KYOCHESS Spotlight

# ♟️ TWO GRANDMASTERS. ONE AFTERNOON. KYOTO.

### 🌏 From Kazakhstan to Kyoto — A Rare Chess Experience

Most chess players will never have the opportunity to sit across the board from a Grandmaster.
Even fewer will have the chance to meet two.
On June 14, KYOCHESS welcomes two distinguished Grandmasters from Kazakhstan for a special afternoon of chess, learning, and international exchange in the heart of Kyoto.
Featuring:
🏆 GM Darmen Sadvakasov
Former World Junior Champion
Former World Top 20 Player
🏆 GM Murtas Kazhgaleev
Kazakhstan National Team Member
International Chess Ambassador
For one afternoon, the distance between amateur and elite chess disappears.

# 🌏 FROM KAZAKHSTAN TO KYOTO

This event is connected to Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives (FACI), an international project led by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation with support from Freedom Holding Corp., FIDE, and the Asian Chess Federation.
Through FACI, chess communities across Asia are connected through education, cultural exchange, and shared experiences.
In 2026, that journey brings two Grandmasters to Kyoto.
And you're invited to be part of it.

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# ⚔️ CHALLENGE A GRANDMASTER

No livestream.
No engine.
No replay.
Just you and the board.
Take part in a Grandmaster Simultaneous Exhibition, where both Grandmasters will face multiple opponents at once.
♟️ Find your best move
♟️ Test your ideas
♟️ Create complications
♟️ See how long you can hold your ground
Whether you're a beginner, casual player, or tournament regular, facing a Grandmaster is an experience you'll remember long after the final move.

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# 🎤 HEAR THE STORIES BEHIND THE TITLES

What does it take to become a Grandmaster?
How do elite players prepare?
How do they deal with pressure, setbacks, and expectations?
Following the simul, hear directly from the Grandmasters as they share experiences from international competition, professional chess, and life at the highest level of the game.

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# 🧠 SEE WHAT THEY SAW

Selected games from the simul will be reviewed live.
Discover:
💡 Critical moments
💡 Missed opportunities
💡 Hidden tactical ideas
💡 How Grandmasters evaluate positions
The moves are only half the story.
The ideas behind them are where the real lessons begin.

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# 🌍 MEET PEOPLE THROUGH CHESS

KYOCHESS brings together people from different countries, backgrounds, and walks of life through a shared love of chess.
At this event, you'll meet:
🇯🇵 Local Japanese players
🌏 International residents
🎓 Students
✈️ Travellers
♟️ Casual enthusiasts
🏆 Competitive tournament players
Come for the chess.
Stay for the conversations.

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# 📍 EVENT DETAILS

📅 Sunday, June 14, 2026
📍 Kyoto Economic Center
⏰ 13:00 – 17:00

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## 🗓️ Schedule

🕐 13:00 Registration
♟️ 13:30 GM Simul (Simultaneous Exhibition)
☕ 15:20 Break
🎤 15:30 Lecture
👋 16:10 Closing

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# 🎟️ TICKETS

👤 General Admission — ¥4,000
👥 Pair Registration — ¥3,000 per person
🧒 Under 18 — ¥2,000
♟️ Chess sets provided
🌱 All playing levels welcome

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# ✨ A RARE OPPORTUNITY

Kyoto doesn't often get the chance to host players of this calibre.
For one afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to challenge Grandmasters, learn directly from them, and experience a project connecting chess communities across Asia.
Whether you're looking to improve your chess, meet new people, or simply experience something unique, we'd love to welcome you.
Join us for an afternoon where chess, culture, and international exchange meet in Kyoto.

# 📝 REGISTRATION(From Here!)

⚠️ Advance registration is required.
Due to the interactive nature of the event, participation is limited to 24 playing seats only.
Seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
To reserve your seat:
1️⃣ Complete the registration form
2️⃣ Submit payment in advance
3️⃣ Receive confirmation from KYOCHESS
Your registration is only confirmed once payment has been completed.
Please note that on-site payment will not be available.
As the number of seats is strictly limited, we recommend registering early to avoid disappointment.
🎟️ 24 seats available