Reykjavik Open 2026 is a marquee international open chess event held in Iceland’s capital — combining high-level competition, public exposure, and a beautiful venue. The 2026 edition is scheduled for 25–31 March 2026 at the Harpa Concert Hall & Conference Centre in Reykjavík.

📌 Event Details

💰 Prize Fund & Awards

• Prize fund structure not yet published; likely to follow previous editions with significant main cash prizes plus rating, women, senior, and best performance prizes.
• In previous years, prizes for places 1–10 have been as high as €5,000 for first, down to smaller amounts for later places.
• Category and special prizes often include Best Junior, Best Senior (65+), Best Woman, Best Performance vs rating, etc.

🧩 Sections / Eligibility & Regulations

• Open to all FIDE-rated participants.
• Maximum one ½-point bye is allowed in rounds 1–7 (with prior notice).
• FIDE norms are possible.
• Swiss Manager used for pairings.
• Tie-break order: Number of games played → Buchholz cut1 → Buchholz → Direct encounter → Sonneborn‑Berger.
• Default time: 30 minutes.
• Mobile devices forbidden in playing hall; must be turned off and stored.
• Players may not eat at their boards.
• Photographs allowed only during the first 10 minutes of a game.

📅 Schedule (Tentative)

There is also a Harpa Blitz event scheduled Tuesday, 24 March at 19:00, held just before the main tournament starts. Social events such as Opening Party, Pub Quiz, Golden Circle Tours, and other cultural side‑events are typically part of the week.

📝 Registration & Fees

• Registration is open via the Reykjavik Open website for the 2026 event.
• Players must register early to secure spot; large participation expected.
• Entry fees and categories will be published closer to event.
• Players requesting byes must confirm participation with prepayment for first round.

🏟️ Venue & Accommodation

Harpa Concert Hall & Conference Centre offers a modern, iconic glass building by Reykjavík’s waterfront, combining aesthetic beauty and excellent facilities.

Players can choose from a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and apartments in central Reykjavík. Accommodation in Harpa vicinity is highly recommended due to proximity.

🚉 How to Get There

• By Air: Keflavík International Airport (KEF) → 45–60 min transfer to Reykjavík.
• By Bus / Shuttle: Frequent airport shuttles connect KEF and Reykjavík city.
• By Car: Parking available near Harpa or designated lots.

Prepare for an electrifying week of chess in the land of fire and ice. From Harpa’s modern architecture to Reykjavík’s cultural charm, the Reykjavik Open 2026 offers players a rare chance to compete at high levels while immersing themselves in an unforgettable Nordic setting.