Aleksander Sokolski, “It is an honor to continue the legacy of the Akiba Rubinstein tournament”

The Akiba Rubinstein Memorial took place on 17-25 August in Polanica Zdroj, Poland. It was won by Vincent Keymer, after a stunning 6,0/7 start, which secured him the title. The tournament was the 60th anniversary of the festival and included multiple chess tournaments and side events. Chessdom spoke to the chief organizer, Aleksander Sokolski.

This is the 60th Anniversary of the Akiba Rubinstein Chess Festival. How does the responsibility to organize such a long-lasting event feel?

The stress and the associated responsibility are certainly a significant burden, especially considering the prestigious nature of the festival and its long-standing tradition. However, this is far from our first event, and the entire team is quite experienced. Over the years, we have honed our organizational skills, and thanks to our dedicated and passionate team, the pressure becomes more manageable. It is also an honor to continue the legacy of this tournament, knowing how important it is in the history of Polish and global chess.

The main event is much stronger than previous editions. Was it difficult to collect this star field?

Thanks to the anniversary nature of the event and the rich history behind it, gathering such a star-studded field was surprisingly smooth. The players were very receptive, and almost none of them declined the invitation. Many top players recognize the prestige associated with this festival, and they were eager to be part of this milestone edition. The legacy of Akiba Rubinstein, one of the greatest chess players in history, is also a significant draw for participants.

GMs Duda, Bartel, and Wojtaszek are true ambassadors for Polish chess. Was it difficult to convince them to join the event?

We started the discussions with these three players, and I’m delighted to say that their responses were swift and positive. Having the top three Polish players in the lineup was incredibly important for us. They represent not only the strength of Polish chess but also its bright future. Their participation elevates the level of the tournament and reinforces its status as a key event in the international chess calendar.

These three players are the top 3 boards of the Polish Olympic team. What do you expect from Poland at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest?

Objectively speaking, the performance of our players in this tournament wasn’t their best. However, I hope that their participation here served as a valuable warm-up and will help them at the Olympiad. Expectations for the Olympiad are high, and we certainly hope that our team will fight for the top positions, including medals. I firmly believe that if all the players hit their peak form, it’s entirely possible for the Polish team to achieve something special.

See: Polish team at the Chess Olympiad (open) / Live blog from the Chess Olympiad 2024

Vincent Keymer won the tournament and entered the world top 20. What are your impressions of his performance?

Vincent Keymer, the youngest Grandmaster in the field, has undoubtedly left a strong impression on all of us. His brilliant start of the tournament was particularly striking, and despite a slightly less dominant finish, it was enough for him to secure an individual victory. There is no doubt that Vincent is a phenomenal player with immense potential. I am confident that he has a long and successful career ahead of him, and we will see him competing at the very highest levels of world chess.

There are multiple side events at the festival. That looks like a huge organizational effort.

Indeed, it’s a very demanding period, requiring meticulous coordination. However, this effort is not just mine alone; it is the collective work of a dedicated team of organizers and arbiters. I am incredibly proud of the team we have assembled. Their experience and commitment are what make it possible to run such a complex and multifaceted event. The side events add vibrancy to the festival and ensure that there is something for chess players of all levels and interests.

A festival of this size requires support. What are the sponsors that made the event possible?

The title sponsor of the Grandmaster tournament is ALREH, a company specializing in, among other things, the production of medical equipment. However, the list of sponsors, both big and small, is much longer. We also cannot overlook the support of the Polish Chess Federation and other public funding, which has been crucial in making this event a reality. Without this support, it would be impossible to organize such a prestigious festival.

This year is an anniversary of the event. But can we say that the foundation for a strong chess festival is here? What can we expect of the Akiba Rubinstein festival in 2025?

The round-robin tournaments held in Polanica-Zdrój during the 1990s were incredibly strong, featuring world champions and legendary players. Without a doubt, we are drawing inspiration from those fantastic editions. I sincerely hope that this year’s tournament is not a one-off, but rather the start of a new tradition where a strong grandmaster tournament becomes a permanent fixture in Polanica-Zdrój. The festival is not just about the grandmaster event—it’s now a celebration of chess for hundreds of players! I am optimistic that 2025 will bring even more excitement and growth to the festival.