Back

Live commentary at Cafe de Zon

Robert Ris does live commentary tata steel chess tournament
Sat Jan 17, 2 - 7pm Sun Jan 18, 2 - 7pm Mon Jan 19, 2 - 7pm Tue Jan 20, 2 - 7pm Wed Jan 21, 2 - 7pm Fri Jan 23, 2 - 7pm Sat Jan 24, 2 - 7pm Sun Jan 25, 2 - 7pm Tue Jan 27, 2 - 7pm Wed Jan 28, 2 - 7pm Fri Jan 30, 2 - 7pm Sat Jan 31, 2 - 7pm Sun Feb 1, 12 - 5pm

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.

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

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 for the entire tournament. Each round, they will be joined by our tournament co-host, delivering insightful analysis, lively discussion, and an engaging viewing experience.

All rounds feature live English-language commentary
RoundDateTimeCommentators
Round 1Saturday 17 January14:00 - 20:00IM Jovanka Houska & GM Simon Williams
Round 2Sunday 18 January14:00 - 20:00IM Jovanka Houska & GM Simon Williams
Round 3Monday 19 January14:00 - 20:00IM Jovanka Houska & GM Simon Williams
Round 4Tuesday 20 January14:00 - 20:00IM Jovanka Houska & GM Simon Williams
Round 5Wednesday 21 January14:00 - 20:00IM Jovanka Houska & GM Simon Williams
Round 6Friday 23 January14:00 - 20:00IM Jovanka Houska & GM Simon Williams
Round 7Saturday 24 January14:00 - 20:00IM Jovanka Houska & GM Simon Williams
Round 8Sunday 25 January14:00 - 20:00IM Jovanka Houska & GM Simon Williams
Round 9Tuesday 27 January14:00 - 20:00IM Jovanka Houska & GM Jan Gustafsson
Round 10Wednesday 28 January14:00 - 20:00IM Jovanka Houska & GM Jan Gustafsson
Round 11Friday 30 January14:00 - 20:00IM Jovanka Houska & GM Jan Gustafsson
Round 12Saturday 31 January14:00 - 20:00IM Jovanka Houska & GM Jan Gustafsson
Round 13Sunday 1 February14:00 - 20:00IM Jovanka Houska & GM Jan Gustafsson

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, before and after each round and during breaks, chess analyst Tom Bottema will provide Dutch-language analysis, offering context, explanations and reflections on the games together with the audience.

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.