XIX. Prémium International Chess Tournament takes place from May 15-17, 2026 in Budapest, Hungary. This is a chess tournament in Budapest, Hungary, in 2026. The event features two sections, six rounds, and a full classical chess tournament format with a time control of 70 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. Buena Kitchen and Bar, Agora Menza conference hall in Agora Tower hosts the competition, and the tournament offers a confirmed cash prize fund of about USD 1,100.
Moreover, this chess tournament in Budapest gives players a practical three-day weekend event in a well-connected part of the city near Göncz Árpád városközpont. In addition, the XIX. Prémium International Chess Tournament combines two clear rating groups, included meals, and a bright city-center playing venue. As a result, this chess event in Budapest is an appealing option for club players, improving competitors, and experienced tournament players who want a compact FIDE rated chess tournament in Hungary.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | May 15-17, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Budapest, Hungary |
| ♟️ Format | 6-round Swiss tournament |
| 📂 Sections | A Group, B Group |
| ⏱️ Time control | 70 minutes + 30-second increment from move 1 |
| 💳 Entry fee | A Group: HUF 12,000 above 2100 Elo, HUF 14,000 for 1800-2099; B Group: HUF 14,000 below 1800, HUF 15,000 for unrated players |
| 💰 Prize fund | USD 1,100 (approx.) |
| 👤 Eligibility | A Group: above 1800 rating; B Group: below 1800 rating |
| 👥 Capacity | 100 players |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Entry fee includes Friday dinner and Saturday lunch |
🏆 Prize Fund
The total confirmed cash prize fund is HUF 400,000. The published prize fund is guaranteed with at least 80 participants. Category prizes are awarded only if at least three players compete in the relevant category. Each player may receive only one prize.
| Section | Cash prizes |
|---|---|
| A Group | 1st HUF 80,000; 2nd HUF 50,000; 3rd HUF 40,000; 4th HUF 20,000 |
| B Group | 1st HUF 60,000; 2nd HUF 40,000; 3rd HUF 30,000; 4th HUF 20,000; 5th HUF 15,000 |
In addition, the event awards non-cash prizes to the best non-prize-winning woman, the best non-prize-winning senior aged 60 and above, and the best non-prize-winning junior under 18. Prize money is subject to tax and related deductions. The award ceremony takes place immediately after the final round on Sunday.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Both sections use a 6-round Swiss system under current FIDE rules. Each player receives 70 minutes for the full game plus a 30-second increment from move one. Therefore, the event follows a compact classical chess tournament structure across three days.
In addition, the waiting time in both groups is 30 minutes from the scheduled start of the round. Players must hold a valid 2026 competition license, while foreign players need a valid Hungarian Playing License. Lower-rated players may enter the higher group only with special organizer approval, a HUF 3,000 surcharge, and at most a 100-point Elo gap from the lower limit of the higher section.
The published tie-break order is Buchholz Cut 1, full Buchholz, and Progressive score.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A Group | Above 1800 | Top section |
| B Group | Below 1800 | Lower section; unrated players may enter |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 15, 2026 | Friday | 2:00 PM-2:50 PM | Registration |
| May 15, 2026 | Friday | 2:55 PM | Opening ceremony |
| May 15, 2026 | Friday | 3:00 PM | Round 1 |
| May 15, 2026 | Friday | Around 6:30 PM | Dinner |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | 9:00 AM | Round 2 |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | Around 12:30 PM | Lunch |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | 1:30 PM | Round 3 |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | 5:30 PM | Round 4 |
| May 17, 2026 | Sunday | 9:00 AM | Round 5 |
| May 17, 2026 | Sunday | 1:00 PM | Round 6 |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to register | Register by email |
| Deadline | May 14, 2026 at midnight |
| Payment | Entry fee is paid on site on the opening day between 2:00 PM and 2:50 PM |
| On-site registration | Not expected due to likely full capacity |
| Capacity | Maximum 100 players, approximately 50 in each group |
| Membership | Valid 2026 competition license required |
| Foreign player requirement | Hungarian Playing License required for foreign players |
| Included meals | Friday dinner and Saturday lunch are included in the entry fee |
| Special note | Late applicants are placed on a waiting list and admission depends on cancellations and organizer decision |
👥 Organizer
The tournament is directed by Jeszenszky József and organized as a premium Budapest weekend event with two balanced groups and one central playing venue. In addition, the organizer manages player registration, group assignments, and event coordination for the full tournament.
-
Email: sporty207@gmail.com
-
Phone: +36 30 640 3361
-
Website: https://www.buenakitchenandbar.hu
🏨 Venue
Buena Kitchen and Bar, Agora Menza conference hall, Agora Tower, Váci út 116-118, 1138 Budapest, Hungary
The tournament takes place in the conference hall of Buena Kitchen and Bar, Agora Menza, inside Agora Tower in Budapest’s 13th district. Moreover, the venue offers a bright and comfortable playing environment for both sections. The city location also makes the event practical for players coming from different parts of Budapest.
🚗 How to Get There
The venue is located near Göncz Árpád városközpont. In addition, players can reach it by the 26, 34, and 106 bus lines, the 1 and 1A trams, and the M3 metro. Therefore, the playing hall is easy to access from multiple directions across the city.
🧾 Other
Players may keep mobile phones and other communication-capable devices only in switched-off condition. In addition, if a player brings such a device to the tournament area, it may be placed in a small box behind the arbiter’s table and accessed only with arbiter permission.
The tournament area includes the foyer, restrooms, and smoking areas. Therefore, a player may leave that area during an ongoing game only with arbiter permission. Smoking is strictly forbidden inside the building, and any violation leads to immediate exclusion from the tournament.
Enjoy a competitive weekend in Budapest and take part in a well-organized rated chess event with two clear sections and a convenient city venue.
Additional Details
Prize Fund - $1,100
Organizer
Wellness Chess Tour is a Hungary-based tournament organizer that runs a well-known international chess Grand Prix series. Today, it combines competitive over-the-board chess with practical travel planning. Over the years, Wellness Chess Tour has built repeat participation from players across Central Europe. As a result, the brand is closely associated with reliable scheduling and clear event operations.
Moreover, Wellness Chess Tour organizes Wellness Chess Tour GP6 as one of its key seasonal stations. The series typically features FIDE-rated classical chess with multiple sections and transparent regulations. In addition, the organizer emphasizes consistent playing conditions, punctual round starts, and well-defined registration steps, so participants can focus on preparation, energy management, and performance across the full schedule. Therefore, Wellness Chess Tour GP events appeal to players who value both serious chess and predictable logistics.
At the same time, Wellness Chess Tour aims to deliver a friendly tournament atmosphere for competitors and accompanying guests. Consequently, many participants treat the event as both a chess challenge and a social weekend. In addition, the organizer highlights hospitality, fair play, and straightforward communication, which reduces uncertainty before arrival and supports smooth on-site coordination for everyone involved. Furthermore, Wellness Chess Tour in Hungary remains committed to professional organization and a stable player experience from station to station.
