The OBERBANK CHALLENGER OPEN 2026 returns to August 15-23, 2026 in Linz, Austria with nine days of classical over-the-board chess in a single Open section. This international chess tournament runs a 9-round Swiss system, applies FIDE rules, and submits results for both FIDE and national rating. With a substantial cash prize pool and a consistent daily start time, the OBERBANK-CHALLENGER-OPEN 2026 targets competitive club players, ambitious improvers, and experienced tournament regulars.

As a flagship summer event in Linz, Austria, the OBERBANK CHALLENGER OPEN 2026 combines a professional playing venue with a clear competitive framework, including default time, a draw-offer restriction, and a published tie-break order. The OBERBANK-CHALLENGER-OPEN 2026 offers a confirmed total cash prize fund of EUR 14,500, including overall prizes and four rating categories. If you want a FIDE rated classical chess tournament in Linz, Austria with a transparent prize structure and steady round rhythm, the OBERBANK-CHALLENGER-OPEN 2026 fits the bill.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

Total cash prize fund (EUR): 14,500

Open prizes (EUR) (shared according to the Hort system)

Category prizes (EUR)

Prize rules

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The OBERBANK-CHALLENGER-OPEN 2026 runs a 9-round Swiss system tournament and rates results for FIDE and national lists under FIDE rules. Each game uses 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, then 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment per move from move 1.

The tournament enforces a 15-minute default time and allows draw offers only after move 30. For final standings, the tournament applies this tie-break order: game points, Buchholz-1, Buchholz, Sonneborn-Berger, then shared placement.

📂 Sections / Groups

The OBERBANK-CHALLENGER-OPEN 2026 runs as a single Open section with additional rating-category prizes based on the published rating thresholds.

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

The OBERBANK-CHALLENGER-OPEN 2026 is organized by the Upper Austrian Chess Federation and the Österreichischer Schachförderverein under the host framework of the Austrian Chess Federation, delivering a FIDE rated classical Swiss tournament in Linz, Austria. The organizer team handles entries by email and bank transfer, runs an official check-in and opening before Round 1, and manages rating submission and event communications through the official federation channels.

• Address: Österreichischer Schachbund, Prinz-Eugen-Straße 12, 1040 Wien, Austria

• Email: staatsmeisterschaft@grandmaster.eu

• Email: office@chess.at

• Phone: +43 (0)664 840 4804

• Website: www.chess.at

🏨 Venue

Oberbank Donau Forum, Untere Donaulände 28, 4020 Linz, Austria
The tournament plays all rounds at the Oberbank Donau Forum in Linz, Austria. The venue also hosts the opening and the awards ceremony, which follows Round 9.

🚗 How to Get There

Plan your travel to Linz, Austria and arrive at Oberbank Donau Forum, Untere Donaulände 28, 4020 Linz, Austria in time for check-in on August 15, 2026. Aim to arrive early enough to complete player check-in before the opening and Round 1.

Make Linz, Austria your chess base for nine rounds of focused classical play and push for your best result at the OBERBANK-CHALLENGER-OPEN 2026.

🧾 Other