XIV International Chess Tournament Ciudad de Pontevedra returns to July 24-30, 2026 in Pontevedra, Spain for a week of competitive, FIDE rated classical chess in one of Spain’s most established summer events. This international chess tournament runs a 9-round Swiss format with two parallel groups, welcoming ambitious titled players and improving amateurs in a structured, rating-appropriate setup.

The XIV International Chess Tournament Ciudad de Pontevedra pairs classical time control with clear sporting rules, live-board priorities, and a strong prize package. Players compete for a total cash prize fund of €12,850, with awards across the Masters group and the Under-2000 Amateur group plus several category prizes. If you want a FIDE rated international chess tournament in Pontevedra, Spain that blends serious chess with a festival-style week, the XIV International Chess Tournament Ciudad de Pontevedra is built for exactly that.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

Prizes are non-cumulative. If a player qualifies for multiple prizes, the player receives the single prize with the highest value; if values match, the prize from the higher category applies. The event pays prizes by bank transfer, and prize winners must provide a bank account number.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The XIV International Chess Tournament Ciudad de Pontevedra uses the Swiss system over 9 rounds with a classical time control of 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment per move from move 1. The tournament is FIDE rated (Elo FIDE), and the Masters group is eligible for international norms as defined in the official rules.

A maximum delay of 45 minutes from the official start time is allowed. Players may request up to three byes worth 0.5 points, subject to explicit organizer confirmation; byes requested for rounds 7, 8, and 9 score 0 points, and invited players may not request byes. Tie-breaks apply in this order: Average Buchholz of opponents (AOB), Buchholz-1, Buchholz Total, Direct Encounter, and APRO.

The “Pontevedra rule” applies on the top 15 boards: players must make at least 20 moves and games cannot last less than 1 hour. The playing area enforces a strict prohibition on electronic devices with batteries (phones, tablets, and similar devices), with organizer-provided solutions for storage when needed.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

Escola Xadrez Pontevedra organizes the XIV International Chess Tournament Ciudad de Pontevedra as a flagship international chess tournament in Pontevedra, Spain, delivering a FIDE rated classical chess week with two competitive groups, structured registration, and clear sporting regulations throughout the festival.

• Email: escola@xadrezpontevedra.com

• Phone: +34 650 64 53 18

• Website: https://xadrezpontevedra.com/

🏨 Venue

University Sports Pavilion of Pontevedra – University of Vigo, Cruz Roja s/n, 36002 Pontevedra, Spain
The playing hall hosts all rounds of the XIV International Chess Tournament Ciudad de Pontevedra. Players complete accreditation/check-in at the venue before the first round. The organizer applies strict playing-area rules, including controls around electronic devices.

🚗 How to Get There

You can reach Pontevedra, Spain by train via Renfe services (www.renfe.es) and by bus using local routes (www.autobusespontevedra.com). If you arrive by car, the event notes free parking at Pazo da Cultura. Local taxi service is available via Radiotaxi Pontevedra at +34 986 86 85 85.

Bring your best classical chess form to Pontevedra, Spain and make the XIV International Chess Tournament Ciudad de Pontevedra the highlight of your summer chess calendar.

🧾 Other

Anti-cheating measures include strict enforcement against electronic devices in the playing hall, secure storage for deposited devices, random inspections with metal detectors, and post-game or in-game checks when required. The organizer may analyze games with specialized software to detect anomalous patterns, and specialized observers and arbiters may monitor play; confirmed cheating leads to disqualification and notification of the relevant chess authorities. An Appeals Committee is formed during the first round; claims must be submitted in writing within 30 minutes after the end of the round and require an EUR 80 deposit, refundable only if the claim succeeds.