PARADISO 2DAYS OPEN — Memorial Picchi 2026 (Lugano‑Paradiso, 28 Feb – 1 Mar)
PARADISO 2DAYS OPEN — Memorial Picchi 2026 is a fast-paced 5-round international tournament held in the beautiful city of Lugano‑Paradiso, Switzerland. The event is hosted at the Sala Multiuso, Via delle Scuole 21, and takes place over just two days, offering exciting chess action for players rated under 2400. Sponsored by the Comune di Paradiso and the Picchi family, this tournament combines top-quality organization with a vibrant atmosphere.
📌 Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | 28 February – 1 March 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Lugano‑Paradiso, Switzerland |
| 🏟️ Venue | Sala Multiuso, Via delle Scuole 21, CH‑6900 Lugano‑Paradiso |
| 🏁 Tournament Type | FIDE-rated International Open (max. Elo 2399) |
| 🧩 Tournament System | Swiss System (Dutch FIDE) |
| 🔢 Number of Rounds | 5 |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 60 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move |
| ⏰ Default Time | 30 minutes |
| 🏢 Organizer | Swiss Chess Tour, under the patronage of Comune di Paradiso and the Picchi family |
| ✉️ Contact | info@swisschesstour.com |
💰 Prize Fund
Total Prize Fund: CHF 2,450 (guaranteed with ≥30 participants; pro rata otherwise).
Main Prizes
| Place | CHF |
|---|---|
| 1 | 500 |
| 2 | 300 |
| 3 | 250 |
| 4 | 150 |
| 5 | 100 |
Rating Prizes
| Category | 1st | 2nd |
|---|---|---|
| 1800–1999 | 150 | 100 |
| 1600–1799 | 150 | 100 |
| <1600 | 150 | 100 |
Special Prizes
- Best Woman / U16: gift prizes
- Best Senior (if ≥5 players): approx. CHF 100
🧩 Eligibility & Rules
- Open to all players under 2400 Elo.
- Players with ≥2400 Elo are not eligible.
- One ½‑point bye may be requested in the first three rounds.
- Tie‑break: Buchholz.
- Maximum capacity: 60 players.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, 28 Feb | Attendance Control | 09:00 – 09:50 |
| Sat, 28 Feb | Round 1 | 10:00 |
| Sat, 28 Feb | Round 2 | 14:30 |
| Sat, 28 Feb | Round 3 | 17:30 |
| Sun, 1 Mar | Round 4 | 10:00 |
| Sun, 1 Mar | Round 5 | 14:30 |
| Sun, 1 Mar | Prize‑giving | After Round 5 |
📝 Registration & Fees
- Entry Fee: CHF 100
- Discounts: CHF 80 for U16, IM, GM
- FST license holders: 20% discount
- Registration via Swiss Chess Tour (limited to 60 players)
🏢 Organizer
Organized by the Swiss Chess Tour, renowned for its series of professional tournaments across Switzerland. Supported by the Comune di Paradiso and the Picchi family, ensuring excellent playing conditions in an elegant lakeside setting.
Contact: info@swisschesstour.com
🏟️ Venue
Sala Multiuso, Via delle Scuole 21, CH‑6900 Lugano‑Paradiso
Modern and accessible venue near Lake Lugano and local amenities.
🛏️ Accommodation
Lugano‑Paradiso offers a variety of hotels and guesthouses within walking distance of the venue. Early booking is recommended.
🚉 How to Get There
- By Train: Direct connections to Lugano station, with local transport to Paradiso.
- By Air: Nearby airports include Lugano‑Agno (regional) and Zurich/Geneva (international).
- By Car: Accessible via Swiss highway network; parking available near the venue.
Play focused, fast, and fair chess against a beautiful Alpine backdrop. The Memorial Picchi in Paradiso blends competitive intensity with lakeside calm — a perfect two‑day challenge to sharpen your game.
