Craiova Grand Prix Rapid 2026 takes place on September 12–13, 2026, in Craiova, Romania. The tournament is the final stage of the Romania Grand Prix 2026 circuit and offers a 10-round rapid chess format at Sala Polivalentă Craiova.
This is a chess tournament in Craiova, Romania, in 2026. Players can compete in a FIDE-rated rapid chess tournament with a 15 minutes + 5 seconds time control and a major international prize fund.
The event gives players a compact weekend schedule, a strong Grand Prix atmosphere, and practical hotel options close to the playing hall. In addition, the tournament welcomes legitimate Romanian and foreign players with valid international player registration.
♟️ Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Tournament | Craiova Grand Prix Rapid 2026 |
| 📅 Dates | September 12–13, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Craiova, Romania |
| 🏛️ Venue | Sala Polivalentă Craiova, Strada Știrbei Vodă 32, Craiova, Romania |
| ♟️ Format | Rapid Swiss tournament |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE Rapid-rated |
| 🔢 Rounds | 10 rounds |
| ⏱️ Time control | 15 minutes + 5 seconds per move |
| 💰 Prize fund | €25,000, approximately $29,250 |
| 🔗 Chess-Results | https://s2.chess-results.com/tnr1284099.aspx?lan=1 |
| 📝 Registration | https://turnee.frsah.ro/join/craiova-grand-prix-rapid-2026-690370d3f6edee0010182a90/prepick |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Craiova Grand Prix Rapid 2026 uses a 10-round Swiss system. Each player receives 15 minutes for the game, plus a 5-second increment per move.
The tournament counts for FIDE Rapid rating calculation. Therefore, it offers a strong rapid chess tournament for players who want rated games, Grand Prix points, and a serious weekend competition.
The general ranking prizes follow the Hort system, based on the number of announced prizes. Prize payments go by bank transfer after the tournament.
💰 Prize Fund
The confirmed total prize fund is €25,000, approximately $29,250. The prize table uses Romanian lei, with approximately 5 RON equal to €1.
All prizes are taxable under the published tax rule. Players absent from the award ceremony receive a 20% reduction from their prize.
Overall Ranking Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st place | 15,000 RON |
| 2nd place | 10,000 RON |
| 3rd place | 7,500 RON |
| 4th place | 5,000 RON |
| 5th place | 4,500 RON |
| 6th place | 4,000 RON |
| 7th place | 3,500 RON |
| 8th place | 3,000 RON |
| 9th place | 2,500 RON |
| 10th place | 2,000 RON |
Elo Range Prizes
| Category | 1st place | 2nd place | 3rd place |
|---|---|---|---|
| Each listed Elo range | 3,500 RON | 2,000 RON | 1,000 RON |
The listed Elo ranges are 2301–2450, 2151–2300, 2001–2150, 1851–2000, 1701–1850, 1551–1700, 1402–1550, and 0–1401.
Women’s Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st place | 4,000 RON |
| 2nd place | 2,500 RON |
| 3rd place | 1,500 RON |
Players Aged 65+
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st place | 1,500 RON |
Top Local Player Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st place | 3,500 RON |
| 2nd place | 2,000 RON |
| 3rd place | 1,000 RON |
🧩 Sections / Groups
Craiova Grand Prix Rapid 2026 runs as one open international chess tournament.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main event | Open 10-round rapid tournament |
| Rating status | FIDE Rapid-rated |
| Circuit status | Final stage of the Romania Grand Prix 2026 |
| Player eligibility | Romanian and foreign players with valid international player registration |
| Special categories | Elo ranges, women players, players aged 65+, and local players |
The organizer offers special conditions to players rated above 2600 Elo.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, September 11, 2026 | Arrival of participants | |
| Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 16:30 | Opening ceremony and technical meeting |
| Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 17:00 | Rounds 1–4 |
| Sunday, September 13, 2026 | 10:00 | Rounds 5–7 |
| Sunday, September 13, 2026 | 15:00 | Rounds 8–10 |
| Sunday, September 13, 2026 | 18:30 | Closing ceremony |
📝 Registration
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Registration platform | https://turnee.frsah.ro/join/craiova-grand-prix-rapid-2026-690370d3f6edee0010182a90/prepick |
| Entry fee until August 29, 2026 | €50 |
| Entry fee from August 30 to September 7, 2026 | €60 |
| GM and WGM players | No entry fee |
| Last registration day | September 9, 2026 |
| Refund rule | The participation fee becomes non-refundable and non-transferable after September 8, 2026 |
| Payment method | Payment after invoice issue |
| Registration status | Registration becomes effective only after full invoice payment |
| Information email | craiovagp@frsah.ro |
After registration, players receive an invoice for the entry fee and any accommodation or meal expenses arranged through the organizers. The invoice includes the bank account details for payment.
🏛️ Organizer
The Romanian Chess Federation organizes Craiova Grand Prix Rapid 2026 as the final stage of the Romania Grand Prix circuit. The event brings competitive rapid chess to Craiova with strong prizes, Grand Prix value, and FIDE Rapid rating calculation.
Email: craiovagp@frsah.ro
📍 Venue
Sala Polivalentă Craiova, Strada Știrbei Vodă 32, Craiova, Romania
The tournament takes place at Sala Polivalentă Craiova, a major indoor sports and events venue in the city. Players should use the full Strada Știrbei Vodă address for navigation and plan arrival around the Saturday opening ceremony.
🏨 Accommodation
Hotel Prestige
| Room type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Single room | €66 per room per night |
| Double room | €72 per room per night |
Breakfast is included. The hotel is about 600 meters from the playing hall, and check-out is until 12:00. Places are limited, so players should arrange accommodation early.
🚆 How to Get There
Players should use Sala Polivalentă Craiova, Strada Știrbei Vodă 32, as the main navigation address.
Craiova can be reached by road, rail, and air connections from other Romanian cities. After arriving in the city, players can continue to the venue by taxi, local transport, or private transfer.
ℹ️ Other Information
Players may arrive on September 11, 2026.
All prizes are paid by bank transfer to the winners’ accounts within a maximum of 14 days after the tournament ends.
Players must follow an appropriate dress code during the competition. In addition, the Romania Grand Prix circuit rules apply to tournament conduct, photography, filming, and result validation.
Craiova Grand Prix Rapid 2026 offers a strong rapid chess weekend with major prizes, rating value, and a decisive Grand Prix finish in Romania.
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $29,250
Organizer
Federația Română de Șah is the national chess federation for Romania, based in Bucharest, Romania. It represents Romanian chess within FIDE and coordinates official competition standards nationwide. Moreover, the federation supports clubs, players, and regional structures through unified regulations and administration.
In addition, the federation oversees national championships and a broad calendar that includes FIDE-rated tournament events across Romania. It supports elite and grassroots competition in classical chess, while also recognizing rapid chess and blitz formats through approved events. Furthermore, it provides official guidance for tournament organizers and promotes consistent sporting standards.
Furthermore, Federația Română de Șah works to grow participation through national teams, development programs, and structured pathways for junior chess. As a result, players benefit from clear governance, reliable event frameworks, and international rating and title recognition.
Venue on the Map
Hotels Near the Venue
Find nearby accommodation for this tournament location.
