35th Open International Chess Tournament of Kavala “Vasilis Theodoridis” will take place from July 27 – August 4, 2026, in Kavala, Greece. This is a chess tournament in Kavala, Greece, in 2026.

The tournament brings one of Greece’s major summer chess events back to the seaside city of Kavala. Moreover, it offers four groups, 9 classical rounds, and a total prize fund of €12,000.

In addition, the event combines rated chess with side activities, hotel options, airport transfers, and a summer holiday atmosphere. Therefore, players can enjoy strong competition and a memorable stay in northern Greece.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Classical Format

Players receive 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, plus 15 minutes for the rest of the game. In addition, each player receives a 30-second increment from move 1.

The tournament uses the Swiss System with 9 rounds. Therefore, players can expect a full classical chess schedule across nine tournament days.

Pairings and Tie-Breaks

Swiss-Manager handles the pairings. Moreover, the Chess-Results page provides the tournament file, player list, statistics, pairings, and updates.

Final standings use direct encounter first. After that, the tie-break order is Buchholz Cut 1, Sonneborn-Berger, and full Buchholz.

Byes and Default Time

Players may request up to two round exemptions. However, they must inform the pairing official immediately after the previous round ends.

The default time is 30 minutes. Therefore, players should arrive before each round and avoid unnecessary forfeit risk.

💰 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The total confirmed prize fund is €12,000, approx. $14,100. The prize program includes main ranking prizes, women’s prizes, rating prizes, and prizes for players aged 50 or older and 65 or older.

The tournament awards prizes only when at least three players participate in the relevant category. In addition, prize winners must attend the closing ceremony to receive their prizes.

Group A Prizes

Group B Prizes

Group C Prizes

Prize Notes

Between tied players, prizes are shared up to 6th place in Group A and up to 3rd place in Group B. The same rule applies to Group C and women’s prize categories.

If a player qualifies for more than one prize, the player receives the higher prize. Moreover, cups go to the top six overall players, the top three women players, the top three players in the other groups, and the first player in each special category.

🏆 Sections / Groups

Tournament Groups

The tournament uses four groups based on the July 1, 2026 rating list. Therefore, players should choose the correct group according to their rating and age category.

Special Entry Notes

This structure gives stronger players a competitive top group. Meanwhile, Groups B, C, and D make the tournament accessible to club players, developing players, and young juniors.

📅 Schedule

Main Tournament Schedule

Side Activities

The schedule includes a double-round day on July 28. Therefore, players should plan meals, rest, and preparation carefully on that date.

📝 Registration

Registration Details

Players must complete registration and payment to secure their entry. In addition, every player must confirm participation before the July 27 deadline at 12:00.

Players who confirm after the deadline may join from Round 2. Therefore, early confirmation is important, especially for players traveling on the first tournament day.

Entry Fees

🧑‍💼 Organizer

Kavala Chess Club and East Macedonia & Thrace Chess Union organize the 35th Open International Chess Tournament of Kavala “Vasilis Theodoridis”. As a result, the event combines a long-running Greek chess tradition with a strong international summer format.

Moreover, the tournament gives players four rating and age-based groups, a large prize fund, and a seaside destination. The side activities also add a social and travel-friendly atmosphere to the tournament week.

Email: info@chesskavala.gr

📍 Venue

Playing Hall

Megali Leschi – Great Club — Kyprou 12, Kavala, Greece

Venue Notes

The tournament takes place at Megali Leschi, also known as the Great Club, on Kyprou Street near Kavala Town Hall. Therefore, players should use Kyprou 12 as the main venue address.

The playing site places the tournament close to the city center. As a result, players can reach hotels, restaurants, transport options, and local services more easily during the event.

🏨 Accommodation

Hotel Options

The organizers list a limited number of hotel rooms at special rates. Prices apply per night and include breakfast and taxes.

Accommodation Notes

From July 16 onward, hotel rates increase by €5 per night. In addition, a full booking deposit is required to confirm the reservation.

Cancellations made by July 5 receive a refund minus any transaction fees. However, cancellations after July 5 are non-refundable.

Special accommodation conditions are available for selected GM, IM, and WGM players. Since these conditions are limited, titled players should contact the organizers early.

✈️ How to Get There

Travel to Kavala

Kavala is located in northern Greece, on the Aegean coast. Therefore, players can travel through Kavala International Airport or continue by road from nearby Greek cities.

The organizers list airport transfer options from Kavala and Thessaloniki. Players who want transfer support should send flight details and the number of passengers in advance.

Airport Transfers

Transfer payment is made directly to the driver. Therefore, players should prepare the amount in advance and confirm the pickup details with the organizer.

ℹ️ Other Information

Appeals and Fair Play

Players may submit a complaint within 30 minutes after the relevant round ends. The appeal fee is €60, and the fee is refunded if the appeal succeeds.

The organizers may apply anti-cheating measures during the event. In addition, electronic devices are not allowed in the playing venue.

Side Activities

The tournament program includes a guided visit to the ancient archaeological site of Philippi. Moreover, players can join a winery trip with a tour and tasting at Oenogenesis Winery.

The free day also includes a beach night party at Batis New Age beach. As a result, players can enjoy both chess and summer travel experiences during the event.

Practical Notes

Players who need visa support should contact the organizer before July 1, 2026. The organizer provides invitations only after the required payments are completed.

By participating, players accept the tournament’s data, results, photo, video, and media-publication rules.

Finally, the 35th Open International Chess Tournament of Kavala “Vasilis Theodoridis” offers classical chess, strong prizes, side events, hotel support, and a true summer tournament atmosphere in Greece.