Trofeul Techirghiol 2026 “Mircea Pavlov” – Edition XXXII will take place from July 1 – 5, 2026, in Techirghiol, Romania. This is a chess tournament in Techirghiol, Romania, in 2026.

The event brings classical chess, youth sections, beginner chess, solving activities, and side events to Romania’s Black Sea region. Moreover, the tournament offers a practical summer schedule for players who want both chess and coastal travel.

In addition, the festival includes several playing formats. Therefore, experienced players, juniors, beginners, and families can all find a suitable competition in Techirghiol.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Classical Open

Section A is the International Open for players with FIDE Elo below 2400. It uses a 7-round Swiss System.

Players receive 60 minutes for the game, plus a 30-second increment from move 1. Therefore, the section gives players enough time for serious classical chess.

Youth and Beginner Events

Section B is the U12 youth tournament for players with FIDE Elo below 1800. It uses 7 rounds with a time control of 60 minutes + 5 seconds increment from move 1.

Section C is the beginner tournament. It takes place on July 5 and uses 5 rounds with a time control of 10 minutes + 3 seconds increment from move 1.

Pairings and System

The main open and youth tournament both use the Swiss System. In addition, the schedule gives Section A players several double-round days.

As a result, players should prepare for an active rhythm. This is especially important on July 2 and July 4, when Section A has two rounds in one day.

💰 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The total confirmed prize fund is 25,000 lei, approx. $5,600, plus other distinctions. The prize program covers the main open, youth categories, rating groups, girls, juniors, players over 60, and local recognition categories.

In addition, the tournament awards prizes across several sections. Therefore, players from different rating levels and age groups have extra prize opportunities.

Section-A Main Prizes

Section-B Youth Prizes

The festival also includes other distinctions. As a result, younger players can receive recognition beyond the main cash prize groups.

🏆 Sections / Groups

Main Sections

Youth Categories

The section structure makes the festival accessible to many players. Moreover, juniors can choose age-appropriate competition while stronger players join the main open.

📅 Schedule

Section-A – International Open

Section-B – U12 Children

Section-C – Beginners

Side Activities and Awards

📝 Registration

Registration Details

Players should complete registration early, especially if they also need accommodation. In addition, families with junior players should check the correct age category before entering Section B.

The first technical meeting starts on July 1 at 16:00 for Section A. Therefore, main open players should arrive in Techirghiol before the afternoon program begins.

🧑‍💼 Organizer

CS Sparta Techirghiol, Techirghiol Local Council, and Techirghiol City Hall organize the tournament together. As a result, the event combines local sports support with a long-running chess tradition in the town.

The tournament honors Mircea Pavlov and continues as the 32nd edition of the Techirghiol Trophy. Moreover, the program supports classical chess, junior development, beginner participation, and community activities.

Phone: +40 744 480 930

📍 Venue

Playing Hall

Sala de Sport & CS Sparta Techirghiol — Strada 9 Mai, Techirghiol, Constanța County, Romania

Venue Notes

The tournament takes place at the sports hall and CS Sparta Techirghiol venue area. Therefore, players should plan their arrival directly around the sports complex.

Techirghiol sits close to Constanța and the Black Sea coast. As a result, players can combine the tournament with a summer stay in Romania’s seaside region.

🏨 Accommodation

Accommodation Options

Accommodation Notes

Players should make accommodation reservations by June 10, 2026. Moreover, early booking can help families and groups stay closer to the playing venue.

Techirghiol is a summer destination, so accommodation demand may increase in July. Therefore, players should contact hotels or guesthouses before finalizing travel plans.

✈️ How to Get There

Travel to Techirghiol

Techirghiol is in Constanța County, near the Black Sea coast. International visitors can travel through Constanța or Bucharest, then continue by road or local transport.

Players arriving from Constanța can continue toward Techirghiol by car, taxi, or regional transport. In addition, those traveling through Bucharest should allow extra time for the longer road journey.

Local Planning

The tournament schedule includes double-round days and side events. Therefore, staying near the venue can make the chess week easier.

Families with junior players should plan carefully for July 3–5. Section B has several rounds across three days, while Section C and the award ceremony both take place on July 5.

ℹ️ Other Information

Side Events

The festival includes a football tournament and clotz activity on July 1. In addition, players can join a chess seminar on July 2 and a solving contest on July 3.

A blitz tournament takes place after the award ceremony on July 5. Therefore, players who enjoy faster chess can stay for one more competitive event after the main prizes.

Awards and Recognition

The award ceremony starts on July 5 at 14:00. Players should attend the ceremony, especially if they expect to receive prizes or distinctions.

Finally, Techirghiol offers players a compact summer chess festival with classical rounds, junior events, beginner chess, and Black Sea travel atmosphere.