I Aberto do Brasil de Xadrez Estado do Amapá 2026 will take place from July 8 – 12, 2026, in Macapá, Brazil. This is a chess tournament in Macapá, Brazil, in 2026.

The event brings a national-level open tournament to Amapá, one of Brazil’s most distinctive chess travel destinations. Moreover, the tournament gives players the chance to compete in a FIDE-rated and CBX-rated classical event.

In addition, the program includes a simultaneous exhibition with GM Darcy Lima before the main open. Therefore, players can enjoy both competitive chess and a special chess activity in Brazil’s “Middle of the World” capital.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Classical Format

Players receive 90 minutes for the game, plus a 30-second increment from move 1. However, if analog clocks are used, players receive 2 hours for the game.

The digital clock takes priority over the analog clock. Therefore, players should follow the digital time control whenever digital equipment is available.

Pairings and System

The tournament uses the Swiss System with 7 rounds. In addition, Swiss-Manager handles the pairings.

The event counts for both FIDE classical rating and CBX classical rating. As a result, Brazilian and international players can use the tournament for official rating development.

Tie-Breaks

The tie-break order is direct encounter, Buchholz with the worst result cut, total Buchholz, number of wins, and rating performance.

Therefore, every round can affect final ranking and prize positions. Players should also follow the Chess-Results page during the tournament for pairings, standings, and updates.

💰 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The total confirmed cash prize fund is R$12,000, approx. $2,450. The prize list includes open ranking prizes, women’s prizes, local prizes, rating prizes, age-category prizes, and awards for players aged 60 or older.

Prizes are not cumulative. Therefore, if a player qualifies for more than one prize, the event rules apply the relevant prize category.

Main Ranking Prizes

Women’s Prizes

Special Prizes

Age and rating-category prizes require at least two players in the category. In addition, the Amapá prize applies to players registered with CBX through Amapá.

🏆 Sections / Groups

Main Open

The event uses one main open section. Therefore, all eligible players compete in the same Swiss tournament.

Special Prize Groups

Simultaneous Exhibition

The program also includes a simultaneous exhibition with GM Darcy Lima on July 8. The simul has 20 places, including three places reserved by the organization.

As a result, early registration matters for players who want to join both the open tournament and the simultaneous exhibition.

📅 Schedule

Simultaneous Exhibition

Opening Day

Main Rounds

Round times on July 10 or July 11 may change only if the Brazilian national football team plays in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals on those dates.

📝 Registration

Registration Details

Players must complete registration through the online form and attach payment proof. In addition, every participant must keep their 2026 CBX annual fee valid before the event.

Entry Fees by Period

Discounts and Exemptions

The 50% discount for students, players with disabilities, and eligible young players applies up to 60 places. Therefore, players in these categories should register early.

🧑‍💼 Organizer

Federação de Xadrez do Amapá organizes the tournament with promotion by the Confederação Brasileira de Xadrez. As a result, the event helps bring Amapá into Brazil’s national chess calendar.

Moreover, the tournament aims to qualify at least nine players for the final of the 92nd Brazilian Absolute Chess Championship in December 2026. It also promotes chess exchange between Amapá players, Brazilian visitors, and international participants.

Phone: +55 96 99114 3457

📍 Venue

Playing Hall

Auditorium of Escola Estadual Dr. Coaracy Nunes — Av. Mendonça Júnior, 141, Central, Macapá, AP, 68900-020, Brazil

Venue Notes

The tournament takes place in the auditorium of Escola Estadual Dr. Coaracy Nunes. Therefore, players should use the school address when planning local arrival.

The venue sits in central Macapá. As a result, players can use nearby hotels and local services during the tournament days.

🏨 Accommodation

Official Hotel

Players should mention the chess event when contacting Hotel Norte. This can help the hotel identify the correct tournament group.

The hotel is close to the playing venue. Therefore, it may be a practical option for players who want to reduce local travel during the event.

✈️ How to Get There

Travel to Macapá

Macapá is the capital of Amapá in northern Brazil. Moreover, it is the only Brazilian state capital located on the Amazon River and crossed by the Equator.

Players traveling from other Brazilian states can reach Macapá by air and continue to the venue by taxi, rideshare, or local transport. In addition, players should allow enough time before the technical congress on July 9.

Local Planning

The schedule includes evening rounds, afternoon rounds, and morning rounds. Therefore, players should check each day’s starting time carefully.

Since the open tournament starts on July 9 and finishes on July 12, staying near the venue can make the tournament easier. This is especially useful during double-round days.

ℹ️ Other Information

Byes and Default Rules

Players may request a half-point bye only for Round 1. However, the request must reach the organizers by 12:00 on July 9, 2026.

For later rounds, players may request not to be paired, but they receive 0 points. In addition, a player who loses by forfeit and does not justify the absence within 15 minutes after the round ends leaves the tournament.

Appeals

The technical congress elects an Appeals Committee with a president, two full members, and two substitute members. Players must submit appeals in writing to the chief arbiter within 15 minutes after the relevant round ends.

The appeal fee is R$200. If the committee rules in favor of the player or considers a refund fair, the fee is returned.

Playing Hall Rules

Players may not carry mobile phones or other electronic communication devices in the playing area. However, a player may keep a switched-off phone inside a personal bag, subject to arbiter permission and event rules.

Players must bring a pen and keep their scoresheets correctly. Also, players may not leave the playing environment during a round without arbiter permission.

Alcohol and smoking are not allowed inside the playing area. Therefore, players should follow the venue rules carefully during all rounds.

Finally, the I Aberto do Brasil de Xadrez Estado do Amapá 2026 offers classical chess, official rating opportunities, national championship qualification paths, and a unique Amazon-region tournament setting in Macapá.