The 22nd Pays de Charleroi International Chess Tournament invites players to gather in Roux, a suburb of Charleroi, for a week of high-level classical chess. Chess Club Le Pays de Charleroi hosts this FIDE-rated event annually and continues to grow its reputation as one of Belgium’s premier summer opens. Players of all levels will experience a professionally organized tournament, engaging local atmosphere, and excellent playing conditions.

📅 Tournament Schedule

July 26, 2025 (Saturday): Round 1 at 15:00
July 27 – August 1, 2025: Rounds 2–8 (one round daily at 15:00)
August 2, 2025 (Saturday): Round 9 at 10:00, followed by Closing Ceremony

Organizers follow a relaxed schedule that allows players to explore Charleroi and the surrounding Walloon region.

⏱️ Time Control & Format

System: 9-round Swiss system
Time Control: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves + 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with 30 seconds added per move from move one
FIDE Rating: Yes (both FIDE and Belgian national rating applicable)
Fair Play Measures: Arbiters will monitor all rounds using anti-cheating protocols

Organizers enforce FIDE tournament rules throughout the event.

🏆 Prize Fund & Awards

Total Prize Fund: €7,500 (guaranteed)
1st Place: €1,500
2nd Place: €1,000
3rd Place: €800
4th Place: €600
5th Place: €500
6th–10th Places: Prizes ranging from €100 to €400

Organizers also award special category prizes for top juniors, seniors, women, and rating groups.

📝 Registration & Participation

Who Can Play: The event is open to all players, from unrated to grandmasters
Entry Fee:

• Adults: €60
• Juniors (U18): €40
• GM, IM, WGM, WIM: Free

Registration Deadline: July 22, 2025
Late Registration Fee: €10 (applied after July 15)
How to Register: Players must contact the organizing team by phone or email to reserve their place

Organizers recommend early registration due to venue capacity limits.

💳 Payment Information

Payment Method: Bank transfer (details provided during registration confirmation) or cash payment at the venue
Confirmation: The organizer confirms registration upon payment and personal contact

Participants should complete all payments before the first round to validate their entry.

🏨 Venue Information

Venue Name: Complexe Sportif de Roux
Address: Rue des Couturelles 2, 6044 Roux, Charleroi, Belgium

The venue offers modern playing halls, on-site refreshments, rest areas, and is wheelchair-accessible.

✈️ Travel & Accommodation

By Air:

• Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) lies 10 km from the venue
• Brussels Zaventem Airport (BRU) offers international connections, located 65 km away

By Train:

• Roux Station connects to Charleroi and main Belgian cities
• Charleroi-Central provides direct train services to Brussels and Liège

Accommodation Options:

• Local hotels and guesthouses are available in Charleroi and Roux
• Tournament organizers assist with discounted lodging options upon request

Players can book accommodations directly or contact the club for help with arrangements.

👥 Organizer & Contact Information

Organizer: Club d’Échecs Le Pays de Charleroi
Contact Person: Quentin De Heug
Phone: +32 485 97 84 94
Email: [email protected]

Organizers encourage players to reach out for help with registration, travel, or housing.

👨‍⚖️ Tournament Officials

Chief Arbiter: Luc Cornet (Belgium)
Deputy Arbiters: Renaud Barreau (Belgium), Timothe Scaillet (Belgium)
Section Arbiter: Philippe Sauve (France)

This experienced arbiter team ensures a fair, organized, and smooth competition throughout all rounds.

Join the 22nd Pays de Charleroi International Chess Tournament and enjoy strong chess, generous prizes, and Belgian hospitality. Combine serious play with summer exploration in one of Wallonia’s most dynamic chess hubs.

You may find more exciting chess tournaments at: mychess.events.