Montenegro Open & Mediterranean Open and Women Championships 2026 will take place from July 4 – 11, 2026, in Budva, Montenegro. This is a chess tournament in Budva, Montenegro, in 2026.

Moreover, the event brings a major international chess program to the Adriatic coast. Players can compete in Open A, Open B, Mediterranean championship categories, youth rapid events, and blitz chess.

In addition, the festival offers a strong prize fund and official accommodation support for selected invited players from Mediterranean Chess Association member countries. Therefore, Budva gives players both serious chess and a summer coastal setting.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Classical Events

Players receive 90 minutes for 40 moves, plus 15 minutes for the rest of the game. In addition, each player receives a 30-second increment from move 1.

The main tournament uses a 9-round Swiss System. Therefore, players can expect a full classical event with a balanced mix of preparation, calculation, and endurance.

Pairings and Tie-Breaks

The tournament follows FIDE Laws of Chess. Also, the event uses standard Swiss pairings for both Open A and Open B.

Tie-breaks use this order: direct encounter, Buchholz Cut 1, Buchholz, progressive score, and greater number of wins including forfeits. As a result, every round can affect final ranking and prize positions.

Players may request up to two half-point byes. However, byes are available only during the first six rounds and must be requested before the next round is paired.

💰 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The total confirmed prize fund is €39,000, approx. $45,900. In addition, the prize fund covers Open A, Open B, Mediterranean Championship prizes, the U20 rapid championship, and the open blitz tournament.

Mediterranean Championship prizes are cumulative with regular Open A prizes. Therefore, eligible players from Mediterranean Chess Association member countries can compete for both regular prizes and Mediterranean titles.

Mediterranean Championship Prizes

The best eligible players become Mediterranean Champions for 2026. Moreover, the top three players in the open and women’s categories receive medals.

Open-A-Regular Prizes

Open-A-Special Prizes

Open A regular prizes use the Hort system. However, special prizes are not divisible, and each player can receive only one special prize.

Open-B-Regular Prizes

Open B prizes use the Hort system. Therefore, tied prize positions follow the event’s prize-sharing rules for this section.

Rapid and Blitz Prizes

🏆 Sections / Groups

Main Sections

Open A may also include a limited number of lower-rated players. For this reason, the organizer may accept up to 20 players rated 1900–1999 and up to 15 players rated below 1900.

Side Events

The festival structure gives players several competitive options. Moreover, juniors can play the rapid championship, while all interested players can add blitz to the main classical schedule.

📅 Schedule

Opening Day

Main Rounds

Side Events and Closing Ceremony

📝 Registration

Registration Details

Players from all countries can participate in Open A and Open B. In addition, players from Mediterranean Chess Association member countries can compete for Mediterranean Championship titles and prizes.

After the registration deadline, all listed Open A and Open B entry fees increase by €50. Therefore, early registration is important.

Open-A Entry Fees

Open-B Entry Fee

The registration fee includes a €20 organizational fee for the Mediterranean Chess Association. Therefore, players should include the full listed amount when planning payment.

🧑‍💼 Organizer

Montenegro Chess Federation organizes the event under the patronage of the Mediterranean Chess Association, with support from the Ministry of Sports of Montenegro and the Municipality of Budva. As a result, the festival combines national federation organization with a major Mediterranean chess program.

Moreover, the tournament brings together classical chess, rapid chess, blitz chess, title events, and youth competitions. The Budva setting also gives players a strong summer destination on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast.

Email: info@sahcg.me
Phone: +382 67 237 360

📍 Venue

Playing Hall

Srednja mješovita škola “Danilo Kiš” — Budva, Montenegro

Venue Notes

The tournament takes place at Srednja mješovita škola “Danilo Kiš” in Budva. Therefore, players should use the school venue as the main reference point for local arrival.

Budva is a coastal city with hotels, restaurants, and seaside areas nearby. As a result, players can combine tournament preparation with practical access to local services.

🏨 Accommodation

Official Hotel

Hotel “Slovenska Plaza” 4★ — Budva, Montenegro

Accommodation at the official hotel includes half board with breakfast and dinner. In addition, lunch can be requested for €10 per person per day.

Accommodation Rules

Players are not required to stay in the official hotel. However, players who choose other accommodation must pay an additional €70 participation-related fee.

For Mediterranean Chess Association member countries, the organizer covers accommodation in a double room with half board for one invited player from each country. Therefore, federations should coordinate invited-player nominations before the deadline.

✈️ How to Get There

Travel to Budva

Budva is located on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. International players can travel through Tivat Airport or Podgorica Airport and then continue to Budva by road.

The organizer can provide transportation from Montenegrin airports upon request. Therefore, players who need transfer support should contact the organizing team in advance.

Local Planning

The tournament schedule includes double-round days and side events. As a result, players should choose accommodation that makes travel to the playing hall simple.

Since the confirmation deadline is 11:00 on July 4, players should plan arrival with enough buffer time. This is especially important for players arriving by air on the first tournament day.

ℹ️ Other Information

Tournament Rules

The default time is 30 minutes. In addition, the scoring system gives 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss.

Players can take two half-point byes during the first six rounds. However, they must request the bye before the next round is paired.

Mediterranean Titles

The best eligible players from Mediterranean Chess Association member countries become Mediterranean Champions for 2026. Moreover, the top players in the open and women’s categories receive cups and medals.

The U20 and U14 rapid events also award Mediterranean Rapid Champion titles. Therefore, junior players can compete for separate international recognition during the festival.

Payment Notes

Foreign bank commissions must be paid by the sender. If commissions are not covered, the remaining amount must be paid upon arrival.

Finally, Budva offers players a major Mediterranean chess festival with classical games, youth rapid events, blitz chess, strong prizes, and a coastal summer tournament atmosphere.