Arad Grand Prix Classic 2026 runs from August 3-9, 2026 in Arad, Romania. This is a chess tournament in Arad, Romania, in 2026. The event takes place at Continental Forum Hotel Arad and forms one of the classical stops on the Romania Grand Prix circuit.

The festival uses two parallel classical sections. Tournament A is for players rated above 2000 FIDE, while Tournament B is for players rated below 2000. Moreover, both sections run over 9 rounds, although Tournament A uses a longer time control than Tournament B. The overall prize fund reaches EUR 36,000, which is approximately USD 41,461.

The week also includes several side events around the main competition. Therefore, players can combine the classical open with Fischer Random, bughouse, blitz, street chess, and other festival activities during the same stay in Arad.

📌 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses the Swiss system in both sections. Tournament A gives each player 90 minutes for 40 moves, then 15 more minutes to finish the game, plus a 30-second increment from move one. Meanwhile, Tournament B uses 75 minutes for 40 moves, then 15 more minutes, plus the same 30-second increment. As a result, both sections keep a serious classical structure, while the top group offers the longer pace.

Players may request two half-point byes in the first five rounds. In addition, a round-one bye is possible only after the entry fee has been paid. The main standings use the Hort system for prize distribution, and the organizer awards prize money by bank transfer within a maximum of 14 days after the tournament.

🏆 Prize Fund

The total prize fund is EUR 36,000, but the detailed awards are published in RON. Tournament A carries the larger top prizes, while Tournament B adds a strong secondary prize structure with several rating-based categories. Women’s prizes, 65+ prizes, and local-player prizes also expand the competitive field.

Tournament A

Tournament B

Prize money in Romania is taxable at 10% of the amount above EUR 120. However, the event states that foreign players receive the full prize amount and then handle any tax duties in their country of residence. Players who miss the prize ceremony lose 20% of their prize money.

👥 Sections / Groups

The Arad Grand Prix Classic is split into two main sections. Therefore, the event serves both stronger international players and ambitious club players inside the same venue and schedule.

Tournament A also gives the organizer room to offer special conditions to players rated above 2600 Elo. Consequently, the top section can attract a stronger field while still keeping the overall structure straightforward.

🗓️ Schedule

The main tournament starts on August 3 with the opening ceremony and technical meeting, then continues through 9 rounds until the final round on August 9. Two morning rounds are scheduled on August 4 and August 6, while the remaining main rounds begin in the afternoon.

The side-event program adds extra activity during the week. Moreover, it includes Fischer Random, Bughouse, a FIDE-rated blitz, street chess pairs, football, table tennis, and a pub chess quiz.

📝 Registration

Registration is handled exclusively through the Romanian Chess Federation platform. After registration, players receive an invoice that covers the entry fee and, when needed, accommodation or meal expenses. Registration becomes valid only after full payment of that invoice.

Tournament A Entry Fees

Tournament B Entry Fees

If a player has already paid the entry fee but cannot attend, the organizer refunds the full fee when the player has not booked accommodation and gives notice at least 24 hours before the start. However, when the player has booked accommodation, the organizer keeps an amount equal to one night before refunding the balance.

🏢 Organizer

The Romanian Chess Federation organizes the Arad Grand Prix Classic as part of the Romania Grand Prix circuit. The event uses the federation’s official tournament platform for entries, invoices, and player registration.

Email: aradgp@frsah.ro
Website: https://www.romaniagp.ro/events/arad/

📍 Venue

Continental Forum Hotel Arad, Revolutiei Boulevard 79-81, Arad 310130, Romania

The tournament takes place inside one of Arad’s main central hotels. Official room offers for players start at EUR 72 for a standard single room and EUR 84 for a standard double, both with breakfast included. Deluxe and triple options are also available, and reservations go through the organizer after full payment. Because the event hall and hotel are in the same property, the setup is especially practical for players who want to stay on site throughout the week.

🚆 How to Get There

The hotel sits on Revolutiei Boulevard in central Arad. It is about 5 km from Arad Airport, about 3 km from the train station, and about 50 km from the Hungarian border. Therefore, the venue works well for both domestic travel and international arrivals from western Romania or nearby Hungary.

This Arad stop is a strong choice for players who want a high-value classical tournament with two sections, a central hotel venue, and a full week of chess activity.