Rapid FIDE alla Sagra dell’asparago 2026
Rapid FIDE alla Sagra dell’asparago 2026 takes place on May 1, 2026 in Mezzago, Italy. This is a chess tournament in Mezzago, Italy, in 2026. The event is a one-day rapid chess tournament with nine rounds, one main open section, and official FIDE rapid rating. Palazzo Archinti hosts the competition during the local asparagus festival, and the tournament offers a confirmed cash prize fund of about USD 700.
Additionally, this chess tournament in Mezzago gives players a compact holiday event with a clear Swiss format, practical registration, and a lively local setting. The Rapid FIDE alla Sagra dell’asparago 2026 is also part of the Rapid@Mente circuit, so it adds extra competitive value for players who want a strong over-the-board chess tournament in Lombardy. As a result, this chess event in Mezzago is an appealing choice for club players, experienced competitors, women, juniors, and seniors who want a fast-paced rated event in Italy.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | May 1, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Mezzago, Italy |
| ♟️ Format | 9-round Swiss tournament |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE Rapid rated |
| 📂 Sections | 1 section |
| ⏱️ Time control | 15 minutes per player |
| 💳 Entry fee | EUR 18 |
| 💰 Prize fund | USD 700 (approx.) |
| 👤 Eligibility | Open to Italian players and foreign players resident in Italy with valid FSI membership, plus foreign players with a FIDE ID issued by their federation |
| 🧩 Organizer notes | Part of the Rapid@Mente circuit |
🏆 Prize Fund
The total confirmed cash prize fund is EUR 650. Cash prizes are non-cumulative, and the published amounts are net of the applicable 20% withholding tax where required.
| Prize category | Cash prizes |
|---|---|
| Main prizes | 1st EUR 150; 2nd EUR 125; 3rd EUR 100; 4th EUR 75; 5th EUR 50 |
| Rating prizes | 1st under 2000 EUR 35; 1st under 1900 EUR 35; 1st under 1800 EUR 30; 1st under 1700 EUR 25; 1st under 1600 EUR 25 |
In addition, the tournament awards a gift to the top female player, the top junior, and the top senior, together with draw prizes.
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses a 9-round Swiss system. Each player receives 15 minutes for the full game. Therefore, the event follows a compact rapid chess tournament structure across one full day.
In addition, the published tie-break order is FIDE Buchholz Cut 1, total Buchholz, and ARO. For ARO purposes, Italian Elo is treated as equivalent to FIDE Elo. The event also applies FIDE Rapid Play regulations. Electronic devices that are not authorized by the arbiter are forbidden in the tournament area, and violations are sanctioned under current FIDE rules.
📂 Sections / Groups
The tournament is played as one main open section.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | 9:30 AM | Players’ roll call |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | 9:45 AM | Round 1 |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | 12:30 PM | Lunch break |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | 5:30 PM | Prize ceremony |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to register | Pre-register on vegaresult.com or enter on site |
| Entry fee | EUR 18 |
| Deadline | Online pre-registration by April 30, 2026 |
| On-site registration | Accepted until 9:15 AM on tournament day, subject to available places |
| Membership | Valid FSI membership is required for eligible Italian and resident foreign players |
| FIDE ID note | Foreign players must hold a FIN / FIDE ID issued by their federation |
| Special note | Players without FSI membership may request it from the organizer’s secretariat before entering the tournament |
👥 Organizer
ASD La Mongolfiera organizes this festival rapid event in Mezzago and continues to support active rated chess in Lombardy. In addition, the club combines tournament play with the broader Sagra dell’asparago atmosphere, which gives the day a distinctive local character.
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Phone: +39 3493893538
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Website: http://www.lamongolfiera.mb.it/
🏨 Venue
Palazzo Archinti, Piazza Libertà 4, Mezzago, Monza e Brianza, Italy
The tournament takes place at Palazzo Archinti in the center of Mezzago. Moreover, the venue gives players one practical playing site for the full rapid schedule. The Palazzo Archinti restaurant is also open during the event for asparagus specialties and other local dishes, with a dedicated menu for chess players.
🚗 How to Get There
Players can travel to Mezzago and then continue locally to Piazza Libertà for the tournament venue. In addition, the central location makes access easier throughout the day for both local participants and visitors.
Enjoy a competitive holiday in Mezzago and take part in a lively FIDE-rated rapid event in the middle of the asparagus festival.
Additional Details
Prize Fund - $700
Organizer
A.C.S.D. La Mongolfiera Circolo Scacchi is a Vimercate-based chess club and local tournament organizer in Lombardy, Italy. It is officially registered with the Italian Chess Federation and operates in the Monza e Brianza area. Moreover, the club has built a visible role in community chess through regular activity and structured youth participation.
The club runs local events, training sessions, and open chess tournament activity for players at different levels. Its public presence is closely linked to grassroots competition, club meetings, and youth-focused chess programs in Vimercate and Montevecchia. In addition, it supports organized over-the-board play within the wider regional federation framework.
Beyond competition, the club contributes to junior chess growth and helps strengthen the local chess community through accessible programming. Therefore, it serves not only as a playing venue but also as a practical chess organizer for families and developing players. At the same time, its steady activity gives it a clear place in the Lombardy chess scene.
