The Torneig Actiu de l’Any Gaudí returns on August 14-15, 2026 in La Pobla de Lillet, Spain, delivering a fast, competitive weekend of over-the-board rapid chess in a single open section. This Torneig Actiu de l’Any Gaudí runs 9 Swiss rounds with FIDE-rated rapid games, so players can chase rapid rating gains while keeping a tight, predictable schedule across Friday afternoon and Saturday morning.
Set in the mountain town of La Pobla de Lillet, Barcelona, Spain, the Torneig Actiu de l’Any Gaudí combines serious tournament structure with a practical playing venue at the municipal sports pavilion. Moreover, the tournament pairs players with Swiss Manager, publishes pairings online, and enforces strict attendance rules to keep the event running smoothly. If you want a FIDE rated rapid international chess tournament in La Pobla de Lillet, Spain, the Torneig Actiu de l’Any Gaudí offers a clear format, consistent round timing, and a strong cash prize list.
🗓️ Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | August 14-15, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | La Pobla de Lillet, Spain |
| ♟️ Format | Over-the-board Swiss System |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE rated (Rapid) and Catalan Rapid rated |
| 📂 Sections | Single group (Open) |
| ⏱️ Time control | 12 minutes + 5 seconds increment per move from move 1 |
| 💳 Entry fee | EUR 25 (standard) / EUR 20 (players who also played the Open) |
| 💰 Prize fund | USD 2,371 (approx.) |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Players must arrive before flag fall; the first unjustified absence eliminates the player; prize ceremony attendance is mandatory for prize winners (ID required) |
🏆 Prize Fund
General classification cash prizes (EUR)
| Place | Prize (EUR) |
|---|---|
| 1st | 400 |
| 2nd | 350 |
| 3rd | 300 |
| 4th | 250 |
| 5th | 200 |
| 6th | 150 |
| 7th | 125 |
| 8th | 100 |
| 9th | 100 |
| 10th | 100 |
Special cash prize (EUR)
| Category | Prize (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Best player (not GM or IM) from 11th place onward | 100 | Player must also have participated in the Open |
Non-cash section awards
| Section (by FIDE Rapid Elo) | Award |
|---|---|
| Section A (2250–2100) | Sausage (“LLONGANISSA”) |
| Section B (2099–1950) | Sausage (“LLONGANISSA”) |
| Section C (1949–1800) | Sausage (“LLONGANISSA”) |
| Section D (1799–1650) | Sausage (“LLONGANISSA”) |
| Section E (up to 1649) | Sausage (“LLONGANISSA”) |
Other non-cash awards
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Medal: Best 60+
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Medal: Best U16
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Medal: Best U14
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Medal: Best U12
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Medal: Best U10
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Medal: Best U8
Prize rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Presence requirement | Prize winners must attend the closing ceremony to receive prizes and must show ID (DNI, NIE, or passport) |
| Tax note | The organizer pays cash prizes after applying the legally required withholding |
| Category basis | The tournament uses FIDE Rapid Elo for ranking and sections; if unavailable, it uses FIDE Standard rating, and then FIDE Rapid rating if needed |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The Torneig Actiu de l’Any Gaudí runs as a 9-round Swiss System tournament in a single open group. The time control is 12 minutes for the game plus a 5-second increment per move from move 1, and the clocks start at the scheduled round time.
Moreover, the tournament uses Swiss Manager for pairings and publishes pairings online. Players must arrive before flag fall, and the tournament eliminates a player after the first unjustified absence to protect pairings and schedule integrity.
Tie-breaks resolve ties in this order: direct encounter (DE), average performance of opponents (APRO), average Buchholz of opponents (AOB), tournament performance (TPR), and Buchholz total -2 (BT-C2). For tie-break purposes, the tournament values any Elo below 1400 as 1400.
📂 Sections / Groups
The tournament runs as one open section. In addition, the organizer defines internal award sections based on FIDE Rapid Elo ranges (A through E) for the listed non-cash section awards.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 14, 2026 | Friday | 16:30 | Round 1 |
| August 14, 2026 | Friday | 17:20 | Round 2 |
| August 14, 2026 | Friday | 18:10 | Round 3 |
| August 14, 2026 | Friday | 19:00 | Round 4 |
| August 15, 2026 | Saturday | 09:30 | Round 5 |
| August 15, 2026 | Saturday | 10:30 | Round 6 |
| August 15, 2026 | Saturday | 11:10 | Round 7 |
| August 15, 2026 | Saturday | 12:00 | Round 8 |
| August 15, 2026 | Saturday | 13:10 | Closing ceremony (mandatory for prize winners) |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to register | Register via the club’s official website |
| Entry fee (standard) | EUR 25 |
| Entry fee (players who also played the Open) | EUR 20 |
| Pairings publication | Pairings are published online via Chess-Results through a link on the club website |
👥 Organizer
Lillet Chess Club organizes the Torneig Actiu de l’Any Gaudí as a FIDE rated rapid tournament in La Pobla de Lillet, Spain, using Swiss Manager pairings and a strict attendance policy to keep the nine-round weekend schedule on time.
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Website: http://escacs-lillet.webnode.es/
🏨 Venue
Pavelló Poliesportiu Municipal, C/ Àngel Guimerà, 4, La Pobla de Lillet, Barcelona, Spain
The tournament plays at the municipal sports pavilion in La Pobla de Lillet, Spain. The venue supports reduced mobility access, and it provides bar service inside the pavilion.
🚗 How to Get There
La Pobla de Lillet sits in the Barcelona province of Spain, and you can reach the town first, then continue locally to the playing venue at C/ Àngel Guimerà, 4. Therefore, plan your arrival to match the Round 1 start time on Friday so you can take your seat before the clocks start.
Play fast, stay sharp, and make the Torneig Actiu de l’Any Gaudí your standout rapid weekend in La Pobla de Lillet, Spain.
🧾 Other
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Appeals | The tournament does not use a Competition Committee; arbiters’ decisions are not appealable during play; players can submit written complaints via the official form available in the playing area to the Catalan Chess Federation |
| Acceptance | Participation implies full acceptance of the tournament rules |
Additional Details
Prize Fund - $2,371
Organizer
The Club d’Escacs Lillet, established on November 12, 1950, stands as a cornerstone of the chess community in La Pobla de Lillet, nestled in the Catalan Pyrenees. Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025, the club continues to foster a vibrant chess culture through organizing tournaments, participating in leagues, and engaging with enthusiasts of all levels.
In 2025, the club is set to host several notable events:
- IV Torneig Internacional d’Escacs Actius “CAL BATISTA” on May 18
- International Open Tournament from August 5 to 13
- Rapid Tournament for the 75th Anniversary on August 14 and 15
These events not only commemorate the club’s rich history but also aim to attract a diverse range of players, from local talents to international masters. The club’s commitment to promoting chess is evident in its active participation in the Catalan Chess League and its efforts to engage the community through various initiatives.