2026 Chess Academy Australia & New Zealand - Expression of Interest

Presented by IMC and Team Liquid

What if your next chess move took you to Sydney to to face the world champion?

The Chess Academy Australia and New Zealand is a one-of-a-kind program open to all students across Australia and New Zealand colleges and universities, whether you're a seasoned competitor or just love the game. In partnership with Team Liquid, IMC is bringing together the brightest student chess players in the country for a chance to compete at the highest level and play face-to-face with World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen.

This is more than a chess tournament. It's an opportunity to step inside one of the world's leading trading firms, connect with IMC's traders, researchers and technologists, and experience what it's like to think fast, compete hard, and perform under pressure — skills that define both great chess players and the people who thrive at the world's top trading firms.

What You'll Do

• Compete at the highest level: Qualify through an online Swiss-format tournament on Chess.com and, if you advance, travel to IMC's Sydney's office to compete in the championship finals against the best student players in the country.
• Face the greatest: Finalist competitors will take part in a showmatch experience with World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen, one of the most exceptional competitive opportunities available to any student chess player.
• Go behind the scenes at IMC: Tour IMC's Sydney's office and get a firsthand look at the environment where some of the world's fastest and most sophisticated trading takes place.
• Build your network: Connect directly with IMC traders, researchers, technologists, and recruiters. Whether or not a career in trading is on your radar, this is a rare chance to meet and learn from world-class professionals.

Key Dates

• Applications Close: Sunday, November 1st 2026
• Eligibility Notifications: Wednesday November 4th 2026
• Virtual Qualifiers: Monday 9th November, Tuesday 10th November  Wednesday 11th November 2026
• Championship at IMC Sydney: Wednesday 9th December 2026

What You'll Need

• Currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate student at a Australian or New Zealand college or university
• 18 years of age or older
• A valid Chess.com account
• Available to compete in the virtual qualifiers during the week of the 9th, 10th or 11th November 2026 (date assigned and cannot be changed once confirmed)
• Available to travel to Sydney for the finals on 9th December 2026
• Open to all majors and academic backgrounds — all skill levels welcome

Ready to Apply?

Applications are open to all enrolled students regardless of chess rating or experience level. If you love the game and want to test yourself against the best, we want to hear from you.

Apply by Sunday November 1st 2026.

For full eligibility requirements and competition rules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions.