Chess fans can look forward to the Ciudad de Pamplona Pepe Leuza In Memoriam International Chess Tournament from Sunday, February 15 to Friday, February 20, 2026 in Pamplona, Spain. This nine-round classical open honors José “Pepe” Leuza García, an emblematic chess figure in Navarra and an eight-time regional champion. The event invites federated players of all strengths to compete in a classical FIDE-rated tournament with opportunities for FIDE and FEDA rating gains as well as title norms.

The tournament takes place inside Hotel Iruña Park’s Salón Roma, offering comfortable playing conditions and multiple rooms for a large field. Organizers expect up to 200 players and apply clear rules for byes, anti-cheating control, draw restrictions, and player conduct. With a mix of tradition, competition, and strong organizational support, the event serves as one of the most respected annual open tournaments in northern Spain.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

Organizers award both cash prizes and trophies. Prize rules specify that prizes are non-cumulative; each participant receives only the highest-value prize for which they qualify. In cases where multiple prizes apply, the most important category takes priority. All prize winners must attend the closing ceremony to receive their awards.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Players compete over nine classical rounds using the Swiss system with Baku-style acceleration. Each game uses a time control of 90 minutes for the whole game plus a 30-second increment from move one.

The event follows current FIDE Laws of Chess. Pairings, standings, and results appear after each round on official pages designated by the organizers. A 30-minute default time applies. One unjustified absence removes the player from the tournament, and two defaults lead to automatic withdrawal.

Players may request not to be paired in Rounds 1 and 2 and receive half-point byes for those rounds. They may also request to miss later rounds but receive no points for them. All bye requests must be submitted to the Chief Arbiter before Round 1, or before the end of the preceding round for later rounds.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

The tournament runs across nine rounds from February 15 to 20, 2026. Organizers publish exact round times locally and online throughout the event and update them after each round concludes.

📝 Registration

All players must hold a valid FIDE or FEDA federation license. Grandmasters, Women Grandmasters, International Masters, and Women International Masters receive free registration.

Entry fees:
• Adults: €50 until January 14, 2026
• Adults (late entry): €65 after January 14
• Players under 14: €25

Registration closes on February 3, 2026 at 14:00. Players must submit the entry form along with proof of bank transfer. Registration becomes valid only after both items are received.

Required information includes name, date of birth, FIDE ID (if applicable), rating, autonomous community, mobile phone number, and acceptance of the data-protection agreement. Arbiters may request official identification at any point. Players from Sub-08 to Sub-14 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult.

👥 Organizer

The Cultural Chess Association Pepe Leuza and the City Council of Pamplona organize the event.

Email: info.asociaiciobcapl@gmail.com
Email: shejo2802@gmail.com
Website: https://memorialpepeleuza.blogspot.com/

🏨 Venue

Games take place in the Salón Roma of Hotel Iruña Park, located at C/ Arcadio María Larraona 1 in Pamplona. The venue offers spacious halls, additional breakout rooms, and comfortable conditions for a high-level classical tournament within the city.

🛎️ Accommodation

The official regulations do not list special accommodation packages. Players may book independently, including directly at Hotel Iruña Park or other hotels in Pamplona.

🚗 How to Get There

Pamplona connects easily via national train and bus services from major Spanish cities. By car, the venue sits within the city limits and is accessible from main regional highways. Local buses and taxis provide service to Hotel Iruña Park.

Players will enjoy a high-quality classical tournament in a respected chess region while honoring the legacy of José “Pepe” Leuza through competitive and memorable gameplay.

🧾 Other

• The event enforces the Sofia Rule: no draw offers before each player reaches move 30 unless authorized by the arbiter.
• Electronic devices are prohibited inside the playing hall, with random checks and monitoring throughout the event.
• Staff working with minors must hold required legal certifications.
• Players accept that organizers may use photos or videos from the tournament unless written objection is submitted beforehand.