Step into the heart of Spanish chess tradition at the 40th Sestao “Bizkaia” Open 2025, scheduled from September 12 to 18, 2025, in the historic town of Sestao, nestled in the culturally rich Basque Country. Hosted at the well-equipped Frontón de Las Llanas, this classical-format tournament invites players from all rating groups and backgrounds to a week of intense strategic play and friendly rivalry. With over €20,000 in prizes, a professional organization, and an international chess atmosphere, this event is one of the standout tournaments in the Spanish chess calendar.

📋 EVENT DETAILS

⏱️ TIME CONTROL

All games will follow the FIDE standard classical format with a time control of 90 minutes for the entire game, plus a 30-second increment per move from move one. This ensures thoughtful, high-quality play and ample time for deep calculation, especially in critical middle and endgames.

📅 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Note: Schedule may be subject to slight adjustments by the organizer.

💰 PRIZE FUND

The tournament offers a total prize pool of over €20,000, distributed across various categories:

• Top 10 General Prizes
• Best Female Player
• Best Junior
• Best Local (Sestao) Player
• Rating Group Prizes (Under 2300, Under 2000, Under 1700, etc.)
• Special Performance Bonuses

Exact prize amounts per position will be announced closer to the event start.

📝 REGISTRATION

Entry Fees:

• General Participants: €30
• Sestao Club Players: Free
• GM/IM/WGM/WIM and players rated 2300+: Free

Group Discounts:

• Clubs with 10+ players receive a €5 refund per player if 50% of participants attend and complete the tournament.

Payment Information:

• Bank Name: BBK
• IBAN: ES34 2095 0087 76 2087006177
• Reference: [Player Full Name]

Registration Instructions:
To complete registration, participants should email the organizer with full name, FIDE ID, contact info, and payment confirmation. No on-site payments will be accepted.

🧳 TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION

Getting There:

• By Air: Fly into Bilbao Airport (BIO), which is just 15 km from Sestao.
• By Train/Metro: Sestao is connected by Bilbao Metro Line 2. The Sestao station is within walking distance of the playing hall.
• By Car: Sestao is easily accessible via AP-8 and N-634 highways. Nearby parking is available.

Hotel Options:

• Hotel Naval Sestao – closest accommodation, walkable to the venue.
• Puerta de Bilbao Hotel – located in Barakaldo, 10 mins by metro.
• Budget Accommodations: Hostels and pensions available throughout Bilbao and Sestao for all budgets.

Advance booking is advised due to limited availability during chess season.

🏢 ORGANIZER

Club de Ajedrez Sestao (Sestao Xake Taldea) is one of the most renowned chess organizations in Spain, with a long-standing tradition of competitive success and professional tournament organization. The club is known for producing top talents and for its dedication to growing chess at the local and national level.

Contact Information:

• Email: sestaoxaketaldea@gmail.com
• Address: Alameda Las Llanas, 10, 48910 Sestao, Bizkaia, Spain

🎯 WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE

The 40th Sestao “Bizkaia” Open isn’t just a tournament—it’s a celebration of chess excellence in one of Spain’s most dynamic regions. With its generous prize fund, international field, and seamless organization, this tournament offers a unique blend of serious chess competition and local culture. Whether you’re aiming for a title norm, rating boost, or simply a fantastic chess experience, Sestao welcomes you for a memorable September showdown.