1st Lecci International Chess Open – Corsica
The 26th Tournoi International d’Échecs de Lecci – Golfo di Sogno 2026, held May 9-16, 2026 in Lecci, Corsica, France, offers a scenic seaside classical festival with deep traditions and broad international participation. The event combines serious classical play with strong hospitality, easy access to beachside relaxation, and a prize structure that rewards both overall placement and multiple rating groups. Located on the Gulf of Sogno near Porto-Vecchio, the tournament draws players from across Europe and beyond who want a classic 9-round Swiss in a festival setting.
With separate Open and Reserve sections, a structured schedule, and a well-established organizer team, the Lecci festival mixes competitive chess with a relaxed cultural environment. Players can enjoy themed excursions and social events alongside a professionally managed chess program that awards FIDE rating points.
🗓️ Event Details
| 📅 Dates | May 9-16, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Lecci (Golfo di Sogno), Corsica, France |
| ♟️ Format | 9-round Swiss System |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE rated (Standard) |
| 📂 Sections | Open A · Open B |
| ⏱️ Time control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move 1 |
| 💳 Entry fee | Open A: €65 · Open B: €55 |
| 💰 Prize fund | USD 9,900 (approx.) |
| 👤 Eligibility | Open to all players with FIDE ID; limited seat availability |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Early registration recommended; categories and group prizes apply |
🏆 Prize Fund
Total cash prize fund: €9,000 (~$9,900 USD) spread across the Open A and Open B sections. The event awards prizes by final standings and additional category awards. If players tie for a prize position, the organizer divides the prizes according to the Hort (shared) system.
Open A (cash prizes)
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | €1,500 |
| 2nd | €900 |
| 3rd | €700 |
| 4th | €500 |
| 5th | €400 |
| 6th | €350 |
| 7th | €300 |
| 8th | €250 |
| Best woman | €150 |
| Best senior | €150 |
| Best U18 | €150 |
| Rating prize U2200 | €125 |
| Rating prize U2000 | €125 |
| Rating prize U1800 | €125 |
Open B (cash prizes)
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | €1,000 |
| 2nd | €700 |
| 3rd | €500 |
| 4th | €350 |
| 5th | €300 |
| 6th | €250 |
| Best woman | €100 |
| Best senior | €100 |
| Best U18 | €100 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The festival runs two classical Swiss sections (Open A and Open B). Each game uses a time control of 90 minutes per player plus a 30-second increment from move 1. Pairings follow standard Swiss rules across 9 rounds, with tie-breaks applied only for ranking purposes; prizes are shared when players tie on points.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating / target group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open A | All ratings (priority highest-rated players) | Main event with higher prize pool |
| Open B | All ratings | Secondary Open with separate prizes |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 9, 2026 | Saturday | — | Arrival / Accreditation |
| May 10, 2026 | Sunday | 15:00 | Round 1 |
| May 11, 2026 | Monday | 15:00 | Round 2 |
| May 12, 2026 | Tuesday | 15:00 | Round 3 |
| May 13, 2026 | Wednesday | 15:00 | Round 4 |
| May 14, 2026 | Thursday | 15:00 | Round 5 |
| May 15, 2026 | Friday | 15:00 | Round 6 |
| May 15, 2026 | Friday | 20:00 | Blitz side event |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | 10:00 | Round 7 |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | 15:00 | Round 8 |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | 18:00 | Round 9 |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | 20:30 | Prizegiving Ceremony |
📝 Registration
| How to register | Register online through the official tournament site |
| Entry fees | Open A: €65 · Open B: €55 |
| Deadlines | Registration opens early and seats are limited; early entry recommended |
| On-site check-in | Players must check in at the venue before Round 1 start time |
👥 Organizer
The Golfo di Sogno Chess Festival organizes the International Lecci tournament with support from local partners and volunteers to provide a structured classical chess program that works alongside social and cultural events.
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Website: https://golfo-di-sogno.fr/tournoi-international-dechecs-de-lecci/
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Contact: Via the festival website’s contact form
🏨 Venue
The main playing venue and social hub is in the Golfo di Sogno area of Lecci, a seaside locale near Porto-Vecchio, Corsica. The setting blends competitive chess with an easy coastal atmosphere ideal for post-game relaxation.
🚗 How to Get There
Travel to Corsica (Ajaccio or Figari airports) by air, then local transfer or rental car to Lecci. From Porto-Vecchio, Lecci is a short drive along the eastern coastline, with clear signage and local transport options.
🧾 Other
Side events such as blitz and rapid tournaments may occur during the festival dates and are open to participants and visitors alike. Prizes in side events may include trophies and diplomas (non-cash). The organizer provides additional information on local accommodation options and partner hotel rates through the official festival website.
Make spring 2026 your chess week by chasing classical results and category titles among fellow competitors on the Gulf of Sogno in beautiful Corsica.
Additional Details
Prize Fund - $9,900
Organizer
Association A Torra di Sogno is a Corsica-based tournament organizer in Lecci (Corse-du-Sud), France. Over the years, it has worked with local partners to deliver destination chess events on the island. As a result, it is closely tied to the Golfo di Sogno venue and its event program.
In addition, the association organizes the 1st Lecci International Chess Open in Southern Corsica in partnership with the Corsican Chess League. The festival is designed as a FIDE-rated tournament week with 9 rounds of classical chess (90 minutes + 30-second increment). Moreover, it offers three sections for different rating ranges, making it a true open chess tournament for a wide field.
Furthermore, the event pairs competitive chess with on-site accommodation and services at Camping Golfo di Sogno near Porto-Vecchio. For example, the 2026 edition is announced with a €32,000 prize fund and a published round schedule across the full week. Consequently, it positions Lecci as a new chess festival destination for international and French players.