2026 National Open takes place on June 10-14, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. This major summer event brings together titled players, experienced club competitors, ambitious juniors, and improving adults for one of the best-known multi-section chess festivals in the country.

This is a chess tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2026. 2026 National Open offers a 9-round Open section, several Under sections with flexible schedule choices, and a dedicated Beginners section for newer adult players. Therefore, it gives a wide range of players a clear path into serious over-the-board competition.

In addition, the event returns to the Westgate in Las Vegas with a large guaranteed prize fund, multiple schedule options, and side awards that keep the tournament lively from the first round to the final ceremony. As a result, 2026 National Open remains one of the flagship summer chess tournaments in the United States.

🏁 Event Details

The event keeps the structure broad, yet the format stays easy to follow. Because each section has clear rating targets and schedule choices, players can select the option that best matches both their strength and their travel plans.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The Open section plays a 9-round Swiss with a classical time control of G/90 +30. Consequently, the top section gives stronger players serious long-play conditions and norm potential.

The Under sections play 7-round Swiss tournaments with the same main classical time control. However, some schedule options use faster early rounds before they merge into the main pairing flow of the section. Therefore, players still compete for the same section prizes even when they choose a shorter schedule.

The Beginners sections run as 5-round Swiss events per day with G/25 +5. As a result, newer adult players can enter a simpler and more compact format without stepping straight into the deeper Under-section structure.

Ratings and Section Placement

The tournament uses June FIDE ratings for the Open and June US Chess ratings for all other sections. In addition, the chief tournament director may use online ratings, CCA minimum ratings, or other higher ratings when needed. Because of that, the event can place players more accurately when recent playing strength exceeds the posted section limits.

Byes and Equipment

Players may request half-point byes in any round if they ask at least two hours in advance. However, Sunday and last-round byes must be requested before the start of Round 4, and players may not cancel those byes afterward.

The organizer provides boards and sets for tournament play only. Therefore, players should bring a digital chess clock.

🏆 Prize Fund

2026 National Open offers a guaranteed cash prize fund of USD 100,000. The Open carries the largest prizes, while the Under sections and Beginners section also offer meaningful awards. Therefore, the event rewards both top-level performance and strong results across the wider field.

Open Section

Under-2300

Under-2100

Under-1900

Under-1700

Under-1500

Under-1250

Beginners

Mixed Doubles

The Mixed Doubles category requires an average team rating below 2200, and teammates may play in different sections. In addition, only Rounds 1-7 count for Open and Under sections, while the best day counts for Beginners.

Additional Prize Notes

Provisionally rated players may not win more than 40% of the top prize in any Under section. Meanwhile, the event also offers a plus-score bonus in the form of USD 50 gift certificates. Because those awards are not cash prizes, they stand apart from the main prize tables.

♟️ Sections / Groups

The section structure gives stronger players a demanding top event while also keeping the lower sections accessible and clearly separated. At the same time, the Beginners section creates a practical entry point for newer adult players.

📅 Schedule

Open Section – 5-Day Schedule

U4-Day Schedule

U-3-Day Schedule

U-2-Day Schedule

Beginners – Daily Schedules

The schedule gives the Open a full five-day rhythm. Meanwhile, the Under sections offer several shorter choices. Finally, the Beginners section runs as separate daily events. Therefore, players can choose a format that fits both their level and their available time.

📝 Registration

Entry Methods

Entry Fees

Discounts and Titled Terms

Practical Rules

Players should register early because the fees rise in stages. Moreover, the discount structure clearly favors early entry. However, later registration remains possible for players who need more flexibility.

👤 Organizer

Vegas Chess Festivals organizes 2026 National Open as part of a larger Las Vegas chess week. The team combines a flagship classical tournament with side activities and a broad section structure. Therefore, players can expect a practical event setup with clear schedules and strong prize support.

• Email: info@vegaschessfestival.com
• Phone: +1 702 930 9550
• Website: https://vegaschessfestival.com

📍 Venue

Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, 3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States

The tournament takes place at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. The resort setting works especially well for a multi-day chess festival. In addition, players can stay in the same building as the event, which makes daily logistics much easier.

🚗 How to Get There

Las Vegas offers frequent flights and straightforward ground transportation, so travel planning stays simple for both domestic and international visitors. From the airport, players can reach Westgate quickly by taxi or rideshare. In addition, self-parking is free for participants. As a result, attending the event is convenient whether you arrive by air or by car.

2026 National Open offers big prizes, flexible schedule choices, and a true festival atmosphere for players who want serious summer chess in Las Vegas.