Judit Polgar (2nd L), Chess Grand master and her team play a game of giant chess at the Global Chess Festival in Budapest, Hungary, on Sept. 30, 2025. The Hungarian National Gallery turned into a vibrant space of intellect and imagination for children here on Tuesday as the 11th Judit Polgar Global Chess Festival drew thousands of visitors. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
BUDAPEST, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Hungarian National Gallery turned into a lively arena of intellect and imagination on Tuesday as the 11th Judit Polgar Global Chess Festival drew thousands of visitors.
Organized by the Judit Polgar Chess Foundation, the one-day event combined the heritage of the centuries-old game with innovation and playfulness.
Grandmaster Judit Polgar, the festival's founder and chief organizer, described the gathering as a personal highlight.
"I am actively involved in creating and organizing the programs. This year, I particularly look forward to the community simul, where I will play six boards simultaneously against different chess communities," she said.
Around 30 activities took place at the National Gallery, including simultaneous exhibitions, a giant floor chess set where children acted as living pieces, and matches against the world's first AI-powered chess robot.
"Every program element embodies our values, and we aim to convey them as experiences accessible to all generations. Play and collective thinking inspire creativity, and this is the inspiration we strive to share throughout the festival," Polgar added. ■
Children play with a chess robot at the Global Chess Festival in Budapest, Hungary, on Sept. 30, 2025. The Hungarian National Gallery turned into a vibrant space of intellect and imagination for children here on Tuesday as the 11th Judit Polgar Global Chess Festival drew thousands of visitors. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
Competitors participate the first ever Rubik Chess competition at the Global Chess Festival in Budapest, Hungary, on Sept. 30, 2025. The Hungarian National Gallery turned into a vibrant space of intellect and imagination for children here on Tuesday as the 11th Judit Polgar Global Chess Festival drew thousands of visitors. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
