Live commentary at Cafe de Zon

Starting with the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2026, live public commentary will take place in Café de Zon in Wijk aan Zee. For the first time, fans can experience the English-language live broadcast commentary on-site, together with an audience.

From 13:30 onwards, the commentary programme starts with a Dutch-language introduction and warming-up session, preparing the audience for the round ahead.

What to Expect?

Live English-language broadcast commentary
The same commentary followed by viewers worldwide will now also be available live on-site.

Internationally renowned commentators
Commentary will be provided by experienced, internationally acclaimed chess commentators IM Jovanka Houska, GM Simon Williams and GM Jan Gustafsson.

Dutch-language introduction & warming-up (from 13:30)
Before the start of each round, the commentary programme opens with a Dutch-language introduction and warming-up session, offering context, expectations and key storylines for the games ahead.

Audience welcome
Visitors are welcome to attend the live commentary sessions in Café de Zon in Wijk aan Zee.

Dutch-language analysis moments
Before and after each round, and during breaks, Dutch-language analysis will be provided by Tom Bottema.

What has changed?

Why the traditional setup has changed
For many years, Dutch public commentary in Wijk aan Zee (and previously Beverwijk) has been an important part of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament.

From 2026 onwards, the tournament introduces a new setup that better fits the digital era, aligns with the global broadcast and offers logistical advantages, while preserving the core idea: bringing chess enthusiasts together to experience the tournament.

Who Are the Commentators?

Live coverage will be provided in English by expert commentators IM Jovanka Houska, GM Simon Williams and GM Jan Gustafsson. Each round, they will be joined by our tournament co-host, delivering insightful analysis, lively discussion, and an engaging viewing experience.

Please note: From 13:30, the commentary programme starts in Café de Zon with a Dutch-language introduction and warming-up. The English-language live broadcast commentary starts at 14:00, in line with the start of the games.

These commentators have been internationally acclaimed and are well-known to the chess audience for over a decade.

Why You Should Attend

Attending the live commentary at Café de Zon offers a unique way to experience the Tata Steel Chess Tournament together with fellow chess players. Visitors can follow the same English-language broadcast commentary as viewers worldwide, while enjoying the atmosphere of Wijk aan Zee.

In addition, the programme opens each day at 13:30 with a Dutch-language introduction and warming-up, followed by Dutch-language analysis before and after each round and during breaks.

This combination creates a shared viewing experience that brings together international top-level commentary and familiar Dutch analysis in one setting.

Practical Information

• Location: Café de Zon, Wijk aan Zee. Located next to De Moriaan (playing venue)
• Admission: Free (seating is limited, so be sure to arrive on time)
• Refreshments: Drinks and snacks will be for sale at the bar.

Program