Stockholm’s signature winter festival returns as the 53rd Rilton Cup 2025/2026 brings world-class classical chess to the Scandic Continental in the city center from 27 December 2025 to 5 January 2026. Across multiple rating bands – Rilton Cup, Rilton U2200, and the Rilton Open plus U1800 – players enjoy a polished international experience with daily rounds, expert arbiting, and a buzzing holiday atmosphere just steps from Central Station.

With a proven schedule, clear regulations, and side events (rapid/blitz, lectures, meet-ups), Rilton is built for both titled contenders and ambitious club players. Cup & U2200 use full classical standards with 9 rounds, while Open and U1800 deliver compact formats and friendlier time controls — all FIDE-rated, all under one roof in central Stockholm.

🗓️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

• Cup & U2200: 40 moves in 90′, then +30′ to finish; +30″/move from move one (9 rounds).

• Rilton Open: 60′ + 30″/move (7 rounds).

• U1800: 90′ + 30″/move (7 rounds).

• System: Swiss pairings; results published online and at the venue.

• Fair play: FIDE Laws apply; scoresheets required to the end of the game; anti-cheating measures in operation.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule (Cup & U2200)

Rilton Open & U1800 follow a compact 7-round schedule within the festival dates; exact round times are posted with pairings.

📝 Registration

• Register online: https://www.rilton.se/anmaldig.html

• Payment: Bank transfer / card / PayPal as listed on the registration page. Early payment discounts apply (classic 100 SEK early-bird).

• Entry cap: The first ~300 fully paid registrations are guaranteed participation (festival total).

• IDs: A FIDE ID is required for all rated events; ensure federation membership/clearance per your national rules.

• Check-in: Confirm on-site before your first round (times posted with pairings). Late arrivals risk missing the round.

👥 Organizer

Hosted by the Stockholm Chess Federation in cooperation with the Rilton Cup Committee and partners.

• Festival site: https://www.rilton.se/

• Live games & results links are posted on the festival dashboard during the event.

🏨 Venue

All events take place at Scandic Continental, Vasagatan 22, opposite Stockholm Central Station — a modern hotel venue with large playing halls, breakout spaces, and extensive food & beverage options for players and guests.

🛎️ Accommodation

• On-site hotel: Scandic Continental offers a festival booking code with preferred rates (limited allotment; book early on scandichotels.com).

• Nearby hotels and apartments around Central Station / Norrmalm provide a wide range of alternatives within a 5–10 minute walk.

🚗 How to Get There

• Train/Metro: Directly across from Stockholm C and T-Centralen (all lines).

• Airport: Arlanda (ARN) → Arlanda Express or commuter rail to Stockholm C; Bromma (BMA) has frequent bus/metro connections.

• Car: Central parking garages nearby; allow extra time during holiday dates.

Step into the new year at Sweden’s flagship open — choose Rilton Cup, U2200, Open, or U1800, and celebrate ten days of classical chess in the heart of Stockholm.