European Rapid, Blitz and Fischer Random (Chess960) Chess Championships 2026
European Rapid, Blitz and Fischer Random (Chess960) Chess Championships 2026 take place from December 4 to December 9, 2026 in Portimão, Algarve, Portugal. Competitive play runs from December 5 to December 8 at Portimão Arena.
The festival brings together three separate European individual championships. The programme starts with the 11-round European Rapid Championship, followed by the 13-round European Blitz Championship and the 9-round European Fischer Random (Chess960) Championship.
The championships form part of the 100th anniversary celebrations of the Portuguese Chess Federation. Moreover, the organizer guarantees a combined €40,000 prize fund, while participation is open to eligible players from ECU member federations without rating or title restrictions.
♟️ Event Details
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Overall Dates | December 4–9, 2026 |
| 🎯 Competition Dates | December 5–8, 2026 |
| 🌍 City / Country | Portimão, Algarve, Portugal |
| 📍 Venue | Portimão Arena – Parque de Feiras e Exposições de Portimão, Caldeira do Moinho, 8500-726 Portimão, Portugal |
| ♟️ Formats | Rapid, Blitz and Fischer Random (Chess960) |
| 🔢 Rounds | Rapid: 11; Blitz: 13; Chess960: 9 |
| 🧩 System | Swiss system |
| 💰 Total Prize Fund | €40,000 – approx. $46,550 |
| 👥 Eligibility | Players from ECU member federations |
| 👤 Tournament Director | IO Dominic Cross |
| 👨⚖️ Chief Arbiter | To be appointed by the European Chess Union |
| 👥 Technical Organizer | Portuguese Chess Federation |
| 🏛️ Governing Body | European Chess Union |
| 📝 Registration Deadline | November 5, 2026 |
Chess-Results – Rapid:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1488434.aspx?lan=1
Chess-Results – Blitz:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1488436.aspx?lan=1
Chess-Results – Fischer Random:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1488432.aspx?lan=1
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
⚡ European Rapid Chess Championship
| Tournament Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | December 5–6 |
| 🔢 Rounds | 11 |
| 🧩 System | Swiss |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 15 minutes + 10 seconds per move |
| ➕ Increment | 10 seconds from move 1 |
| 📊 Rating | International rating calculation |
| 🆔 FIDE Event ID | 496755 |
Chess-Results:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1488434.aspx?lan=1
🔥 European Blitz Chess Championship
| Tournament Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | December 7 |
| 🔢 Rounds | 13 |
| 🧩 System | Swiss |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 3 minutes + 2 seconds per move |
| ➕ Increment | 2 seconds from move 1 |
| 📊 Rating | International rating calculation |
| 🆔 FIDE Event ID | 496756 |
Chess-Results:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1488436.aspx?lan=1
♞ European Fischer Random (Chess960) Chess Championship
| Tournament Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | December 8 |
| 🔢 Rounds | 9 |
| 🧩 System | Swiss |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 10 minutes + 5 seconds per move |
| ➕ Increment | 5 seconds from move 1 |
| ♟️ Variant | Fischer Random / Chess960 |
Chess-Results:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1488432.aspx?lan=1
The championships are played according to the relevant ECU Tournament Rules, FIDE regulations, FIDE Code of Ethics and ECU/FIDE anti-cheating regulations.
🏆 Prize Fund
The total guaranteed prize fund is:
€40,000 – approximately $46,550
Prize Fund by Championship
| Championship | Prize Fund |
|---|---|
| Rapid | €20,000 – approx. $23,280 |
| Blitz | €12,500 – approx. $14,550 |
| Fischer Random | €7,500 – approx. $8,730 |
A player may receive only one cash prize, whether main or special. If more than one award applies, the highest available prize is awarded.
Main prizes among tied players are shared according to the Hort system. Special prizes are not shared and are decided according to the applicable tie-break criteria.
Prizes above €200 are paid by bank transfer. Smaller prizes are paid during the championships.
⚡ Rapid – Main Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | €5,000 – approx. $5,820 |
| 2nd | €3,000 – approx. $3,500 |
| 3rd | €2,000 – approx. $2,330 |
| 4th | €1,000 – approx. $1,170 |
| 5th | €750 – approx. $880 |
| 6th | €750 – approx. $880 |
| 7th | €500 – approx. $590 |
| 8th | €500 – approx. $590 |
| 9th | €500 – approx. $590 |
| 10th | €500 – approx. $590 |
| 11th | €400 – approx. $470 |
| 12th | €400 – approx. $470 |
| 13th | €400 – approx. $470 |
| 14th | €300 – approx. $350 |
| 15th | €300 – approx. $350 |
🔥 Blitz – Main Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | €2,500 – approx. $2,910 |
| 2nd | €1,500 – approx. $1,750 |
| 3rd | €1,000 – approx. $1,170 |
| 4th | €750 – approx. $880 |
| 5th | €600 – approx. $700 |
| 6th | €500 – approx. $590 |
| 7th | €500 – approx. $590 |
| 8th | €400 – approx. $470 |
| 9th | €400 – approx. $470 |
| 10th | €300 – approx. $350 |
| 11th | €300 – approx. $350 |
| 12th | €300 – approx. $350 |
| 13th | €300 – approx. $350 |
| 14th | €200 – approx. $240 |
| 15th | €200 – approx. $240 |
♞ Fischer Random – Main Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | €1,500 – approx. $1,750 |
| 2nd | €1,000 – approx. $1,170 |
| 3rd | €750 – approx. $880 |
| 4th | €500 – approx. $590 |
| 5th | €400 – approx. $470 |
| 6th | €350 – approx. $410 |
| 7th | €300 – approx. $350 |
| 8th | €250 – approx. $300 |
| 9th | €200 – approx. $240 |
| 10th | €200 – approx. $240 |
| 11th–15th | €100 each – approx. $120 each |
⭐ Rapid – Special Prizes
| Category / Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| U2300 – 1st | €300 – approx. $350 |
| U2300 – 2nd | €200 – approx. $240 |
| U2300 – 3rd | €100 – approx. $120 |
| U2000 – 1st | €300 – approx. $350 |
| U2000 – 2nd | €200 – approx. $240 |
| U2000 – 3rd | €100 – approx. $120 |
| U1700 – 1st | €300 – approx. $350 |
| U1700 – 2nd | €200 – approx. $240 |
| U1700 – 3rd | €100 – approx. $120 |
| Best Female – 1st | €500 – approx. $590 |
| Best Female – 2nd | €400 – approx. $470 |
| Best Female – 3rd | €300 – approx. $350 |
| Best Algarve Resident | €100 – approx. $120 |
| Best Player born 2006–2009 | €100 – approx. $120 |
| Best Player born 2010–2013 | €100 – approx. $120 |
| Best Player born 2014 or later | €100 – approx. $120 |
| Best Portuguese Player | €200 – approx. $240 |
| Best Portuguese Female | €100 – approx. $120 |
⭐ Blitz – Special Prizes
| Category / Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| U2300 – 1st | €250 – approx. $300 |
| U2300 – 2nd | €150 – approx. $180 |
| U2300 – 3rd | €75 – approx. $90 |
| U2000 – 1st | €250 – approx. $300 |
| U2000 – 2nd | €150 – approx. $180 |
| U2000 – 3rd | €75 – approx. $90 |
| U1700 – 1st | €250 – approx. $300 |
| U1700 – 2nd | €150 – approx. $180 |
| U1700 – 3rd | €75 – approx. $90 |
| Best Female – 1st | €350 – approx. $410 |
| Best Female – 2nd | €250 – approx. $300 |
| Best Female – 3rd | €150 – approx. $180 |
| Best Algarve Resident | €75 – approx. $90 |
| Best Player born 2006–2009 | €75 – approx. $90 |
| Best Player born 2010–2013 | €75 – approx. $90 |
| Best Player born 2014 or later | €75 – approx. $90 |
| Best Portuguese Player | €200 – approx. $240 |
| Best Portuguese Female | €75 – approx. $90 |
⭐ Fischer Random – Special Prizes
| Category / Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| U2300 – 1st | €150 – approx. $180 |
| U2300 – 2nd | €100 – approx. $120 |
| U2300 – 3rd | €50 – approx. $60 |
| U2000 – 1st | €150 – approx. $180 |
| U2000 – 2nd | €100 – approx. $120 |
| U2000 – 3rd | €50 – approx. $60 |
| U1700 – 1st | €150 – approx. $180 |
| U1700 – 2nd | €100 – approx. $120 |
| U1700 – 3rd | €50 – approx. $60 |
| Best Female – 1st | €150 – approx. $180 |
| Best Female – 2nd | €100 – approx. $120 |
| Best Female – 3rd | €50 – approx. $60 |
| Best Algarve Resident | €50 – approx. $60 |
| Best Player born 2006–2009 | €50 – approx. $60 |
| Best Player born 2010–2013 | €50 – approx. $60 |
| Best Player born 2014 or later | €50 – approx. $60 |
| Best Portuguese Player | €100 – approx. $120 |
| Best Portuguese Female | €50 – approx. $60 |
🧩 Sections / Groups
The event consists of three independent European individual championships.
⚡ European Rapid Championship
December 5–6, 2026
Eleven rounds at 15+10.
🔥 European Blitz Championship
December 7, 2026
Thirteen rounds at 3+2.
♞ European Fischer Random (Chess960) Championship
December 8, 2026
Nine rounds at 10+5.
✅ Eligibility
The championships are open to players from national chess federations that are members of the European Chess Union, FIDE Zones 1.1–1.10.
There are:
- No rating limitations
- No title limitations
- No limit on the number of players per federation
Both national federations and individual players may submit registrations using the official procedure.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| December 4 | All day | Arrival in Portimão |
| December 5 | 11:30 | Technical Meeting |
| December 5 | 14:00 | Opening Ceremony |
| December 5 | 14:30 | Rapid Rounds 1–5 |
| December 5 | 20:30 | Traditional Fish Dinner |
| December 6 | 10:00 | Rapid Rounds 6–7 |
| December 6 | 12:00 | Lunch Break |
| December 6 | 14:00 | Rapid Rounds 8–11 |
| December 6 | 18:15 | Rapid Closing Ceremony |
| December 7 | 10:00 | Blitz Rounds 1–5 |
| December 7 | 12:30 | Lunch Break |
| December 7 | 14:30 | Blitz Rounds 6–13 |
| December 7 | 19:00 | Blitz Closing Ceremony |
| December 8 | 10:00 | Fischer Random Rounds 1–4 |
| December 8 | 12:45 | Two-hour Lunch Break |
| December 8 | 15:00 | Fischer Random Rounds 5–9 |
| December 8 | 18:30 | Fischer Random Closing Ceremony |
| December 9 | All day | Departure |
The Rapid Championship is played on December 5–6, followed by Blitz on December 7 and Fischer Random on December 8.
📝 Registration
Registration must be completed using the official registration form.
Official Registration Form
https://erbcc2026.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Registration_Form_ERBCC2026.xlsx
The completed form must be sent to:
Both national federations and individual players may register.
The official registration deadline is:
November 5, 2026
A late registration, when accepted, carries an additional fee of:
€20 – approximately $30
Entry Fees
| Competition | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| All three championships | €100 – approx. $120 |
| Rapid only | €45 – approx. $60 |
| Blitz only | €35 – approx. $50 |
| Fischer Random only | €35 – approx. $50 |
The €100 combined fee includes a €40 ECU fee.
The Rapid fee includes a €20 ECU contribution. Meanwhile, the Blitz and Fischer Random fees each include a €10 ECU contribution.
⭐ Entry-Fee Exemptions
Players rated over 2600, as well as women rated over 2400, are exempt from the relevant Rapid and Blitz entry fees according to the November 1 rating list.
For Fischer Random, the Standard rating is used when determining the exemption.
💳 Payment Conditions
All entry fees, official accommodation costs and organizer-arranged transfer costs must be paid before November 5, 2026.
Players may participate in Round 1 only after all amounts due have been paid.
Entry fees are non-refundable once paid.
Bank Details
Bank: Banco Montepio
Account Currency: EUR
Account Holder: FEDERACAO PORTUGUESA XADREZ
BIC: MPIOPTPL
IBAN: PT50 0036 0052 9910 0041 4755 1
The entire amount shown in the player’s registration form should be transferred in one transaction.
Proof of payment must be sent to:
Any transaction costs or foreign-bank commissions are paid by the sender.
👥 Organizer
| Organizer Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 👥 Technical Organizer | Portuguese Chess Federation |
| 🏛️ Governing Body | European Chess Union |
| 👤 Tournament Director | IO Dominic Cross |
| ✉️ Email | europeu@fpx.pt |
| +351 931 467 291 | |
| 🌐 Website | https://erbcc2026.com/ |
📍 Venue
Portimão Arena – Parque de Feiras e Exposições de Portimão, Caldeira do Moinho, 8500-726 Portimão, Portugal
Portimão Arena is a modern multi-purpose venue inside the city’s Parque de Feiras e Exposições.
Its main event hall can accommodate major sporting events and large-scale competitions. Therefore, all three European championships are held at the same venue.
During the championships, a bar with food and beverages and a fan zone will operate at the playing venue.
🚆 How to Get There
Venue address: Portimão Arena – Parque de Feiras e Exposições de Portimão, Caldeira do Moinho, 8500-726 Portimão, Portugal
Portimão Arena is located close to the city’s main rail and bus transport facilities. In addition, the organizer provides dedicated championship transfers on the official arrival and departure days.
| Travel Option | Route / Service | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 🚗 By Car | Direct to Portimão Arena | Navigate to Portimão Arena / Parque de Feiras e Exposições de Portimão using the full venue address above. |
| ✈️ Faro Airport | Airport ↔ Official Hotels | Official transfer on December 4 and return on December 9. Cost: €20 each way. |
| ✈️ Seville Airport | Seville ↔ Portimão | December 4 departure from Seville at 19:00 Spanish time. December 9 departure from Portimão at 07:00 Portuguese time. Cost: €30 each way. |
| 🚆 Seville Railway Station | Station ↔ Portimão | The organizer’s Seville transfer can also collect participants from Seville railway station. |
| 🚆 From Lisbon by Train | Lisbon → Portimão | Travel with Comboios de Portugal (CP). Portimão railway station is close to the playing-hall area. |
| 🚌 From Lisbon by Bus | Lisbon → Portimão | Long-distance services are available through Rede Expressos and FlixBus. |
| 🚐 Station Transfer | Portimão Station → Official Accommodation | On request, the organizer provides free transfers from Portimão train and bus stations to official accommodation. |
| 🏨 Daily Hotel Transfer | Official Accommodation ↔ Portimão Arena | Free transfers are provided before the first playing session and after the final playing session of each tournament day. |
Players using an official Faro or Seville transfer must include it in their registration arrangements and complete payment before November 5, 2026.
🚆 Public Transport Links
Portuguese Railways – CP:
https://www.cp.pt/
Rede Expressos:
https://www.rede-expressos.pt/
FlixBus Portugal:
https://www.flixbus.pt/
⏰ Arrival Advice
The official arrival day is Friday, December 4.
The Technical Meeting begins at 11:30 on Saturday, December 5, followed by the Opening Ceremony at 14:00 and Rapid Round 1 at 14:30.
Players staying in official accommodation can use the organizer’s free daily transfers between their lodging and Portimão Arena.
ℹ️ Other Information
🏨 Official Accommodation
Three official accommodation options are published for participants.
Accommodation must be paid by November 5, 2026.
🛏️ HI Portimão – Youth Hostel
Rua Pousada de Juventude, 8500-423 Portimão, Portugal
| Room Type | Per Person / Night | 5 Nights |
|---|---|---|
| Twin Room | €45 – approx. $60 | €225 – approx. $270 |
| 4-Bed Room | €25 – approx. $30 | €125 – approx. $150 |
Breakfast is included.
Twin rooms have a private bathroom. Four-bed rooms use the hostel’s shared bathrooms.
🏨 RR Club Amarilis
Av. Comunidade Lusíada, Edifício Amarilis, 8500-801 Portimão, Portugal
| Apartment Type | Per Person / Night | 5 Nights |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | €45 – approx. $60 | €225 – approx. $270 |
| Triple | €40 – approx. $50 | €200 – approx. $240 |
| Quadruple | €37 – approx. $50 | €185 – approx. $220 |
| 5-Person | €37 – approx. $50 | €185 – approx. $220 |
| 6-Person | €37 – approx. $50 | €185 – approx. $220 |
These rates include half board – breakfast and dinner.
Five- and six-person apartments contain two rooms and a living room. Apartments must be fully occupied.
🏨 TURIM Presidente Hotel
Av. das Comunidades Lusíadas, 8500-801 Portimão, Portugal
| Room Type | Per Person / Night | 5 Nights |
|---|---|---|
| Single | €85 – approx. $100 | €425 – approx. $500 |
| Twin | €75 – approx. $90 | €375 – approx. $440 |
| Triple | €55 – approx. $70 | €275 – approx. $330 |
These tournament rates also include half board – breakfast and dinner.
🚐 Free Daily Venue Transfers
Players staying in official accommodation receive free organized transfers:
Official accommodation → Portimão Arena before the first playing session
and:
Portimão Arena → official accommodation after the final playing session
⚖️ Appeals
A protest against a decision of the Chief Arbiter must be submitted in writing within one hour after the end of the relevant game.
The appeal must be submitted by the player and accompanied by a deposit of:
€200 – approximately $240
If the appeal is upheld, the deposit is returned. Otherwise, it is forfeited to the ECU.
The Appeals Committee’s decision is final.
🛂 Visa Information
Players requiring a visa should contact the Organizing Committee before:
November 1, 2026
Email:
The organizer can provide an invitation after confirmation and payment of accommodation in one of the official hotels.
🩺 Medical Assistance & Insurance
Emergency medical assistance will be available during the championships.
Nevertheless, participants are advised to obtain suitable health and accident insurance for the tournament period, particularly players travelling from outside the European Union.
🍽️ Traditional Fish Dinner
A Traditional Fish Dinner is included in the official programme on:
Saturday, December 5 at 20:30
Players should follow organizer information regarding the exact location and participation arrangements.
🔗 Official Links
Official Championship Website:
https://erbcc2026.com/
European Chess Union Invitation:
https://www.europechess.org/european-rapid-blitz-and-fischer-random-chess960-chess-championships-2026-invitation/
Official Regulations PDF:
https://www.europechess.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Regulations_ERBCC2026.pdf
Official Registration Form:
https://erbcc2026.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Registration_Form_ERBCC2026.xlsx
Official Schedule:
https://erbcc2026.com/schedule/
Official Accommodation:
https://erbcc2026.com/accommodation/
Rapid – Chess-Results:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1488434.aspx?lan=1
Blitz – Chess-Results:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1488436.aspx?lan=1
Fischer Random – Chess-Results:
https://chess-results.com/tnr1488432.aspx?lan=1
Tournament organizer
Federação Portuguesa de Xadrez
Federação Portuguesa de Xadrez (FPX), or Portuguese Chess Federation, is the national governing body for chess in Portugal. Founded on January 22,…
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