Launching the new season in the capital, the Évadnyitó XVIII. Prémium Nemzetközi Sakkverseny returns on January 2-4, 2026 in Budapest, Hungary, bringing a comfortable three-day format right after New Year. Staged in a well-known restaurant conference hall, the event keeps logistics simple and travel-friendly, while offering serious classical time controls, clear rules, and a smooth seven-round Swiss over two rating groups.

Players can expect a welcoming, player-first setup with professional arbiting, guaranteed prize money (with category awards), and practical access by metro, tram, and bus. Capacity is limited to ensure good playing conditions, so early registration is encouraged.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

Notes: Total prize fund with category awards 400,000 HUF (guaranteed with ≥80 participants). One prize per player. Money prizes are subject to applicable taxes. The awards ceremony follows the last round on Sunday, Jan 4.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

• Seven rounds, Swiss system in both groups.

• Time control: 70′ + 30″/move from move 1.

• Default (forfeit) time: 30 minutes.

• Fair-play & devices: Phones/electronic devices must be fully switched off; a storage box is available at the arbiter’s table. Leaving the playing venue (incl. foyer/restrooms/smoking areas) during a game requires arbiter permission. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside; violations may result in immediate disqualification.

📂 Sections / Groups

Playing up: Lower-rated players may request to enter a higher group within 100 Elo of the group floor with organizer approval and a 3,000 HUF play-up fee.

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

• How to enter (pre-entry required): email sporty207@gmail.com with full name and rating by Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 (midnight). Late entries go to a waiting list; acceptance depends on withdrawals and capacity.

• On-site payment: Entry fee is paid at the venue on Jan 2, 10:00–10:45.

• Licenses: A valid 2026 competition license is required. Foreign players must hold a Hungarian Playing License (annual; €20 / ~8,000 HUF).

• Capacity: 110 players total (approx. 55 per group).

• Entry fees:

  • A-Group — 2100+ Elo: 12,000 HUF • 1800–2099 Elo: 14,000 HUF

  • B-Group — 1600–1799 Elo: 13,000 HUF • ≤1599 Elo: 14,000 HUF • Unrated: 15,000 HUF

  • Play-up fee: 3,000 HUF (with approval; ≤100 Elo below group floor)

• Meal inclusion: Every entry fee includes one lunch at the venue (soup + main) on a chosen day; extra lunch days available for 2,500 HUF each.

• Contacts: József Jeszenszky — +36 (30) 640 3361 — sporty207@gmail.com • Chief Arbiter: IA Tamás Gyömbér

👥 Organizer

A long-running Budapest New-Year classic run by an experienced team focused on comfortable scheduling, reliable arbiting, and easy access across the city.

• Tournament Director: József Jeszenszky — +36 (30) 640 3361 — sporty207@gmail.com

• Chief Arbiter: IA Tamás Gyömbér

🏨 Venue

Art Pub Étterem – Conference Hall
1203 Budapest, Lajtha László utca 2., Hungary

Spacious restaurant conference room frequently used for chess events; easily reached by tram (3, 2B, 51, 52) and buses (66, 66B, 119, 166, 223E, 224). Határ út metro connects to the venue via the listed trams.

🛎️ Accommodation

Budapest offers a wide range of hotels and apartments within short tram/metro rides of 1203 Budapest, Lajtha László utca 2. Consider staying along Határ út, Mester utca, or near the M3/M4 metro lines for fast connections to the venue.

🚗 How to Get There

• Metro → Tram: M3 (Határ út) then tram 3 (or 2B/51/52) toward Lajtha László utca area.

• Bus: 66, 66B, 119, 166, 223E, 224 stop near the venue.

• Car: Navigate to Lajtha László utca 2, 1203 Budapest; local street parking available (observe signs).

Close out the holidays with seven classical rounds at a friendly, accessible venue—join Budapest’s Évadnyitó XVIII. Prémium Nemzetközi Sakkverseny to start your 2026 chess year in form.