The XI International Open “Magistral de León” takes place on July 4-5, 2026 in León, Spain, bringing competitive rapid chess to the heart of the city’s flagship chess week. The tournament runs as a FIDE rated international chess tournament for rapid chess, using a 9-round Swiss system to create a packed weekend of high-intensity games in León, Spain.

The XI International Open “Magistral de León” welcomes a broad field with a published cash prize structure, plus additional age, women, and local awards. With reserved seating for up to 120 players and a clear registration workflow, the event targets both ambitious improvers and experienced tournament players who want a well-organized, FIDE rated rapid competition in León, Spain.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

Prize currency: EUR
Cash prizes are paid by bank transfer, and the winner must provide proof of bank account ownership. Prizes are not divisible, and prizes are not cumulative (the highest amount applies).

General Classification (cash)

Special Awards (cash)

ELO Band Awards (cash)

Notes

• Prizes are not divisible under any circumstances.

• If a player qualifies for multiple prizes, the tournament awards the highest amount; if amounts match, the prize listed first applies.

• Prizes are taxed according to Spanish law.

• The organization awards prizes during the closing ceremony; winners must be present unless they receive prior approval from the organization.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The XI International Open “Magistral de León” uses a 9-round Swiss system (Dutch) with a 15 minutes + 10 seconds increment time control. The tournament is FIDE Rapid rated.

Tie-break order:

1. Points obtained

2. Complete Buchholz

3. Average Buchholz (best and worst opponent removed)

4. Number of games played with Black

5. Draw

The event does not assign byes or half-point byes. If a player does not plan to play a scheduled round, the player must inform the Chief Referee to avoid pairing. The organization may eliminate a player who does not appear for a round without a justified cause. A player who joins after the tournament starts enters with 0 points.

📂 Sections / Groups

The tournament runs as a single Open section in rapid chess, designed as a FIDE rated weekend competition in León, Spain.

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

The XI International Open “Magistral de León” is delivered by the organizing team of the Magistral Tournament “Ciudad de León,” staging a focused weekend of FIDE rated rapid chess in León, Spain alongside the city’s long-running international chess tradition.

• Email: open.magistraleon@advancedchessleon.com

• Email: sioncastro@gmail.com

• Website: https://www.advancedchessleon.com/english/open.html

🏨 Venue

Auditorio Ciudad de León, Av. de los Reyes Leoneses, 4, 24008 León, Spain
The XI International Open “Magistral de León” plays in León’s main city auditorium, a central venue that regularly hosts major cultural and sporting events. Players compete in an indoor hall setting designed for large-scale public events.

🛎️ Accommodation

Hotel Barceló Conde Luna, Avenida Independencia, 7, 24003 León, Spain

• Official tournament hotel offer (rates per room per night, VAT included): Double + breakfast EUR 135 / Single + breakfast EUR 115 / Double with extra bed + breakfast EUR 175

• Booking email: reservas.norte@barcelo.com

• Phone: 987 20 66 00

Hostal Quevedo, Av. Quevedo, 13, 24009 León, Spain

• Rates (VAT included): Single room EUR 60 / Double room EUR 75 / Triple room EUR 120

• Reservations phone: 987 24 29 75

• Reference: “MAGISTRAL AJEDREZ”

🚗 How to Get There

León, Spain offers straightforward access by air and rail. Travelers can arrive via León Airport (LEN) and continue into the city by taxi or local transport, or they can use long-distance rail connections to León train services and then reach the Auditorio Ciudad de León by taxi or city bus.

León, Spain sets the perfect stage for a fast-paced weekend of competitive chess—come play the XI International Open “Magistral de León” and finish your summer with nine rounds of decisive rapid action.

🧾 Other

Participants (or legal representatives for minors) authorize the publication of personal data and images in photographs and videos used for event communication, including lists of participants, results, classifications, games, and related materials.