Discover Armenia
The host country of the 2026 championship — a land of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality.
Host City
Yerevan — one of the world's oldest cities.
Founded in 782 BC, Yerevan is older than Rome. The pink-stone capital sits at the foot of Mt. Ararat — an icon of Armenian identity visible from almost every corner of the city.
Vibrant cafés, centuries-old churches, and the iconic Cascade complex make Yerevan a city that rewards every explorer.
A land of firsts
World's oldest winery
Archaeological evidence places winemaking in Armenia at over 6,000 years — older than anywhere else on Earth.
First Christian nation
Armenia adopted Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD, making it the world's first Christian nation.
Ancient alphabet
The Armenian alphabet was created in 405 AD by Mesrop Mashtots and is still in everyday use today.
The pink city
Yerevan is built from volcanic tuff stone that glows pink and orange at sunset — unique in the world.
See Armenia
The Venue
Chess House, Yerevan
The championship is played at the Chess House (50a Khanjyan Street) in central Yerevan — a fitting home for a mind-sport world championship. Teams stay nearby at the Yerevan State University (YSU) Guest House, a short distance from the playing hall.
At the venue
- Tournament hall with all playing boards
- YSU Guest House nearby — single €50 or shared €40 per night (breakfast incl.)
- Wi-Fi throughout the venue
- Rest areas and analysis rooms
Getting there
| Nearest airport | Zvartnots International (EVN) — 10 km from city centre |
|---|---|
| From EVN to Yerevan | Taxi ~20 min / Bus 45 min |
| Currency | Armenian Dram (AMD). Cards widely accepted in Yerevan. |
| Language | Armenian. English widely spoken in hotels and restaurants. |
| Visa | Citizens of Russia, China, Japan, Estonia (EU) — visa-free entry. Check armeniavisa.am for other countries. |
| Climate in August | Warm and sunny. Average 33 °C / 91 °F by day, 20 °C / 68 °F at night. |
* Visa rules subject to change. Always verify with your national embassy before travel.