1st Lecci International Chess Open – Corsica will take place from May 11 – 17, 2026, in Lecci, Corsica, France. This is a chess tournament in Lecci, Corsica, France, in 2026.

The tournament launches a new international classical chess event in southern Corsica. Moreover, it brings three 9-round Swiss tournaments to Camping Golfo di Sogno, close to the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio.

In addition, the event combines competitive chess with a seaside chess-camp atmosphere. Therefore, players can enjoy FIDE-rated games, a strong prize fund, on-site accommodation, and a full Corsican spring tournament week.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Classical Format

Players receive 90 minutes for the game, plus a 30-second increment per move. Therefore, all three sections offer serious classical chess conditions.

Each tournament uses a 9-round Swiss System. In addition, the main A tournament offers norm opportunities for eligible players.

Pairings and Playing Rules

Players cannot take byes during the tournament. Also, draws by mutual agreement are not allowed.

Only players who complete check-in by 14:00 on May 11 will normally enter the Round 1 pairings. However, players with a justified late arrival should inform the organizer in advance.

💰 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The total confirmed prize fund is €32,000, approx. $37,600. The prize program covers the three main tournaments, women’s prizes, and special category prizes.

Tournament A has the largest prize list. Meanwhile, Tournaments B and C give lower-rated players separate prize opportunities.

Tournament A Prizes

Tournament B Prizes

Tournament C Prizes

🏆 Sections / Groups

Tournament A

Tournament A is the strongest section. Therefore, it suits titled players, norm seekers, and experienced competitors.

Tournament B

Tournament B gives club players and ambitious improving players a balanced middle section. Moreover, the overlapping rating range allows eligible players to choose the most suitable level.

Tournament C

Tournament C offers a separate group for lower-rated players. As a result, developing players can enjoy the same festival setting with a more suitable field.

📅 Schedule

Opening Day

Main Rounds

Prize-Giving

The schedule includes double-round days on May 12 and May 14. Therefore, players should plan meals, rest, and preparation carefully on those dates.

📝 Registration

Registration Details

Players should complete registration before traveling. In addition, they must attend the mandatory check-in window on May 11 unless they have informed the organizer about a justified late arrival.

The first round starts at 15:30 on the same day. Therefore, players should arrive early enough to complete check-in and settle at the venue before Round 1.

🧑‍💼 Organizer

Association A Torra di Sogno organizes the event in partnership with the Corsican Chess League. As a result, the tournament combines local Corsican organization with a clear international chess format.

Moreover, the event brings together rated tournament play, seaside accommodation, and a chess-camp setting at the same site. This structure makes the week practical for players, coaches, families, and accompanying guests.

Email: contact@openechecslecci.corsica
Phone: +33 7 88 49 58 46

📍 Venue

Playing Hall

Camping Golfo di Sogno — Stritta di Salvati, 20137 Porto-Vecchio, Corsica, France

Venue Notes

The tournament takes place at Camping Golfo di Sogno, near Lecci and Porto-Vecchio. Therefore, players can stay close to the playing area and reduce local travel during the week.

The venue sits in a pine-forest setting near the beach. In addition, the campsite includes an aquatic area, sports facilities, a small supermarket, and catering options.

🏨 Accommodation

Mobile Home Options

The venue offers mobile-home accommodation for tournament participants and accompanying guests. Players can choose 2-person, 4-person, or 6-person mobile homes, depending on group size and availability.

Board Options

Half-board and full-board options can be added to accommodation. The half-board option includes breakfast and dinner, while the full-board option includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Food trucks will operate on site. Moreover, the campsite also has a small supermarket, which gives players extra flexibility during the tournament week.

Venue Services

✈️ How to Get There

Travel to Southern Corsica

Camping Golfo di Sogno is about 10 minutes from Porto-Vecchio town center and about 30 minutes from Figari airport. Therefore, players can plan arrival through southern Corsica with a short final transfer to the venue.

Visitors who arrive by air can continue from Figari by car, taxi, or arranged transfer. In addition, players arriving by sea can use Porto-Vecchio as a practical arrival point.

Local Planning

Because the tournament takes place at the accommodation site, players can keep daily travel simple. This is especially useful on double-round days.

Players who stay outside the campsite should still plan enough time for check-in and each round. The default tournament rhythm starts on May 11, so opening-day travel needs careful timing.

ℹ️ Other Information

Chess Camp Atmosphere

The tournament is designed as more than a playing hall event. In addition, it offers a chess-camp setting where players can stay, eat, prepare, and play in one coastal environment.

Marc’Andria Maurizzi is connected with the event as a Corsican chess ambassador. Moreover, his presence gives the first edition an additional local chess identity.

Practical Notes

Players cannot take byes, and draws by mutual agreement are forbidden. Therefore, participants should be ready to play every scheduled round.

The tournament combines classical chess, strong prizes, and a distinctive Corsican location. Finally, the 1st Lecci International Chess Open – Corsica offers players a rare chance to pair serious chess with a full seaside tournament week.