35th International Open Tournament of Kavala “Vasilis Theodoridis”
The 35th International Open Tournament of Kavala “Vasilis Theodoridis” returns in July 27-August 4, 2026 to Kavala, Greece, offering a strong summer international chess tournament in a seaside setting. The event runs as an over-the-board, FIDE rated Swiss tournament over 9 rounds with classical time control and a total cash prize fund of EUR 12,000, making it one of the flagship open events in Greece for 2026.
The 35th International Open Tournament of Kavala “Vasilis Theodoridis” welcomes players with a valid FIDE ID and splits the field into four groups by rating and age, with a total capacity of 500 players. Players compete in Kavala, Greece at Megali Leschi, Kyprou 12, with structured entry fees by group and rating, debit/credit card payment, and mandatory pre-event confirmation. The 35th International Open Tournament of Kavala “Vasilis Theodoridis” also features a free day and side activities during the week, combining competitive chess with a classic Greek summer experience in Kavala, Greece.
🗓️ Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | July 27-August 4, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Kavala, Greece |
| ♟️ Format | Over-the-board, Swiss System (9 rounds) |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE rated |
| 📂 Sections | Group A, Group B, Group C, Group D |
| ⏱️ Time control | 90 minutes for 40 moves + 15 minutes to finish + 30-second increment from move 1 |
| 💳 Entry fee | Varies by group and rating (free for rating ≥ 2400); up to EUR 120 |
| 💰 Prize fund | USD 13,100 (approx.) |
| 👤 Eligibility | Valid FIDE ID required |
| 👥 Capacity | 500 players total (all groups combined) |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Payment by debit/credit card only; FIDE ratings used for grouping as of July 1, 2026 |
| Chess-Results.com | https://s3.chess-results.com/tnr1338271.aspx?lan=11&flag=30&turdet=YES&SNode=S0 |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Non-cumulative prizes | If a player qualifies for two or more prizes, the higher prize applies |
| Tie rules | Cash prizes are split equally between tied players (up to 6th place in Group A; up to 3rd place in Group B; in Group C and the Women’s categories) |
| Minimum participants | Prizes in a category are awarded only if at least three players participate in that category |
| Presence requirement | Missing the Closing Ceremony forfeits the right to prizes |
Group-A (EUR)
| Place / Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | 2,500 EUR |
| 2nd | 1,500 EUR |
| 3rd | 1,000 EUR |
| 4th | 600 EUR |
| 5th | 500 EUR |
| 6th | 400 EUR |
| 7th | 300 EUR |
| 8th | 250 EUR |
| 9th | 200 EUR |
| 10th | 150 EUR |
Group-A-Special Prizes (EUR)
| Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st Woman | 500 EUR |
| 2nd Woman | 300 EUR |
| 3rd Woman | 200 EUR |
| 1st 50+ | 200 EUR |
| 1st 65+ | 200 EUR |
| 1st <2200 | 150 EUR |
| 1st <2100 | 150 EUR |
Group-B (EUR)
| Place / Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | 500 EUR |
| 2nd | 300 EUR |
| 3rd | 250 EUR |
| 4th | 200 EUR |
| 5th | 180 EUR |
| 6th | 170 EUR |
| 7th | 150 EUR |
| 8th | 120 EUR |
Group-B-Special Prizes (EUR)
| Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st Woman | 200 EUR |
| 2nd Woman | 130 EUR |
| 3rd Woman | 100 EUR |
| 1st 50+ | 100 EUR |
| 1st 65+ | 100 EUR |
Group-C (EUR)
| Place / Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | 150 EUR |
| 2nd | 100 EUR |
| 3rd | 80 EUR |
| 1st Woman | 70 EUR |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The 35th International Open Tournament of Kavala “Vasilis Theodoridis” runs as a 9-round FIDE Swiss tournament using Swiss Manager for pairings. The time control is 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, plus 15 minutes to finish the game, with a 30-second increment from move 1. Groups are formed using FIDE ratings as of July 1, 2026, and the tie-break order is Direct Encounter, Buchholz (cut-1), Sonneborn-Berger, then Buchholz.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating / target group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | Rating ≥ 2100 | Rating ≥ 2400: free entry fee; 2100–2399: 80 EUR; 2000–2099: 120 EUR |
| Group B | Rating 1600–2099 | 2000–2100: free entry fee; 1600–1999: 60 EUR; 1500–1599: 100 EUR |
| Group C | Rating 0–1599 | Entry fee: 40 EUR |
| Group D | U10 (born after January 1, 2016) | Entry fee: 30 EUR |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 27, 2026 | Monday | 17:00 | Round 1 |
| July 28, 2026 | Tuesday | 10:00 | Round 2 |
| July 28, 2026 | Tuesday | 17:30 | Round 3 |
| July 30, 2026 | Thursday | 17:00 | Round 4 |
| July 31, 2026 | Friday | 17:00 | Free Day (Beach Night Party) |
| August 1, 2026 | Saturday | 17:00 | Round 5 |
| August 2, 2026 | Sunday | 17:00 | Round 6 |
| August 3, 2026 | Monday | 17:00 | Round 7 |
| August 4, 2026 | Tuesday | 09:30 | Round 9 |
| August 4, 2026 | Tuesday | 15:30 | Closing Ceremony |
📝 Registration
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| How to register | Register via https://chesskavala.gr/open/ |
| Registration deadline | Registration is open until July 20, 2026 |
| Entries accepted | Entries are accepted no later than July 21, 2026 |
| Entry confirmation | Entries are confirmed only after the entry fee is paid |
| Payment method | Debit or credit card only |
| Prepayment | Prepay until July 8 |
| Fee increase | From July 9 onwards, entry fees increase by 10 EUR |
| Early registration discount | Register by March 1, 2026 for a 10% discount on tournament fees |
| Refund policy | Entry fees are refundable (minus transaction fees) only before July 8 |
| Mandatory confirmation | Confirmation required from July 25 to July 27 before 12:00 (online check-in from July 25 or in person at the venue until 12:00 on July 27) |
| Late confirmation | Players confirmed after the deadline may join the tournament in Round 2 |
| Capacity rule | Total entry limit is 500 players across all groups |
👥 Organizer
The 35th International Open Tournament of Kavala “Vasilis Theodoridis” is organized by the local chess organizers in Kavala, Greece, continuing a long-running tradition of hosting an international chess tournament that attracts players from Greece and abroad. The event structure focuses on clear group divisions, classical FIDE rated play, and a full week of chess in the summer season in Kavala, Greece.
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Email: info@chesskavala.gr
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Phone: +30 6949242755
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Website: https://chesskavala.gr/open/
🏨 Venue
Megali Leschi, Kyprou 12, Kavala, Greece
The tournament takes place at Megali Leschi in central Kavala, Greece. The venue hosts the playing halls for the 35th International Open Tournament of Kavala “Vasilis Theodoridis” and supports an over-the-board classical schedule across nine rounds.
🛎️ Accommodation
Special hotel rates are available in limited quantity on a first-come, first-served basis, with prices per night including breakfast. From July 16 onwards, hotel rates increase by 5 EUR per night, and a 100% booking deposit is required to confirm a reservation. Cancellations until July 5 receive a full refund minus any transaction fees, while cancellations after July 5 are non-refundable.
Oceanis Hotel (EUR per night)
| Room type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Single | 70 EUR |
| Double | 80 EUR |
| Triple | 100 EUR |
Nefeli Hotel (EUR per night)
| Room type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Single | 145 EUR |
| Double | 165 EUR |
| Triple | 195 EUR |
Lucy Hotel (EUR per night)
| Room type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Single | 70 EUR |
| Double | 80 EUR |
| Triple | 100 EUR |
Galaxy Airohotel (EUR per night)
| Room type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Single | 105 EUR |
| Double | 120 EUR |
| Triple | 135 EUR |
Esperia Hotel (EUR per night)
| Room type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Double | 75 EUR |
| Triple | 95 EUR |
For accommodation and payments: info@chesskavala.gr
🚗 How to Get There
Airport transfers run directly from the airport to your accommodation, with payment made directly to the driver. Provide flight details and the total number of passengers to arrange the transfer.
| Route | Vehicle | Price | Capacity / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport transfers to/from Kavala | Taxi | 60 EUR | Up to 4 passengers |
| Airport transfers to/from Kavala | Van | 120 EUR | Up to 8 passengers |
| Airport transfers to/from Thessaloniki | Taxi | 180 EUR | Up to 4 passengers |
| Airport transfers to/from Thessaloniki | Van | 260 EUR | Up to 8 passengers |
If you want a summer chess week that blends serious FIDE rated competition with the energy of a seaside city, the 35th International Open Tournament of Kavala “Vasilis Theodoridis” is the event to put on your 2026 calendar.
🧾 Other
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Appeals | Complaints must be submitted within 30 minutes after the end of the round; an appeal committee is formed for objections |
| Objection fee | 60 EUR, paid to the Competition Director (refunded if the objection is upheld) |
| Anti-cheating | Organizers may apply preventive measures and conduct checks before or during games |
| Electronic devices | Electronic devices are prohibited in the playing venue; organizers may use special equipment to prevent devices entering the playing area |
Additional Details
Prize Fund - $13,100