II Open Internacional Ciudad de Vitoria-Gasteiz runs from July 27 to August 2, 2026 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. This is a chess tournament in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, in 2026. The event takes place at the Palacio de Congresos Europa, inside the Sala Almudena Cid, and it brings a full week of classical over-the-board chess to one of the Basque Country’s main summer venues.

The tournament uses a single FIDE-rated open section over 9 rounds. Moreover, it offers chances for master and women’s norms, uses a 90+30 classical time control, and applies the July 1, 2026 FIDE rating list for the starting order. As a result, it suits both ambitious titled players and strong club players who want a serious summer open in northern Spain.

The event also offers a strong prize structure. In total, the cash prize fund reaches EUR 7,000, which is approximately USD 8,077 at the ECB reference rate of EUR 1 = USD 1.1539 on March 26, 2026. In addition, the tournament website publishes a direct online registration form, while the payment deadline falls on July 20, 2026.

📌 Event Details

The main tournament facts are below.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament uses the Swiss system for 9 rounds. Pairings run through Vega or Swiss Manager, and every player receives 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move. In addition, players must keep score for the whole game, because this time control does not allow players to stop recording moves.

The competitive rules are strict and clear. Players may request up to three byes in the first seven rounds. However, a bye in either of the last two rounds scores 0 points. The tournament starts clocks at the scheduled time, and a player loses by default after 30 minutes. Moreover, an unjustified absence can lead to disqualification, and two absences bring definitive removal from the event.

The event also applies several important playing rules. The tournament uses the July 1, 2026 FIDE rating list for the initial ranking. It applies the Sofia Rule, so players cannot agree to a draw before Black completes move 30 unless the arbiter approves it. In addition, FIDE anti-cheating rules apply throughout the tournament, and unauthorized electronic-device use leads to immediate loss of the game or expulsion from the event. Tie-breaks follow this order: direct encounter, number of wins, Buchholz -1, Sonneborn-Berger, and greater number of games with Black.

🏆 Prize Fund

The tournament offers a confirmed EUR 7,000 cash prize fund, or about USD 8,077. The published structure combines general prizes, special prizes, and rating-category prizes. Therefore, the event rewards both the overall standings and several additional player groups.

General Prizes

Special Prizes

Rating Prizes

Players who qualify for more than one prize receive the highest-value prize only. In addition, players must attend the prize ceremony to collect awards unless they justify the absence in advance and appoint someone else to receive the prize. The organizer pays prizes by bank transfer and applies the required tax withholding.

👥 Sections / Groups

The tournament uses one single open group. Therefore, all players compete in the same main event rather than in parallel sections. At the same time, the prize structure still creates separate targets for women, juniors, veterans, local players, club players, and several rating bands.

Every participant must hold a FIDE ID, and the tournament counts for FIDE rating as well as for master and women’s norm purposes. That structure gives the event a clear international profile while keeping the competition format simple.

🗓️ Schedule

The tournament follows a nine-round schedule from Monday to Sunday. There are two double-round days, and the prize ceremony takes place after the last round on Sunday.

📝 Registration

The event uses an online registration form, and players must also complete payment by July 20, 2026. In addition, the organizer sets different fee tiers depending on the registration date and player category.

The event also allows a clear media and data-use framework. By registering, players authorize event-related photography, video, broadcasting, and publication of basic tournament data for organizational and promotional use.

🏢 Organizer

Club de Ajedrez Martintxo / MR. TINTXO KIROL KLUBA organizes the tournament in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The club also manages registration and local event operations through the dedicated tournament website and registration form.

Email: openciudadvitoriagasteiz@gmail.com

📍 Venue

Palacio de Congresos Europa, Sala Almudena Cid, Avenida de Gasteiz 85, 01009 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

The playing hall sits inside one of the city’s main congress venues. Moreover, the Sala Almudena Cid offers a large, bright multipurpose space, which makes it well suited to a major international open. The venue also keeps players close to the city center and nearby hotels.

🚆 How to Get There

The venue stands on one of Vitoria-Gasteiz’s main roads, so road access is straightforward from Madrid, Burgos, Bilbao, Pamplona, Zaragoza, and San Sebastian. In addition, a bus stop sits directly outside the building, the tram stop is opposite, and the coach station is about ten minutes away on foot. The city also provides direct travel options by car, bus, train, and plane.

This Vitoria-Gasteiz open is a strong choice for players who want a serious classical event, a central urban venue, and a well-developed prize structure in northern Spain.