The 2026 World U7, U17 Chess Championships concluded in Roquetas de Mar, Spain, with Kazakhstan establishing itself as a powerhouse in youth chess. Over 11 rounds of competition, the Central Asian nation secured numerous medals across the 12 age and gender categories. The tournament drew 721 young players from 82 countries to the Evenia Zoraida Hotel Resort, creating an international gathering unified by passion for the game.

The closing ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of all competitors with music and dance from the Duende Andaluz flamenco group. More than 1,000 players and guests attended the festivities, which included remarks from officials and dignitaries representing chess organizations across Europe and beyond. The event honored Spain's continuing role on the international chess calendar, with plans announced for future championships in the same location.

Kazakhstani players claimed gold in multiple youth categories. In Girls U7, Leila Aldazharova scored 9 out of 11 to edge out Canadian competitor Echo Heming Fang, who finished third. Makar Chernyshov won the Open U7 section with the same 9/11 score. The Girls U11 category saw WCM Milana Filippova record a perfect 11/11, defeating every opponent across the eleven rounds in a dominant performance.

Kazakhstan's strength extended into the older age groups as well. In Open U11, CM Amirzhan Anetov captured gold after a decisive final surge, winning his last four games consecutively. IM Danis Kuandykuly of Kazakhstan dominated Open U13 with 10.5/11, finishing a full point and a half ahead of his nearest challenger. The nation also claimed additional medals through Rauan Bakhyt in Open U11 and Alimzhan Zhauynbay in Open U13.

Other notable results came from competitors across the globe. Ukraine's Myron Netrebka claimed Open U9 gold with 9.5/11, while Mongolia's WCM Batkhishigt Enkhnamuun won Girls U15. Uzbekistan secured both top medals in Girls U13, with WCM Lazizabonu Komiljonova and WFM Sarvinoz Begmuratova taking gold and silver respectively. Egypt's IM Abdalrahman Sameh Mohamed earned silver in Open U13, demonstrating competitive strength from nations beyond Europe and Central Asia.