Rafael Vaganian is one of the most influential grandmasters of his generation. In this interview, the former USSR champion and candidate looks back on the highlights and setbacks of his extraordinary career, discusses the changing landscape of top-level chess, and reveals why the Sparkassen Chess Trophy still appeals to him today.

With just under four weeks to go before the tournament begins, the Sparkassen Chess Trophy A-Open is already fully booked. We are unable to guarantee places for any further entries.

With the A Open of the 2026 Sparkassen Chess Trophy already fully booked, the B Open – which currently has 190 registered players – is also nearing its capacity limit of 200 participants.

Dortmund, 10 June 2026 – As part of the International Dortmund Chess Days, the German Football Museum will be hosting the blitz chess festival ‘Playmakers on the Chessboard’ on Tuesday 4 August. The four participants in the International Women’s Tournament of the Sparkassen Chess Trophy – live, exciting and in the spotlight, right at the heart of German football.