30th International Chess Tournament of Créon – Masters runs from July 27 to August 2, 2026 in Créon, France. This is a chess tournament in Créon, France, in 2026. The Masters event takes place at Salle Omnisports Ulli Senger and brings a full week of classical over-the-board chess to the Gironde region.

This Masters section uses a 9-round Swiss format with a 90 minutes for 40 moves, then 30 minutes to finish, plus a 30-second increment from move one time control. In addition, the event uses the September 2026 FIDE list and Haley pairings, so it fits the profile of a serious summer classical tournament for experienced players.

The tournament also keeps a clear competitive identity. The Masters section is reserved for players rated above 1750 Elo, while a separate lower-rated event runs alongside it within the wider Créon festival. Moreover, the Masters section lists a first prize of EUR 2,000, which is approximately USD 2,308.

📌 Event Details

The main tournament details are below.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The Masters event uses an accelerated Swiss system with Haley pairings. Every player receives 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, then 30 more minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment from move one. Therefore, the tournament offers a full classical format rather than a compact weekend structure.

The playing field also follows a clear rating rule. The Masters section is intended for players with an Elo rating above 1750. As a result, the tournament targets stronger club players, titled players, and ambitious juniors who want a demanding classical event in western France.

🏆 Prize Fund

The Masters section advertises a first prize of EUR 2,000, which is approximately USD 2,308. That headline prize gives the event strong competitive value in the main section and adds extra weight to the week-long format.

👥 Sections / Groups

This page covers the Masters section of the Créon international tournament. The Masters field is reserved for players rated above 1750 Elo. Meanwhile, the wider festival also includes the Raoul Lorioux tournament for lower-rated players and an invitational closed event on a separate track.

🗓️ Schedule

The week follows a steady classical rhythm. First, players check in on Monday morning. Then round 1 starts on Monday afternoon. After that, the event mixes single-round and double-round days before the final round and prize ceremony on Sunday.

📝 Registration

The registration structure is straightforward. Adult players pay one fee, while youth players receive a reduced rate. In addition, the late fee starts on July 25, 2026, so early registration remains the better option.

🏢 Organizer

Échiquier Club Créonnais manages the Créon international tournament and handles local organization for the Masters section. The club also supports player logistics around arrival and departure days, which helps visiting participants plan a smoother trip to Créon.

Phone: +33 6 60 62 10 13
Email: contact@creon-echecs.fr

📍 Venue

Salle Omnisports Ulli Senger, 1 Chemin de la Douve, 33670 Créon, France

The playing hall sits close to the center of Créon, so players can reach it easily on foot, by bike, or by car. In addition, the hall uses a ventilation system and a green roof, which gives the venue a practical setup for a full summer tournament week.

🚆 How to Get There

Créon is about 39 km from Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport and about 24 km from Bordeaux Saint-Jean railway station. Therefore, most visiting players can reach the venue quickly from Bordeaux by car. In addition, transfer help is available on request for arrival and departure days, which makes travel easier for players coming from outside the region.

This Créon Masters tournament is a strong choice for players who want a serious classical week, a proven French summer venue, and a focused Masters field.