The chess player Anand gives a masterclass in Valencia

Valencia will experience a very special moment on May 15 and 16 with the visit of Viswanathan Anand, one of the greatest names in the history of chess. The five-time world champion, a living legend of the game and current vice president of the International Chess Federation, is coming to the city to join the celebration of the 550th anniversary of the birth of modern chess—an event that commemorates the origin of the current rules of the game, which in fact emerged in the region of Valencia.

The highlight of his visit will take place on Thursday, May 16 at 6:00 PM, when Anand will give a free masterclass with limited seating at the Aula Magna of the La Nau Cultural Center (C/ Universitat, 2). During the session, the champion will review some of his most brilliant games, sharing his ideas, key moves, and decisive moments. It’s a unique opportunity to experience chess from the inside—whether you're an experienced player or simply curious to learn from a master. To register for the class, send an email to comunicacion@valenciacunadelajedrez.com

But his visit begins a day earlier: on Wednesday, May 15 at 7:00 PM, Anand will be at the Petxina Sports and Cultural Complex to visit the room “Valencia, Origin of Modern Chess, 1475,” dedicated to the history of the game and the figure of Francesch Vicent, author of the first printed book on modern chess. There will be a book and board signing, and the event will be open to the public.

These events are part of a broader program that commemorates Valencia's deep connection with chess, dating back to 1475, when the modern movement of the Queen was first described here in the work Scachs d’amor, considered the starting point of chess as we know it today.