The Aeroflot Open 2026 takes place February 27-March 6, 2026 in Moscow, Russia, bringing one of the world’s most prestigious international open tournaments back to the global chess calendar. Known for its elite-level competition and consistently strong fields, the event attracts titled players and ambitious professionals seeking high-level classical games and major financial incentives. Hosted at the luxury Carlton Hotel on Tverskaya Street near Red Square, the tournament combines a premium playing environment with a structured nine-round Swiss format.

With a guaranteed total prize fund of 19,600,000 RUB (approximately $205,000 USD), the Aeroflot Open ranks among the most financially significant open tournaments of the year. The event enforces a minimum rating requirement of 2300 Elo, ensuring a highly competitive field. Strict FIDE standards, professional tournament operations, and centralized logistics make it a reliable choice for players aiming for performance ratings, norms, and serious prize contention.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The tournament guarantees 19,600,000 RUB (approximately $205,000 USD) in total cash prizes. Awards go to the top fifteen finishers, the leading female players, and the best performers in specific rating categories. Prizes do not accumulate; each player receives only the highest prize earned. If players remain tied after all tiebreak criteria, the organizers divide the prize money equally.

Prize payments are made via bank transfer after the official publication of results. Winners must submit the required financial documentation to the accounting department by March 21, 2026.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The Aeroflot Open runs a 9-round Swiss System tournament using Swiss Manager for pairings. Games follow a classical time control of 90 minutes for the entire game with a 30-second increment from move one.

The default time is 30 minutes, after which a player who has not appeared at the board loses the game.

Standings are determined primarily by total points. If players tie, the event applies the following tiebreakers in order:

1. Greater number of games played with Black

2. Average rating of opponents (excluding the highest and lowest)

3. Additional Buchholz-style criteria if required

📂 Sections / Groups

The event runs as a single elite open section.

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

Players must register through the official platform:

https://reg.ruchess.ru

Eligibility:
Participants must hold a FIDE rating of at least 2300 as of January 1, 2026.

Entry Fee Structure (by rating):

• 2700+: free entry

• 2699–2650: 2,000 RUB

• 2649–2600: 4,000 RUB

• 2599–2550: 6,000 RUB

• 2549–2400: 8,000 RUB

• 2399–2350: 10,000 RUB

• 2349–2300: 15,000 RUB

Payment must be completed no later than 00:00 Moscow time on February 21, 2026 via bank transfer. Cash payments are not accepted.

Refund policy: Entry fees are non-refundable unless the organizers cancel the event.

Visa support: Players requiring a visa must send a passport scan and completed application form to support@ruchess.ru by February 3, 2026.

👥 Organizer

The Chess Federation of Russia organizes the Aeroflot Open as part of the International Chess Festival, overseeing registration, accreditation, media operations, and prize distribution. The federation maintains centralized communication channels to support both domestic and international participants.

• Email: support@ruchess.ru

• Press inquiries: press@ruchess.ru

• Website: https://aeroflotopen.ru/en

🏨 Venue

The Carlton, Moscow
Tverskaya Street 3, Moscow, 125009, Russia

This five-star hotel sits in central Moscow within walking distance of Red Square and the Kremlin. The venue provides a high-quality playing hall along with easy access to transportation, restaurants, and cultural landmarks.

🛎️ Accommodation

Tournament participants can access discounted partner hotels.

Alfa Izmailovo Hotel 4★
Offers approximately 15% off the public rate when booking with the promo code Aeroflot2025. The hotel is located near the Partizanskaya metro station for convenient travel to the city center.
Website: https://www.alfa-hotel.ru
Phone: +7-495-136-22-77

Baikal City Hotel
Provides roughly 10% discounts for stays between February 28 and March 7 when booking by phone using the password “Aeroflot 2025.”
Website: https://baikalcityhotel.ru
Phone: +7-800-302-9089

🚗 How to Get There

The Carlton sits on Tverskaya Street in the center of Moscow. Major airports serving the city include Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, and Domodedovo, all connected by rail and highway networks. The hotel concierge can arrange airport transfers for an additional fee, offering a direct and convenient route to the venue.

Compete against a world-class field, manage your time with precision, and pursue a defining performance at one of the strongest open tournaments on the international circuit.