XXVI Sant Martí International Open 2026 will take place on July 13-21, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. This long-running summer event brings together titled players, experienced club competitors, ambitious juniors, and improving players for nine straight days of classical chess in the Sant Martí district.

This is a chess tournament in Barcelona, Spain, in 2026. The event features two Swiss groups, a classical time control, and a guaranteed cash prize fund. Therefore, it offers strong value for both higher-rated players aiming for a demanding field in Group A and lower-rated players seeking a competitive international open in Group B.

In addition, the tournament combines a city venue, clear section rules, and a well-developed prize structure. As a result, XXVI Sant Martí International Open 2026 stands out as one of the notable summer opens in Catalonia for players who want serious games, steady scheduling, and a respected local organizer.

🏁 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses a classical chess time control of 90 minutes for the full game with a 30-second increment from move one. Both groups follow the Dutch Swiss system over nine rounds. Consequently, players get a full competitive week with enough rounds to produce meaningful final standings.

Moreover, all playing sessions start at 4:30 PM. The organizers use Swiss Manager for pairings and standings, while the event applies clear tiebreak rules. First boards will also be broadcast online, which adds extra value for players and followers.

Players may take up to two zero-point byes if they inform the arbiters in advance during earlier playing sessions. However, a third bye means withdrawal from the tournament. In addition, a player who arrives more than one hour after the scheduled start loses the game.

🏆 Prize Fund

XXVI Sant Martí International Open 2026 offers a guaranteed prize fund of EUR 9,030. Group A carries the larger overall prizes, while Group B also offers a solid main prize list and several rating prizes. Therefore, the tournament rewards strong results across both sections.

In addition, the tournament awards trophies to the best woman, best Club d’Escacs Sant Martí player, best veteran over 60, and best U18 player in each group. Prize winners must attend the prize ceremony to collect their awards. Cash prizes are not shared between tied players, and players cannot combine a general prize with a rating prize.

♟️ Sections / Groups

The two-group structure gives stronger players a tougher field in Group A while keeping Group B suitable for a broader range of competitors. As a result, the event balances international ambition with wider accessibility.

📅 Schedule

The schedule runs across nine consecutive days. Therefore, players can settle into a clear daily rhythm from the opening round through the final prizegiving.

📝 Registration

The tournament accepts entries until the night before the first round, although early registration clearly helps. Moreover, the total field is limited to 350 players across both groups, so timely payment remains the safer option.

👤 Organizer

Club d’Escacs Sant Martí organizes this established Barcelona open and continues to run one of the area’s better-known summer chess events. In addition, the club combines international-level ambition with a practical local setup, which helps the event serve both strong titled players and a broad competitive field.

• Phone: +34 669 13 12 16
• Email: escacs@cesantmarti.com

📍 Venue

Centre Cívic Sant Martí, C/ Selva de Mar 215, 08020 Barcelona, Spain

The tournament takes place at the Centre Cívic Sant Martí in Barcelona. The venue is adapted for players with reduced mobility, and the playing rooms have climate control or air conditioning. Therefore, the site offers a practical and comfortable setting for a long multi-day tournament.

🚗 How to Get There

The venue is located in the Sant Martí district of Barcelona, so players can use the full street address for direct navigation before the first round. In addition, the city location makes daily travel easier for both local participants and visitors staying elsewhere in Barcelona.

XXVI Sant Martí International Open 2026 offers a strong classical format, two clearly defined groups, and a substantial prize fund for players who want serious summer chess in Barcelona.