The 3ème Open International de Gex takes place May 14-17, 2026 in Gex, France, and it brings a classic multi-day, FIDE-rated challenge to the Pays de Gex. The organizer runs a 7-round Swiss tournament with a standard time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move 1, and the event welcomes a large field with a published capacity of 400 players. The tournament also offers a €3,000 cash prize fund (based on 100 entries, with prizes adjusted proportionally if the field stays below that threshold) and guarantees a €600 first prize.
Amicale Echecs stages this international open during the Ascension long weekend and plays the games at Espace Perdtemps in Gex. The club positions this tournament as a flagship event of its season and highlights an invited group of titled masters and grandmasters alongside the broader field. If you want a serious, long time-control event near the Geneva area with an international feel, this open fits that profile well.
🗓️ Event Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | May 14-17, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Gex, France |
| ♟️ Format | 7-round Swiss |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE-rated (FIDE June 2026 rating list) |
| ⏱️ Time control | 90 minutes + 30-second increment from move 1 |
| 💳 Entry fee | €50 adults / €30 youth (€60 / €40 from May 13, 2026) |
| 💰 Prize fund | €3,000 (cash; based on 100 entries, otherwise prorated) |
| 👥 Capacity | 400 players |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | The organizer guarantees €600 for 1st prize and adjusts the total prize pool proportionally if fewer than 100 players register. |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Prize | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st Prize | €600 (guaranteed) |
| Total Cash Prize Fund | €3,000 (based on 100 entries; prorated if fewer than 100 players register) |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses a 7-round Swiss system. The organizer sets the time control to 90 minutes per player plus a 30-second increment per move from move 1. The event submits results for FIDE rating (FIDE June 2026 rating list). Igor Kupalov serves as the arbiter.
📂 Sections / Groups
The organizer runs one 7-round Swiss tournament for the full field.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|
| May 14, 2026 | Thursday | Tournament start |
| May 17, 2026 | Sunday | Tournament finish |
📝 Registration
The organizer publishes a two-tier entry fee structure: €50 for adults and €30 for youth, then €60 for adults and €40 for youth from May 13, 2026. The tournament lists a maximum capacity of 400 participants, so early registration helps secure a place.
👥 Organizer
Amicale Echecs hosts the 3ème Open International de Gex and runs the event as a major club highlight of the season in the Pays de Gex. The organizer provides direct contact support for tournament information and participant coordination through the club leadership.
Email: charly@lalieu.com
Website: https://amicale-echecs.com/
🏨 Venue
Espace Perdtemps – Halle, Avenue Perdtemps, Rue de Paris (Départementale 1005), 01170 Gex, France
Espace Perdtemps serves as a municipal hall in Gex that welcomes cultural and sports events. The venue’s large indoor format supports tournament-style seating and full-day play. You will find it within the town’s public event infrastructure.
🚗 How to Get There
Gex sits in eastern France in the Pays de Gex, close to Geneva. Geneva Airport (GVA) offers the nearest major international flight connections, and you can reach Gex by car after landing. Cross-border public transport links also connect the Geneva area to the Pays de Gex and onward to Gex.
Bring your best classical focus and use the Ascension long weekend to score seven serious rounds against an international field in Gex.
Organizer
Amicale Echecs is a leading chess club serving the Pays de Gex area in France. Based around Gex, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, it supports players of many levels. Today, the club focuses on competitive play, coaching, and regular community sessions.
Moreover, Amicale Echecs organizes the 3ème Open International de Gex in Gex, France. It also runs FIDE-rated classical events, plus rapid and blitz tournaments across the season. In addition, the club supports team competitions and regional calendar events in the Ain area. Consequently, visiting players can expect structured pairings and consistent tournament operations.
Over the years, Amicale Echecs has expanded youth pathways and club training in the Pays de Gex. Furthermore, its youth development and welcoming culture help new players progress quickly. At the same time, the club emphasizes fair play and clear communication for all participants.
Address: 9 rue Emile Zola, 01170 Gex, France
Email: charly@lalieu.com
Email 2: opf@lalieu.com
Phone: +41 77 534 62 16
Website: https://amicale-echecs.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amicale-Echecs-61581327553521/