The 20th Premium International Chess Tournament Budapest 2026 takes place from September 4–6, 2026, in Budapest, Hungary. Moreover, the organizer welcomes players to the Agora Menza Conference Hall inside Agora Tower for a full weekend of FIDE-rated classical chess.

The tournament offers two rating-based groups and six Swiss-system rounds. Therefore, players can enter a section that matches their current FIDE rating while competing under the same schedule and playing conditions.

Each player receives 70 minutes for the game, plus a 30-second increment after every move from move one. In addition, every entry fee includes dinner on Friday and lunch on Saturday.

📌 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The organizer runs both groups as six-round Swiss-system tournaments under the current FIDE Laws of Chess. Moreover, Swiss-Manager manages the pairings and tournament administration.

Each player receives 70 minutes, together with a 30-second increment per move from move one. The same time control applies to Group A and Group B.

Players may arrive up to 30 minutes after the scheduled start. However, an arbiter may record a loss once the 30-minute default period expires.

🏆 Prize Fund

The organizer announces a total prize fund of HUF 400,000, approximately $1,270, including category awards. However, the organizer guarantees the published prizes only when at least 80 players enter the two groups.

A player may receive only one prize. Furthermore, Hungarian taxes and fees apply to cash prizes.

Group A Prizes

Group B Prizes

Category Awards

The organizer also offers non-cash awards for eligible female, senior, and youth players. In addition, each category requires at least three participants before the organizer awards its category prize.

The award ceremony takes place immediately after the final round on Sunday, September 6.

♟️ Sections / Groups

The tournament divides players into two groups according to their FIDE standard rating. Therefore, players should use their current live rating when selecting a section.

A player who falls no more than 100 live rating points below the Group A threshold may request permission to enter the higher group. However, the organizer must approve the request, and an additional HUF 3,000 fee applies.

📅 Schedule

Both groups follow the same playing schedule. Moreover, all times follow local time in Budapest.

Because Saturday includes three rounds, players should prepare for a long and demanding playing day. Meanwhile, the included lunch provides a scheduled break between Rounds 2 and 3.

📝 Registration

Players must register by email no later than midnight on September 3, 2026. The organizer confirms every accepted entry.

The tournament accepts a maximum of 100 players across both groups. Consequently, the organizer does not accept on-site registration.

Late applicants enter a waiting list. The tournament director then decides whether available places and suitable group assignments allow them to participate.

Entry Fees

The entry fee includes Friday dinner and Saturday lunch. In addition, players must pay the entry fee at the venue on Friday between 14:00 and 14:50.

Licence Requirements

Players need a valid 2026 competition licence. Moreover, foreign players who do not already hold the required Hungarian Player Licence must purchase an HPL.

Registration Contact

Contact Person: József Jeszenszky

Email: sporty207@gmail.com

Phone: +36 30 640 3361

🏛️ Organizer

📍 Venue

Buena Kitchen & Bar, Agora Menza Conference Hall – Agora Tower, Váci út 116–118, 1138 Budapest, Hungary.

The tournament uses the bright conference hall inside Agora Tower. Moreover, the venue stands close to the Göncz Árpád városközpont transport hub in Budapest’s 13th district.

Players can also use Buena Kitchen & Bar during the tournament weekend. In addition, the organizer includes Friday dinner and Saturday lunch in every entry fee.

🚇 How to Get There

The venue offers convenient access by metro, tram, bus, taxi, and private car. In particular, the nearby Göncz Árpád városközpont hub connects several major Budapest transport lines.

Arrival Advice

Registration closes at 14:50 on Friday, while Round 1 begins at 15:00. Therefore, players should allow enough time for transport, entry-fee payment, and seating.

Budapest public transport schedules and service conditions may change. Consequently, players should check the BudapestGO application or the current BKK timetable before travelling.

ℹ️ Other Information

Tie-Breaks

The organizer applies the following tie-break criteria in this order:

1. Buchholz Cut 1
2. Full Buchholz
3. Progressive Score

Electronic Devices

Players must switch off mobile phones and other communication-capable devices during their games. Alternatively, players may place these devices in the designated box behind the arbiter’s table.

Players may access a stored device only with the arbiter’s permission. Therefore, participants should prepare any essential arrangements before the round begins.

Tournament Area

The tournament area includes the playing hall, lobby, washrooms, and designated smoking areas. During a game, players may leave this area only after receiving permission from an arbiter.

The venue strictly prohibits smoking inside the building. Consequently, anyone who smokes indoors faces immediate disqualification.

Pairings and Results

Chess-Results publishes the starting lists, pairings, standings, and results for both groups:

Group A:
https://s2.chess-results.com/tnr1464768.aspx?lan=1&SNode=S0

Group B U1800:
https://s2.chess-results.com/tnr1464769.aspx?lan=1&SNode=S0

Finally, players should check the relevant Chess-Results page before travelling because the organizer may update the participant lists and tournament information.