The 30th RCC International FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Cup 2026 promises another exciting edition of Indiaβs most consistent rapid chess event!
Organized by Raoβs 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 βΉ1,00,000, 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.
ποΈ Event Details
| Item |
Details |
| ποΈ Date |
18 January 2026 (Sunday) |
| π Location |
Ballary Kalyana Mantapa, Ranebennur, Karnataka, India |
| βοΈ Format |
9-Round Swiss System |
| π΅ Entry Fee |
βΉ500 before 14 Dec 2025 β’ βΉ700 after 14 Dec β’ βΉ900 after 11 Jan 2026 |
| β Rating |
FIDE Rapid Rated |
| β
Eligibility |
Open to all AICF-registered players |
| π― Prize Fund |
βΉ1,00,000 total |
| π§ AICF Event Code |
436485/KA(R)/2026 |
| π§ KSCA Event Code |
KSCA/G75/2526 |
| π§ Organizer |
Raoβs Chess Corner (IM Sharan Rao) |
π Prize Fund
Main Prizes
| Rank |
Prize (βΉ) |
| 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 |
| 11thβ15th |
1,500 each |
| 16thβ20th |
1,250 each |
Special Prizes
| Category |
Prize (βΉ) |
| 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 |
β±οΈ 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 βΉ1,000 (refundable if upheld)
-
Electronic Devices: All electronic gadgets and watches are strictly prohibited
-
Fair Play: Registration implies consent for photography and game recording
π
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) |
π Registration
-
Entry Fee: βΉ500 before 14 Dec 2025 β’ βΉ700 after 14 Dec β’ βΉ900 after 11 Jan 2026
-
Payment & Registration Portals:
-
Contact (WhatsApp): +91 87480 29018 / +91 81978 59289
-
Organizer Website: https://raoschesscorner.com
π₯ Organizer & Officials
-
Organizer: Raoβs 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
π¨ Venue
Ballary Kalyana Mantapa, Ranebennur, Karnataka, India
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uJtSC1cjfyBkL2Wj8
π How to Get There
-
By Train: Ranebennur Railway Station (2 km from venue)
-
By Air: Hubballi Airport β 110 km | Bengaluru Airport β 300 km
-
By Bus: KSRTC Ranebennur Bus Stand β 1 km
-
Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and taxis available throughout the city
A prestigious event with a legacy of 30 years β the RCC International FIDE Rated Rapid Cup continues to be a hallmark of Karnatakaβs chess calendar. Get ready for a day full of rapid-fire tactics and intense battles on the board in Ranebennur 2026!