Hastings Chess: A 100-Year-Old Tournament Crowns a New English Star

A historic English chess tournament has produced a home champion. International Master Alex Golding, 22, shared first place at the Hastings Masters, winning nearly £2,000. He is part of a new wave of English players aiming to challenge the country's top grandmasters. The Hastings tournament is the oldest in international chess. It began in 1895 and has been held every year since 1920, except during wars and pandemics. Its most famous periods were the 1930s, 50s, and 70s, when world champions often played. Past winners include badminton legend Sir George Thomas and Bletchley Park codebreaker Hugh Alexander. Today, the event struggles for attention. It is scheduled between the larger London Classic and Tata Steel tournaments. This year, it also competed with the World Rapid and Blitz Championship, featuring global star Magnus Carlsen. Despite this, Hastings continues its long tradition of competitive chess.