Yes, I know the British Chess Championship finished a couple of months ago.
This year’s Championships attracted more than 2,600 entries across all events, with titles and prizes decided in sections that spanned numerous age groups and different levels of competition – there was certainly something for everyone, irrespective of chess ability.
The British Champion 2026 is GM Shreyas Royal; and the British Women’s Champion 2026 is the wonderkid FM Bodhana Sivanandan , who won after a thrilling rapid play-off against WGM Trisha Kanyamarala. Bodhana has since gone on to even more fame and glory as Board 1 for the English Women’s team at the Chess Olympiad!
The British Championship takes place each year, and for some players it it their opportunity to test themselves against the best players in the country.
This year, local Lancashire Junior, Leon Kesiak of Leyland Chess Club took the plunge to test himself and decided to have a go at the U12 Championship. A gruelling tournament against the very best U12 juniors in the country. By some strange quirk, Leon’s FIDE grade has just come out and he was graded at 1828, which he would say himself was overinflated. compared to his ECF rating of 1548.
Leon had an up and down tournament, but finished strongly. It was his first tournament of this nature, with long games spread over a week. Leon has written up a report of his experience, which is copied below.
Well done Leon, and congratulations on the Quads trophy!
My British Chess Championship Experience by Leon Kesiak
It was amazing in Coventry! First of all, the venue was very nice, and so was the Panorama Suite (the playing hall). This experience is different from the usual congress, as there is one game per day for a week rather than a couple a day for a weekend, and I personally prefer the British Chess Championship format.
Another difference is that most congresses have a time control of 110+10, while BCC’s time control is 90+30; this might not seem like much of a difference, but even though games can go longer, I prefer 90+30.
One of the main reasons that British Chess Championships is such a great event is the side events. There is a variety of them, including blitz and rapid events, like the Junior Blitz and Rapid, as well as Quads (four player round-robins) which I played twice (and won once). There was also a puzzle-solving competition which I really enjoyed (and won some money for coming first), as well as a Q&A with the ECF directors!
Another opportunity was watching the main championships, both in the playing hall and through the live commentary in the studio. Seeing the strongest grandmasters and prodigies in the country is only what BCC can give you!
In conclusion, I really enjoyed playing in the British Chess Championships, and I definitely recommend this tournament to anyone thinking of playing next year.
Some of Leon’s Games from the U12s – chosen his Round 1 and Round 7 games,
Thumbnail – courtesy of British Chess – report found here: The British Chess Championship
Gallery – thanks to Leon’s mum for sharing.
