2° Festival Internazionale Memorial Giuseppe Sgargi 2026 runs from May 1-3, 2026 in Cremona, Italy, and it stands out as a strong classical chess tournament in Cremona, Italy, in 2026. The event takes place in the halls of Palazzo Comunale and counts for FIDE Standard rating changes. Moreover, the festival offers two sections, a 6-round Swiss format, and a 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment time control, so it suits competitive players who want a serious over-the-board event in northern Italy.

As an important chess tournament in Cremona, Italy, 2° Festival Internazionale Memorial Giuseppe Sgargi 2026 combines a historic city-center venue, a substantial prize structure, and a clear three-day schedule. In addition, the tournament welcomes both Italian and international players who meet the entry requirements, while the split between Open A and Open B gives players a more targeted competitive field.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

Cash prizes are net of withholding tax where applicable. In addition, all prizes are indivisible and non-cumulative.

The organizer will pay cash prizes by bank transfer in the days following the tournament.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses a 6-round Swiss system with a 90+30 classical time control. Tie-breaks are direct encounter, total Buchholz, Buchholz Cut 1, and ARO. For ARO, the Italian Elo is treated as equivalent to the FIDE Elo.

Players may request a draw bye according to article 6.3 of the Italian tournament rules. In addition, the maximum allowed delay is 30 minutes from the start of each round. After that, the arbiter assigns a forfeit loss.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

ASD Accademia Scacchistica Cremonese organizes this classical chess festival in Cremona with the patronage and collaboration of the Comune di Cremona. The event combines a central venue, two competitive sections, and a substantial prize fund, so it gives players a well-structured long-weekend chess tournament in Italy.

• Email: info@cremonascacchi.it

• Phone: +393348057381

• Website: http://www.cremonascacchi.it/

🏨 Venue

Sale di Palazzo Comunale, Piazza del Comune, Cremona, Italy

The tournament takes place in the halls of Palazzo Comunale in the historic center of Cremona. As a result, players can enjoy a central and recognizable venue for the full festival. Because accreditation closes at 9:30 a.m. on the first day, early arrival is important.

🚗 How to Get There

The venue is located in Piazza del Comune in central Cremona. Therefore, players can head directly to Palazzo Comunale and plan their arrival around the first accreditation deadline on Friday morning.

This Cremona chess festival offers a serious three-day format, strong section prizes, and a central Italian venue for players who want competitive classical chess in May 2026.

🧾 Other

Smoking and the use of mobile phones are prohibited in the tournament area. However, a player may carry an electronic device only if it is completely switched off and physically separated from the player, such as inside a bag. The arbiter will sanction violations according to FIDE rules.

The organizer may make changes when needed for the proper running of the event. In addition, participation implies acceptance of the regulations and consent to the publication of player data, results, and tournament images on federation and organizer channels.