpolgar.com