III Open Internacional de Ajedrez Ciudad de Pozuelo will take place from July 3 – 12, 2026, in Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain. This is a chess tournament in Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain, in 2026.

The tournament offers a 9-round classical open at the campus of Universidad Francisco de Vitoria. Moreover, it includes FIDE standard rating calculation and the possibility of FIDE norms.

In addition, the program includes a blitz tournament and the VI Pozuelo Chess Festival during the rest day. Therefore, players can enjoy a long classical event with an extra fast-chess and festival day in the Madrid area.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Classical Event

Players receive 90 minutes for the game, plus a 30-second increment per move. Therefore, the main tournament offers a full classical chess format across 9 rounds.

The III Open Internacional uses the Swiss System. In addition, the tournament counts for FIDE standard rating and FIDE norms.

Blitz Tournament

The blitz tournament also uses the Swiss System with 9 rounds. However, it has a faster time control of 5 minutes + 3 seconds Bronstein delay per move.

The blitz event counts for FIDE blitz rating. Moreover, it takes place on the rest day, so players can join it without interrupting the main open schedule.

Pairings and Tie-Breaks

The organizers use Vega for pairings and tie-break calculations. As a result, players should follow the published pairings and standings during the event.

The main tie-break order is Buchholz cut 1, number of games decided to be played, direct encounter, Sonneborn-Berger cut 1, cumulative progressive score, and drawing of lots. For the blitz tournament, the second tie-break criterion does not apply.

Players may request up to two half-point byes in the main open. However, half-point byes are not available in the final two rounds.

💰 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The total confirmed prize fund is €5,500, approx. $6,450. The main open includes €5,000 in prizes, while the blitz tournament includes €500.

Prizes are not cumulative. Therefore, if a player qualifies for more than one prize, the organizer awards the highest-value prize.

If two prizes have the same value, the prize listed earlier in the regulations takes priority. In addition, prizes above €300 are not paid in cash and remain subject to the required tax withholding.

Main Open Ranking Prizes

Special Prizes

Blitz Tournament Prizes

Prize winners must attend the closing ceremony. Otherwise, they lose the right to receive their prize.

🏆 Sections / Groups

Main Tournament

The main event uses one open section. Therefore, players compete together in a single 9-round classical tournament.

Blitz Tournament

The blitz tournament gives participants an additional competitive event during the festival. Moreover, it fits well into the rest-day program on July 8.

Special Prize Groups

In addition, the special prize structure gives different player groups extra motivation. As a result, the tournament can attract titled players, club players, juniors, veterans, and local competitors.

📅 Schedule

Opening Rounds

Rest Day and Festival Program

Final Rounds

📝 Registration

Registration Details

Registration is valid only after the organization confirms it. Therefore, players should send the required application details and payment proof by email.

For the main open, registration remains open until July 2 at 16:00. Meanwhile, blitz-only registration remains open until July 8 at 16:00, subject to available capacity.

Players with a Spanish flag must hold the required federation status. In addition, the club can help players complete federation registration if they request it at least two weeks before the tournament starts.

🧑‍💼 Organizer

Club de Ajedrez Pozuelo de Alarcón organizes the III Open Internacional de Ajedrez Ciudad de Pozuelo. As a result, the event brings a long classical chess format to the Madrid area during July.

Moreover, the tournament combines a main open, blitz tournament, and festival activity in one program. The format gives players a useful mix of rated chess, prize opportunities, and community atmosphere.

Email: ajedrezpozuelo@gmail.com

📍 Venue

Playing Hall

Campus of Universidad Francisco de Vitoria — Ctra. Pozuelo-Majadahonda (M515), KM 1.800, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain

Venue Notes

The tournament takes place at the campus of Universidad Francisco de Vitoria in Pozuelo de Alarcón. Therefore, players should use the university campus address when planning arrival.

The playing site is in the Madrid area. As a result, visitors can combine the event with accommodation and transport options around Pozuelo de Alarcón and the wider capital region.

✈️ How to Get There

Travel to Pozuelo de Alarcón

Pozuelo de Alarcón is located in the Community of Madrid. Therefore, many international players can travel through Madrid and continue toward the university campus by car, taxi, or local transport.

Players should plan enough time before the 17:00 round starts on most playing days. In addition, the final round starts at 10:00 on July 12, so local travel planning matters on the last day.

Local Planning

The tournament lasts ten calendar days and includes one rest day with blitz and festival activities. Therefore, staying within practical reach of the venue can make the full event more comfortable.

Because the main rounds usually start in the afternoon, players can plan rest, preparation, and meals earlier in the day. However, the last round uses a morning start, so players should adjust their schedule before the final day.

ℹ️ Other Information

Byes and Absences

Players may request up to two half-point byes in the main open. However, they cannot use half-point byes in the final two rounds.

A first absence can lead to elimination unless the player gives a valid explanation before the next pairing. In addition, two absences lead to elimination from the tournament.

Players who withdraw or lose their right to continue also lose prize rights. Therefore, prize contenders must stay paired and play the final two rounds unless the organization accepts a justified force majeure reason.

Electronic Devices and Playing Hall Rules

Electronic devices are not allowed in the playing hall unless the arbiter specifically approves them. If a device makes a sound, alarm, or signal, the owner loses the game.

Players must keep approved devices switched off and inside a bag that remains in the playing hall. In addition, players may not smoke, vape, eat, or keep open drinks in the playing room.

Draw offers in the main open need arbiter approval before both players complete at least 30 moves. Otherwise, both players lose the game.

Appeals

Players may appeal decisions in the main open to the Competition Committee. The written appeal must reach the chief arbiter within 30 minutes after the game ends.

The appeal deposit is €50. However, the player loses the deposit if the appeal does not succeed.

Finally, the III Open Internacional de Ajedrez Ciudad de Pozuelo offers a strong classical chess program with FIDE-rated games, prize categories, blitz chess, and a full festival atmosphere near Madrid.