VIII Copa Energia Rapid & Blitz 2026 will take place on August 1 and 2, 2026, at Ginásio Esportivo Luís Eduardo Magalhães in Paulo Afonso, Bahia.
Moreover, the festival combines a nine-round blitz tournament at 3+2 and a nine-round rapid tournament at 12+5. Each event has separate pairings, standings and awards.
In addition, the organizer publishes a combined cash prize fund of R$7,000 / approx. $1,360, together with trophies, medals and gifts.
Meanwhile, students enrolled in Brazilian public schools can receive free entry after submitting the required proof, and the organizer also offers them Sunday lunch.
Therefore, players should complete the official form, verify their CBX and FIDE identification requirements and keep proof of registration.
🗓️ Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | August 1–2, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Paulo Afonso, Bahia, Brazil |
| ♟️ Formats | Rapid and Blitz |
| 🔢 Rounds | 9 in each tournament |
| ⏱️ Rapid Time Control | 12 minutes + 5 seconds per move |
| ⚡ Blitz Time Control | 3 minutes + 2 seconds per move |
| 👤 Organizer | Xadrez Zallio |
| 🌐 Chess-Results – Rapid | https://chess-results.com/tnr1408864.aspx?lan=1 |
| 🌐 Chess-Results – Blitz | https://chess-results.com/tnr1419272.aspx?lan=1 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The rapid competition consists of nine Swiss-system rounds at 12 minutes plus a 5-second increment from move one.
The associated blitz competition also has nine rounds and uses 3 minutes plus a 2-second increment.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Rapid | 9 rounds; 12 minutes + 5 seconds per move |
| Blitz | 9 rounds; 3 minutes + 2 seconds per move |
Moreover, players should check the published pairings before every round and report any discrepancy immediately. Therefore, each participant should arrive early enough to find the board, prepare the scoresheet when required and follow the arbiter’s instructions.
🏆 Prize Fund
The combined cash prize fund is R$7,000 / approx. $1,360. The organizer also provides trophies, medals and gifts under the published category structure.
♟️ Sections / Groups
The festival combines two independent tournaments with separate pairings and standings.
| Section | Information |
|---|---|
| III Copa Energia Blitz | August 1 |
| VIII Copa Energia Rapid | August 2 |
📝 Registration
In addition, players should retain their payment or registration confirmation and verify that the organizer has added their name to the official participant list.
Meanwhile, international players should check whether the tournament requires a FIDE ID, federation membership, visa documentation or other eligibility evidence.
👤 Organizer
| Organizer Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organizer | Associação de Xadrez do Sertão / Xadrez Zallio |
| Representative | Douglas Silva Oliveira |
| Chief Arbiter | Ewerton de Lima Trindade |
| associacaodexadrezdosertao@gmail.com | |
| Phone / WhatsApp | +55 75 99713-4223 |
📍 Venue
Ginásio Esportivo Luís Eduardo Magalhães – Avenida Apolônio Sales, Vila Poty, Paulo Afonso, Bahia 48603, Brazil
The municipal sports hall hosts both speed-chess events. As a result, participants use one playing venue for the complete weekend.
The hall provides a large indoor event space; however, players should still arrive early because the organizer completes nine rounds in each competition.
🚆 How to Get There
Paulo Afonso lies in northern Bahia and has regional air and road connections. Visitors can continue from the airport or intercity bus terminal by taxi or local transport.
The venue stands on Avenida Apolônio Sales in Vila Poty, so participants should use the full address for navigation.
| Travel Option | Practical Information |
|---|---|
| By Air | Use Paulo Afonso Airport when a suitable domestic connection is available. |
| By Bus | Intercity buses connect Paulo Afonso with regional cities; continue by taxi or local bus. |
| By Car | Use Avenida Apolônio Sales, Vila Poty, for navigation. |
| Local Arrival | Arrive before check-in because both events follow compact nine-round schedules. |
ℹ️ Other Information
The organizer applies the current FIDE Laws of Chess and the event-specific regulations. Moreover, participants should follow all arbiter instructions, fair-play requirements and venue rules.
In addition, players should recheck the official sources shortly before travel because the organizer may publish operational updates, room assignments or timetable adjustments.
Key Tournament Rules
| Rule | Information |
|---|---|
| Rapid | 9 rounds; 12 minutes + 5 seconds per move |
| Blitz | 9 rounds; 3 minutes + 2 seconds per move |
| Electronic Devices | Unauthorized devices are prohibited in the playing area |
| Appeal Deposit | R$300 |
| Equipment | The organizer supplies boards, pieces and clocks |
Official Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Federation Announcement | https://fbx.org.br/ |
| Official Registration Form | https://forms.gle/pys4EYFTgBKo2eRu9 |
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $1,360
Organizer
♟️ About the Organizer
Xadrez Zallio is a chess academy and licensed tournament organizer based in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The organization is registered with the Brazilian Chess Confederation under CBX Organizer ID 2902. Its work combines chess instruction, player development, tournament management, training activities, and the promotion of competitive chess throughout Bahia. The organization also operates under the name Academia Xadrez Zallio, providing chess classes for children, young players, and adults. Its programs are designed to develop calculation, strategic understanding, concentration, sporting discipline, and confidence through structured chess education.
🏆 Tournaments and Chess Events
Xadrez Zallio organizes and supports a broad range of over-the-board competitions, including scholastic events, regional championships, open tournaments, rapid and blitz competitions, and nationally or internationally rated events. Recent examples include the Circuito Baiano Estudantil, the Copa Energia de Xadrez Rápido, and tournaments organized in cooperation with the Federação Bahiana de Xadrez and the Confederação Brasileira de Xadrez. Xadrez Zallio has also participated in the organization of major competitions such as the Aberto do Brasil de Salvador and the Campeonato Regional Nordeste – Nordestão de Xadrez. Its responsibilities extend beyond publishing tournament announcements and may include regulations, registrations, venue logistics, technical coordination, pairing arrangements, rating submissions, and communication with players and officials.
🌱 Chess Education and Development
The organization is closely associated with CM Luciano de Souza Zallio, an experienced Brazilian player, chess instructor, arbiter, and organizer. Luciano holds the FIDE Candidate Master title and has represented Bahia in national competitions for many years. His competitive and organizational experience contributes to the academy’s practical approach to chess education and tournament preparation. Xadrez Zallio also supports professional development within the chess community. It has coordinated activities connected with organizer and arbiter education, including instruction in competition planning, regulations, Swiss-system pairings, tournament software, event logistics, and CBX and FIDE procedures. Through its combination of instruction and competition, the organization helps new players enter organized chess while giving experienced competitors access to professionally managed events. Its continued activity in Salvador and other cities contributes to the expansion of scholastic, recreational, and competitive chess throughout Bahia.
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