Every position calculated. Every outcome earned.
What if your next chess move took you to Sydney to play the world champion? IMC and Team Liquid are inviting university students across Australia and New Zealand to compete in the Chess Academy. Qualify online, and if you advance, travel to IMC's Sydney office to compete in the championship finals where you will play and learn from Magnus Carlsen in person.
See the patterns. Gain the edge.
This is more than a chess tournament. It's an opportunity to step inside one of the world's leading trading firms and experience what it's like to think fast, compete hard, and perform under pressure. These are the skills that define both great chess players and the people who thrive at the world's top trading firms.
HOW IT WORKS
Register through the application form.
Our team will review your registration and confirm your eligibility.
Applications close on Sunday, 1 November 2026.
Compete in a Swiss-format online tournament via Chess.com. You'll be assigned to a qualifying bracket with games taking place on 9, 10, or 11 November 2026. The top two players from each bracket advance to the championship.
Finalist will be flown to Sydney for the in-person championship on Wednesday, 9 December 2026. Flights, hotel, and meals during the event are covered by IMC.
All finalists take part in a showmatch and exclusive masterclass with the World Chess Champion and Grandmaster Robert Hess.
IMPORTANT DATES
- APPLICATIONS CLOSE
1 November 2026
- ELIGIBILITY NOTIFICATIONS
4 November 2026
If eligible, you'll receive your tournament invitation
- VIRTUAL QUALIFIERS
9-11 November 2026
Online via Chess.com. Players will be assigned a qualifer which will take place on either Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evening.
- IN-PERSON FINALS
9 December 2026
Finals at IMC Sydney. Finalists must be available to attend the in-person finals in Sydney on 9 December 2026. Participants unable to attend on this date will forfeit their qualifying spot.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
If you’re a college student with a competitive edge, this is your move.
To compete in the Chess Academy, you must
Be a current university student
Be a current undergraduate or postgraduate student at an eligible Australian or New Zealand university. Graduating this year? You're still eligible as long as you are enrolled at the time of the championship on 9 December 2026.
Be 18 or Older
Participants must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.
Have a chess.com account
Tournaments will be hosted on Chess.com. All competitors must hold a valid Chess.com account and follow Chess.com's Fair Play Policy throughout the competition.
*By entering, participants agree to the full competition rules and IMC's Terms & Conditions. IMC may ask you to confirm your enrolment at any stage — acceptable proof includes a student ID, university email address, or official enrolment letter.
- T&C’s: Here
Make Your Move
Chess Academy will be defined by those who think differently, who see the positions others miss and play for the outcome others don't expect.
Questions?
Reach out to chessacademy@imc.com