30th RCC International FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Cup 2026
The 30th RCC International FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Cup 2026 promises another exciting edition of India’s most consistent rapid chess event!
Organized by Rao’s Chess Corner in association with Khannur Group of Institutions, this one-day tournament will be held on Sunday, 18 January 2026, in Ranebennur, Karnataka, under the aegis of FIDE, AICF, and KSCA.
With a total prize fund of ₹1,00,000, five age-group trophies for both boys and girls, and strong open competition, this event continues to attract players from across South India and beyond.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Date | 18 January 2026 (Sunday) |
| 📍 Location | Ballary Kalyana Mantapa, Ranebennur, Karnataka, India |
| ♟️ Format | 9-Round Swiss System |
| 💵 Entry Fee | ₹500 before 14 Dec 2025 • ₹700 after 14 Dec • ₹900 after 11 Jan 2026 |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE Rapid Rated |
| ✅ Eligibility | Open to all AICF-registered players |
| 🎯 Prize Fund | ₹1,00,000 total |
| 🔧 AICF Event Code | 436485/KA(R)/2026 |
| 🔧 KSCA Event Code | KSCA/G75/2526 |
| 🔧 Organizer | Rao’s Chess Corner (IM Sharan Rao) |
🏆 Prize Fund
Main Prizes
| Rank | Prize (₹) |
|---|---|
| 1st | 15,000 |
| 2nd | 10,000 |
| 3rd | 7,000 |
| 4th | 5,000 |
| 5th | 4,000 |
| 6th | 3,500 |
| 7th | 3,000 |
| 8th | 2,500 |
| 9th | 2,000 |
| 10th | 1,750 |
| 11th–15th | 1,500 each |
| 16th–20th | 1,250 each |
Special Prizes
| Category | Prize (₹) |
|---|---|
| Best Female (17+) | 2,500 |
| Best Veteran (60+) | 2,500 |
| Best Local (Ranebennur) | 2,500 |
| Youngest Boy & Girl | Trophy each |
Age Category Prizes (Separate for Boys & Girls)
| Age Group | Prizes |
|---|---|
| Under-9 | Trophies & Certificates |
| Under-11 | Trophies & Certificates |
| Under-13 | Trophies & Certificates |
| Under-15 | Trophies & Certificates |
| Under-17 | Trophies & Certificates |
⏱️ Time Control & Rules
System: 9 Rounds, Swiss System (FIDE Laws of Chess apply)
Time Control: 10 minutes + 5 seconds increment per move
Default Time: 0 minutes (strict)
Tie-Breaks: Latest FIDE tie-break rules applied (no shared prizes)
Appeals: Protest fee ₹1,000 (refundable if upheld)
Electronic Devices: All electronic gadgets and watches are strictly prohibited
Fair Play: Registration implies consent for photography and game recording
📅 Schedule
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Reporting & Spot Registration | 8:30 AM |
| Round 1 Start | 9:30 AM |
| Subsequent Rounds | Continuous play throughout the day |
| Prize Distribution | After final round (evening) |
📝 Registration
Entry Fee: ₹500 before 14 Dec 2025 • ₹700 after 14 Dec • ₹900 after 11 Jan 2026
Payment & Registration Portals:
Contact (WhatsApp): +91 87480 29018 / +91 81978 59289
Organizer Website: https://raoschesscorner.com
👥 Organizer & Officials
Organizer: Rao’s Chess Corner
Director: IM Sharan Rao
Chief Arbiter: FA Sakshath U K
Supported by: Khannur Group of Institutions
Appeals Committee: To be formed before Round 1
🏨 Venue
Ballary Kalyana Mantapa, Ranebennur, Karnataka, India
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uJtSC1cjfyBkL2Wj8
🚗 How to Get There
By Train: Ranebennur Railway Station (2 km from venue)
By Air: Hubballi Airport – 110 km | Bengaluru Airport – 300 km
By Bus: KSRTC Ranebennur Bus Stand – 1 km
Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and taxis available throughout the city
A prestigious event with a legacy of 30 years — the RCC International FIDE Rated Rapid Cup continues to be a hallmark of Karnataka’s chess calendar. Get ready for a day full of rapid-fire tactics and intense battles on the board in Ranebennur 2026!