Jeroen van den Berg Passes the Baton to Erwin l’Ami

Jeroen van den Berg Passes the Baton to Erwin l'Ami

The 89th edition in 2027 will be Van den Berg’s final tournament as tournament director  

Jeroen van den Berg (64) will step down as tournament director following the 89th edition of the upcoming Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2027. From the 2028 edition onwards, he will hand over the reins to Erwin l’Ami (41), the well-known Dutch chess grandmaster. During the upcoming edition, Van den Berg and l’Ami will jointly shape the tournament, ensuring a careful and gradual transition.  

Van den Berg has long been the driving force behind the international chess tournament in Wijk aan Zee, known as the ‘Wimbledon of chess’. Under his leadership, the Tata Steel Chess Tournament developed further into one of the world’s most prominent and prestigious chess events. Van den Berg has held the position since 1999 and, by the time he steps down, will have served as tournament director for almost three decades. 

The appointment of l’Ami brings in a successor who knows the international chess scene inside out and has deep ties to the tournament. The Dutch grandmaster has been part of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament since 2003, back when it was still called the Corus Tournament. He has competed in nearly every edition since and made a first step up to the prestigious A Group (Masters) in 2011.  

Jeroen van den Berg: “The Tata Steel Chess Tournament holds a special place in my life. I look back with great pride and gratitude on the years in which I have had the privilege of contributing to the development of this wonderful event as tournament director. The 2027 edition will be a very special farewell for me. At the same time, I have every confidence that, from 2028 onwards, Erwin will take the tournament forward with extensive knowledge, energy and a deep understanding of the chess world. Over the coming year, we will work side by side to ensure a smooth transition.”

Erwin l’Ami is looking forward to his new role: “It is a great honour to succeed Jeroen as tournament director of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament. I know the tournament well and understand how much it means to players, chess enthusiasts and the region. I have great appreciation for what Jeroen has built. During the upcoming edition, my main aim is to learn from him and the organising team. After that, I look forward to working with everyone involved to build on the tournament’s unique tradition and international standing.”  

In the run-up to the 89th edition, which will take place in Wijk aan Zee from 15 to 31 January 2027, Van den Berg and l’Ami will work closely together on the preparations and organisation. This will safeguard continuity and give l’Ami the opportunity to familiarise himself with every aspect of the tournament director’s role. Following the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2027, he will assume full responsibility for the 2028 edition. Van den Berg will remain involved in the organisation as an adviser for a further three years after the 2027 tournament, before stepping down permanently in January 2030.