35th Trofeul Litoralului International Chess Festival 2026 will take place on June 21–30, 2026 in Mamaia, Romania. This is a chess tournament in Mamaia, Romania, in 2026, and it brings together a classical international chess festival with four main sections and a planned blitz event by categories. The festival combines one open tournament with three youth sections, so it offers competitive opportunities for both experienced players and young talents.

Unlike a standard single-section event, 35th Trofeul Litoralului International Chess Festival 2026 divides the competition into an Open General section plus U12, U10, and U8 tournaments. Moreover, all four main events use a 9-round Swiss format, while the top section follows a longer classical time control and the youth groups use a faster but still serious standard pace.

The Black Sea setting also adds strong appeal to the festival. In addition, the organizers combine the playing venue and accommodation options in Mamaia, which makes the event practical for visiting players who want a full tournament stay in one location.

📌 Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The published prize structure for 35th Trofeul Litoralului International Chess Festival 2026 totals about RON 28,050, which is approximately USD 6,360 at current reference rates. However, the organizers note that the prizes in Tournament A are calculated for 80 participants, while the prizes in Tournaments B, C, and D are calculated for 40 participants in each event. In addition, all prizes are net and not cumulative.

⏰ Time Control & Pairings

The festival uses a 9-round Swiss format in all four main tournaments. The Open A section uses 90 minutes for the whole game plus a 30-second increment from move one, while the U12, U10, and U8 events use 60 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. As a result, the event offers a more demanding classical rhythm in the open section and a practical standard format for junior players.

The organizers also allow two draw byes in the first four rounds. However, a first-round bye is available only for players who pay the participation fee in advance. In addition, a blitz competition by categories is planned, while the exact playing day will be determined during the technical meeting.

📂 Sections / Groups

🗓️ Schedule

📝 Registration

👤 Organizer

Clubul Sportiv Tinerii Maeștri București organizes this long-running Black Sea chess festival and coordinates both the playing program and the accommodation packages in Mamaia. Moreover, the event keeps a practical format for players who want one venue, one schedule, and a full tournament week by the sea.

• Email: lili_cristian2000@yahoo.com
• Phone: +40 723 309101

📍 Venue

Hotel Orfeu, Mamaia, Romania

Hotel Orfeu serves as the official playing venue for the festival. The organizers hold the games at the hotel, and player presentation also starts at the hotel reception from June 21. Consequently, the event offers a simple stay-and-play structure throughout the tournament week.

🏨 Accommodation

The organizers offer official accommodation packages in Hotel Orfeu and also in Hotel Amiral and Hotel Comandor. Moreover, breakfast is included in the published room rates, while places are limited and early booking is important.

🚗 How to Get There

Hotel Orfeu is located on the Black Sea shore in Mamaia. The hotel area is about 11 km from the railway station, which is roughly 20 minutes by taxi or car, and about 35 km from the airport, which is around 40 minutes by taxi or car. In addition, the hotel information lists a direct public transport connection by minibus line 23, so players have several practical arrival options.

35th Trofeul Litoralului International Chess Festival 2026 is a strong choice for players who want a full classical chess week, a seaside setting, and a well-structured tournament stay in Mamaia.