Mémorial Luc Winants – Première édition
The Mémorial Luc Winants – Première édition takes place on May 9, 2026, in Machelen, Belgium. This is a chess tournament in Machelen, Belgium, in 2026.
It is a one-day rapid chess tournament with 9 Swiss rounds. The event uses a 10-minute time control with a 5-second increment, so the games move quickly while still allowing real fighting play.
Qb4 organizes the tournament at the Hôtel Van der Valk Brussels Airport. In addition, the event honors Belgian grandmaster Luc Winants and welcomes a large field of up to 200 players in a venue close to Brussels Airport.
🏁 Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | May 9, 2026 |
| Location | Machelen, Belgium |
| Format | Open rapid tournament, 9-round Swiss system |
| Time control | 10 minutes + 5 seconds per move |
| Rating | FIDE Rapid rated |
| Sections | 1 open section |
| Prize fund | EUR 20,000 (approx. USD 23,368) |
| Capacity | 200 players |
| Special title | The Francophonie Rapid Championship 2026 title goes to the highest-ranked eligible francophone player |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses a 9-round Swiss system. Each player gets 10 minutes plus a 5-second increment from move one. Therefore, the format stays sharp throughout the day.
The event is FIDE rated. Moreover, the published prize rules state that prizes are not cumulative, prizes are not split, and tied players are separated by a playoff to produce a unique final ranking.
💰 Prize Fund
The confirmed total prize fund is EUR 20,000 (approx. USD 23,368).
♟️ Sections / Groups
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Open | Single open rapid section for the full field |
| Special categories | Additional category prizes are offered for women, older players, junior players, and rating groups |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| May 9, 2026 | 10:00-18:00 | Tournament day, 9 Swiss rounds |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | EUR 40 per player |
| Title-holder concession | GM, IM, WGM, and WIM enter free |
| Included in entry | Tournament entry, lunch, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks |
| Capacity | Limited to 200 players |
| Registration status | Waiting list only |
👤 Organizer
Qb4 organizes this first edition in tribute to Luc Winants, one of the leading figures in Belgian chess. The event also brings together several Belgian chess partners and supporters, which gives the day a strong and visible tournament framework.
📍 Venue
Hôtel Van der Valk Brussels Airport, Culliganlaan 4b, 1831 Machelen, Belgium
The venue sits very close to Brussels Airport and offers a practical hotel setting for a full day of rapid chess. It also provides free parking, which makes arrival easier for players coming by car.
🚗 How to Get There
Use Culliganlaan 4b, 1831 Machelen, in your navigation. The hotel is only a few minutes from Brussels Airport, and public transport is also easily available.
It is a strong one-day rapid event for players who want a major rated tournament near Brussels.
