22nd International Chess Festival “Pearl of the Baltic” Łazy 2026 will take place on June 27-July 6, 2026 in Łazy, Poland. This is a chess tournament in Łazy, Poland, in 2026, and it combines a classical international chess festival with four sections, a children’s chess camp, and several side events by the Baltic coast.

Unlike a standard single-section open, 22nd International Chess Festival “Pearl of the Baltic” Łazy 2026 offers Open A, Open B, Open C, and Open D, so it suits stronger FIDE-rated players, club competitors, seniors, and young children. Moreover, the festival uses a 9-round classical format with 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move, which gives players a serious long-play structure throughout the week.

The seaside setting also adds strong festival value. In addition, the event combines chess, accommodation, meals, training sessions, rapid and blitz side tournaments, and social activities in one holiday-style location. As a result, 22nd International Chess Festival “Pearl of the Baltic” Łazy 2026 stands out as one of the most complete summer chess festivals in Poland.

📌 Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The confirmed total cash prize fund for 22nd International Chess Festival “Pearl of the Baltic” Łazy 2026 is over PLN 30,000, and the published prize table totals PLN 30,200, which is approximately USD 8,160. Therefore, the festival offers a strong reward structure across the three main cash-prize sections. In addition, Open D awards trophies, gifts, and participation presents rather than cash prizes.

The organizers do not split prizes. Moreover, each player may receive a maximum of two prizes, including only one special prize.

⏰ Time Control & Pairings

The festival uses 90 minutes for the whole game plus a 30-second increment from move one. As a result, the event clearly belongs to the classical chess category and gives players enough time for serious tournament play.

The organizers divide the festival into four sections. Open A is for players with FIDE above 1800, Open B is for players with FIDE up to 1800 or without Elo, Open C is for seniors aged 50 and above, and Open D is for children born in 2016 or later. In addition, players may request a half-point bye in rounds 1 to 5, and the festival plans live transmission from the top boards in Open A, Open B, and Open C.

📂 Sections / Groups

🗓️ Schedule

📝 Registration

The organizers also run a children’s chess camp and training package during the festival. The training package costs PLN 150 for six chess sessions, while the full camp costs PLN 2,000 and includes chess and sports activities, supervision, accommodation, meals, insurance, a festival T-shirt, and participation in the tournament.

👤 Organizer

KSz Hetman Koszalin and the West Pomeranian Chess Federation organize the festival and coordinate tournament operations in Łazy. Moreover, the event combines competitive chess with a broader holiday and training program, so the organizational model goes beyond a standard open tournament.

• Email: turnieje.hetman@gmail.com
• Phone: +48 517 216 317

📍 Venue

Ośrodek Wczasowy “Bryza”, ul. Wąska 2, 76-032 Łazy, Poland

Ośrodek Wczasowy Bryza serves as the main playing venue for the festival. The tournament takes place in the holiday resort itself, which helps keep chess, accommodation, meals, and side activities in one practical location.

🏨 Accommodation

The organizers offer several official stay options with meals included. Therefore, players can choose between the main tournament center and nearby upgraded accommodation.

The main Bryza package includes 2-, 3-, and 4-person studio rooms with buffet-style meals. Meanwhile, Fala 1 offers a higher standard in double rooms, and Diana provides rooms or cottages with individual pricing.

🚗 How to Get There

Łazy is a seaside resort near Koszalin in northwestern Poland. Therefore, the most practical long-distance arrival point is Koszalin, followed by a short local transfer to Łazy. Players staying in the official festival accommodation can then complete the whole event on site without daily commuting.

22nd International Chess Festival “Pearl of the Baltic” Łazy 2026 is a strong choice for players who want serious classical chess, a seaside summer atmosphere, and a full festival week in one location.