Video: XR disrupts Tata Steel Chess Tournament, dumps 2,025 Kg of coal at the venue

The Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee was delayed Saturday after Extinction Rebellion activists blocked the venue and dumped coal at the entrance, organizers said. The tournament had been scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. at the community center De Moriaan. Extinction Rebellion confirmed that protesters had blocked the entrance and dumped 2,025 kilograms of coal.

A spokesperson for the tournament said demonstrators obstructed the entrances, but police restored access by 2:20 p.m. "We have good hope that we can start later today," the spokesperson said. Organizers had previously urged the activists not to disrupt the event.

The group said the action was meant to symbolize their rejection of fossil fuel sponsorship, citing Tata Steel’s lack of progress toward climate neutrality. A spokesperson for XR said, “No chess on a dead planet.” Footage from the protest showed activists beating drums at the entrance.

Organizers expressed concern for participants and spectators. "We hope the protesters take responsibility and act respectfully," they said. "Especially toward the hundreds of amateur players, emerging talents, and grandmasters competing, as well as the thousands of spectators."

The Tata Steel Chess Tournament began in 1938 as an internal company event for steelworkers and has since grown into an international competition.