Volunteers
Become a volunteer at the Total Chess World Championship Pilot 2026.
Become a Volunteer
Be part of a landmark moment in chess and experience a world-class sporting event from the inside.
From 10–21 November 2026, the world's elite men and women — including World No.1 Magnus Carlsen — compete at Budapest's iconic Anantara New York Palace Hotel across Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz to crown chess's most complete player. Bringing together 24 of the world's top players, the event is the official pilot of the Total Chess World Championship Tour — developed by Norway Chess and approved by FIDE — and the launchpad for a new global championship beginning in March 2027.
We're now looking for engaged, service-minded volunteers to help create a world-class experience for players, spectators, and partners alike. While the competition runs from 10–21 November, we need volunteers from 9 to 22 November. It's nearly two weeks of high activity and a wide variety of tasks each day, all at the Anantara New York Palace Hotel.
Ready to join us?
Apply now, or share this with someone who'd be a great fit. We'd love to hear from you.
Volunteer Roles
Security – help create a safe and welcoming atmosphere at the entrances and in the Playing Hall, and support smooth flow and order throughout the venue.
Hospitality & Guest Services – welcome players, partners, media and spectators, accompany and assist the players throughout the event days, look after guests in the VIP area, answer questions, and help ensure a positive experience for everyone.
Venue & Information Services – staff the information desk, the cloakroom and other key points around the venue, guide the audience and help everything run smoothly on every floor.
Event Operations & Support – assist the organizing team across different areas of the event, from daily setup and logistics to supporting activities around the playing hall and, where needed, our media and production work.
Tickets & Sales – assist with ticket sales and merchandise, and provide friendly customer service.
Drivers – contribute to a safe and pleasant experience by providing reliable transportation for players and guests between the airport, hotels and the venue. This role is well suited for someone who is service-oriented, communicates well, and holds a valid driver's license.
Volunteers may rotate between different stations during the event, so you will get to experience several sides of the tournament.
Who Can Volunteer?
No prior chess knowledge is required. What matters most is that you're positive, reliable, and enjoy contributing as part of a team. We also value volunteers who are organized and comfortable taking responsibility. Living in Budapest or the surrounding area is a plus as we are unable to cover costs related to travel and accommodation.
As a volunteer, you'll gain valuable experience, meet new people, and play a part in an internationally recognized sporting event. To ensure strong continuity and collaboration throughout the event, we prefer volunteers who can participate for as much of the event period as possible.
Age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to volunteer during the event.
Travel & Accommodation
Our volunteer program is primarily designed for local volunteers. Please note that we are unable to cover costs related to travel and accommodation. If you're traveling from outside the Budapest area or from abroad, we kindly ask you to take these costs into consideration.
Practical Information
Event location: Anantara New York Palace Hotel, Budapest
Availability: The hours depend on your volunteer role, but shifts are mainly in the afternoons and evenings, generally from around 14:00 to 22:00. Note: there's no volunteering on 16 November — it's a rest day. Drivers may need some additional availability outside main event hours, for example for transport between hotels and the venue.
Ready to join us?
Apply now, or share this with someone who'd be a great fit. We'd love to hear from you.