OZAMIZ CITY — Can the next generation of Filipino chess players topple the country's veteran grandmasters?

That will be one of the biggest storylines when the 2026 Gov. Henry S. Oaminal Chess Championships opens on July 11–12 in Ozamiz City, where rising young masters are expected to challenge defending champion Grandmaster Rogelio Antonio Jr.

The tournament, one of Mindanao's richest and most prestigious chess events, offers up to ₱1 million in total prizes and has drawn some of the country's strongest players.

Defending champion Antonio, 64, returns to protect his title against a field that includes fellow veterans Grandmasters Eugene Torre, Jayson Gonzales, and Darwin Laylo, along with International Master Rico Mascariñas, FIDE Master Mario Mangubat, and National Master Cyril Ortega.

But local organizers believe the young challengers could steal the spotlight.

Leading the youth contingent are International Masters Michael Concio Jr., Kim Steven Yap, Mark Jay Bacojo, and Christian Gian Carlo Arca, as well as FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri.

Concio won the Ozamiz title in 2024, while Bacojo earned his International Master title after an impressive showing in last year's ASEAN Individual Chess Championships held in Ozamiz.

Arca, a former world blitz champion, and Nouri, who became the world's youngest FIDE Master at age seven, will compete in the Open division after previously dominating the tournament's high school category.

"Arca and I will be competing this time in the Open division, and we're ready to give our best," Nouri said.

Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo, the tournament organizer, said around 30 players from the Davao Region are also joining, adding more depth to the competition.

Meanwhile, Asia's first Grandmaster Eugene Torre will conduct a simultaneous chess exhibition and inspire young players during the opening program. 

Gonzales, now chief executive officer of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, will also take part in the exhibition matches.

Aside from the premier Open division, the chess festival will feature competitions for elementary, high school, and three-man team categories.

With seasoned champions facing fearless young talents, spectators can expect one of the most competitive editions of the Ozamiz Chess Open in recent years.