A winter classic of the chess world, the 99th Hastings International Chess Congress takes place from Sunday, 28 December 2025 to Sunday, 4 January 2026 in Hastings, England. For more than a century, Hastings has welcomed grandmasters, titled professionals, ambitious club players, and juniors to a week of serious classical chess by the sea. Spacious halls, experienced arbiters, and a rhythm that suits both norm-hunters and holidaying families make this Congress a standout way to close one year and begin the next.

Please note that the flagship Hastings Masters is a 9-round Open. Alongside it, there are compact 5-round tournaments for players rated under 2050 and under 1750, giving clear, competitive paths for a wide range of ratings. Immediately after these events, a Weekend Congress (5 rounds, open to all) offers a focused finale – ideal if you want a shorter tournament without compromising on quality.

Beyond the boards, the Congress benefits from Hastings’ practical logistics: a central venue with on-site catering, walkable access from rail stations, and a lively seafront minutes away for restorative breaks. Daily pairings and results are posted promptly; anti-cheating rules and default times are clearly enforced; and prize-givings conclude each event with professionalism and warmth.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

• Masters: First prize £2,500.

• Additional Masters and section prizes (overall, rating, age, and special awards) are published in the event regulations and on site.

• Prize-giving is held immediately after the final round of each event; players should be present to receive awards.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

• Masters: 9-round Swiss, 90′ + 30″ from move 1.

• Rating-banded 5-round events (<2050, <1750): Classical time control published in the section sheets.

• Weekend Congress: 5-round Swiss; classical cadence published in the section sheet.

• Swiss pairings (e.g., Swiss-Manager or equivalent). Tie-breaks follow the order announced by the organisers.

• Default/forfeit time, bye rules, and device/anti-cheating policies are displayed in the playing hall and on daily notices.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

Masters

Con Power (rating-banded, 5-round)

New Year (rating-banded)

Weekend Congress (Open • Major • Intermediate • Minor, 5-round)

📝 Registration

• How to enter: Online entry via the Congress portal (postal/cheque entry is accommodated where indicated).

• Player data: Provide FIDE/ECF ID, federation, and current rating at registration.

• Deadlines & caps: Early-entry windows and late-entry surcharges apply; sections may close on reaching capacity.

• Byes/refunds: Bye requests, withdrawal deadlines, and refund terms are specified per section and posted in the hall.

• Fair play: Players must observe device restrictions and comply with arbiters’ instructions; violations may lead to penalties or exclusion.

👥 Organizer

The Hastings International Chess Congress Committee delivers the Congress with a seasoned team of arbiters and volunteers. The team handles player services, live communications in the hall, daily results/pairings, prize-givings, and general logistics across all sections.

• General enquiries: HICCchairman@yahoo.com

• Chief Arbiter (Masters): Alex McFarlane

🏨 Venue

Horntye Park Sports Complex
Bohemia Road, Hastings TN34 1EX, England

A purpose-built sports and events centre with a large main hall and adjacent rooms for concurrent sections. Expect clear signage, printed pairings, analysis spaces, and a foyer area that often hosts a bookstall. The venue is step-free with lift access, offers on-site parking (arrive early for busier rounds), and provides on-site catering with hot and cold options throughout play. The town centre and seafront are within walking distance for shops, cafés, and pharmacies.

🛎️ Accommodation

Hastings and neighbouring St Leonards offer hotels, guest houses, and serviced apartments across a range of budgets. For convenience, many players base themselves near the Pelham/White Rock seafront or in St Leonards for quick access to Bohemia Road. Winter availability is generally good, but family rooms and sea-view options around New Year can sell out—book early. Consider breakfast-included rates and ask properties about late check-out on the final Sunday if you expect a long last round.

🚗 How to Get There

• Rail: Direct services from London Charing Cross/London Bridge (via Tunbridge Wells) and from London Victoria (via Lewes/Eastbourne). There is also a high-speed connection via London St Pancras → Ashford International with a transfer to Hastings.

• Air: London Gatwick is usually the most convenient airport; Heathrow and London City are viable alternatives with onward rail via central London.

• Local transport: Regular buses link the seafront and town centre with Bohemia Road; taxis are available at Hastings and St Leonards Warrior Square stations.

• Parking: On-site parking at Horntye Park; plan to arrive early for the busiest rounds and prize-giving sessions.

Start your chess year at the Hastings International Chess Congress—historic, expertly organised, and the perfect blend of competitive depth and seaside charm.