The Tata Steel Chess Tournament was temporarily halted on Saturday after climate activists blocked access to the game room in Wijk aan Zee and dumped 2,025 kilograms of coal outside the site during the opening weekend of the event.
The protest was carried out by Extinction Rebellion Nederland, which said the aim of the event was to draw attention to Tata Steel’s environmental record and oppose what it described as “sportswashing”.
Ahead of the opening weekend, tournament organizers issued a statement acknowledging the planned demonstrations. “The Tata Steel Chess Tournament is aware that demonstrations by activist groups are planned near the venue in Wijk aan Zee during the opening weekend of the tournament,” it said in a statement.
The organizers added that they respect the right to protest while emphasizing the importance of the event. “The organization of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament respects the right to demonstrate and freedom of expression. The tournament is also an international sporting and cultural event that brings together players, visitors and chess fans from all over the world.”
Highlighting the tournament’s long-standing presence in the village, a statement said: “The Tata Steel Chess Tournament has been held annually in Wijk aan Zee for 88 years, welcoming hundreds of amateur players, emerging talents and world-class grandmasters, as well as thousands of spectators.” He added: “For many visitors, players and local residents, the tournament is a unique sporting experience and an important moment in the winter season for the village.
The organizers appealed for calm, saying: “We ask all parties to respect the tournament, its participants and its visitors and ensure the event is safe and undisturbed for all involved. They also said they are coordinating with authorities: “The organization is in close contact with local authorities and relevant services to ensure the safety of players, visitors, staff and volunteers throughout the tournament.”
In a statement shared on X, Extinction Rebellion Nederland said: “Today we are blocking entry to the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee. The rebels will dump 2,025 kilos of coal, use locks and hang a banner: No chess on a dead planet.” 2025 is the year when Tata Steel was supposed to be climate neutral.
The group accused the company of harming local residents, saying: “Tata Steel hosts chess grandmasters while causing brain damage to children. The company is the largest emitter of lead in the Netherlands. Children in Wijk aan Zee grow up under toxic smoke. Lead is always harmful.”
Activists further claimed: “Tata Steel emits 11.3 megatons of CO per year, 8 percent of Dutch emissions. Real emissions are higher than the company reports. Social damage: more than one billion euros per year. Life expectancy in Wijk aan Zee: 2.5 months shorter.”
The group called the tournament “sportswashing” and said: “XR does not accept any sponsorship from fossil fuels. This event is part of Stop Fossil Advertising. Stop coal. Stop Tata Steel.”
Local authorities were monitoring the situation as organizers worked to resume play once access to the site was restored and security was ensured.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
January 17, 2026