The 2026 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports will be held in Liaocheng, China, from October 11 to October 16, 2026.
Organized by the Liaocheng Organizing Committee, the event will bring together student-athletes from approximately 30 countries.
This is more than just a competition; it embodies FISU’s core values of excellence, passion, and teamwork, while also showcasing the diversity of academia and cultural pursuits.
We are honored to welcome outstanding university students in chess and bridge from around the world!
Schedules
Friday, 09 October
Arrival of delegations
Saturday, 10 October
Arrival of delegations
Registration
Opening Ceremony
Welcome Dinner for All Delegations
Technical Meeting (Chess)
General Technical Meeting (Bridge)
Sunday, 11 October
Chess – Round 1
Bridge – Round 1
Bridge – Round 2 & 3
Chess – Round 2
Reception for Heads of Delegations
Monday, 12 October
Chess – Round 3
Bridge – Round 4
Bridge – Rounds 5 & 6
Chess – Blitz
Tuesday, 13 October
Chess – Round 4
Bridge – Round 7
Bridge – Round 8 & 9
Chess – Round 5
Wednesday, 14 October
Chess – Round 6
Bridge – Round 10
Bridge – Round 11
Chess – Round 7
Bridge – Semifinals and 5th-Place Round Robin
Thursday, 15 October
Chess – Round 8
Bridge – Semifinals and 5th-Place Round Robin
Bridge – 5th-Place Round Robin
Bridge – Finals/Third-Place Match
Chess – Rest
Bridge – Fast Pairs Tournament
Friday, 16 October
Chess – Round 9
Bridge – Finals/Third-Place Match and 5th-Place Round Robin to determine 6th and 7th places
Award Ceremonies
Closing Ceremony
Farewell Meeting for All Delegations
Saturday, 17 October
Departure of delegations
Venue Closure
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Welcome Message
Dear student-athletes, dear friends,
I am delighted to welcome you to Liaocheng, for the 2026 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports.
I would like to address you first, dear student-athletes, who are and who always be the beating heart of FISU.
Competing at the World University Championships is a career highlight for many of you. For others, it is a step up to the next level of performance. What you all have in common is your love of sport, your commitment, your fair play and your respect. You come together as rivals, from different places and different backgrounds, but you will almost certainly leave as friends.
Despite the challenging times we are all facing, you remind us of the special power of young people to reassure us that a better world is possible. You remind us of the need to prioritise sport, sustainability, inclusivity and healthy social exchange. FISU firmly believes that university athletes are the role models and future leaders the world needs.
Over the following 6 days, you will compete alongside some of the best student-athletes on the planet. The FISU World University Championships demand skill, athleticism, and single-minded determination to do your best. But beyond the competition, FISU urges you to have fun. May you return home with memories that will last a lifetime!
None of FISU’s events would be possible without the generosity of our hosts. I want to extend our sincere gratitude to the National University Sports Federation of China, the organisers for their dedication and the volunteers for their passion.
FISU is also grateful for the ongoing support of the International Sports Federations. Together, we aim to provide the highest level of technical excellence on and off the field of play.
I am confident that the 2026 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports in Liaocheng will give you every opportunity to shine, to interact and to grow as people.
I wish you the best of luck!
Leonz Eder
FISU President
Chairs of the Organising Committee:
Li Changping, Secretary of the CPC Liaocheng Municipal Committee
Zhang Baishun, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Liaocheng Municipal Committee and Mayor