♟️ About El Llobregat Open Chess Tournament

El Llobregat Open Chess Tournament is the organization behind a major international chess event held in Sant Boi de Llobregat, near Barcelona, Spain. Xavier Pérez Llorca, editor of the regional publication El Llobregat, founded and leads the tournament as its chief organizer. The first edition took place in 2019. Since then, the event has developed into an established meeting point for professional players, aspiring title holders, junior competitors, and chess enthusiasts from many countries. In addition to directing the overall project, Pérez Llorca coordinates institutional relations, sponsorship, communication, and the tournament’s international development. FIDE officially recognizes him as a licensed Associate Organizer for the 2026–2028 period.

🏆 International Tournament Organization

The organization focuses on delivering professional FIDE-rated competitions with conditions suitable for international title norms. El Llobregat Open features a Swiss-system classical tournament, live game broadcasts, electronic boards, experienced arbiters, and substantial cash prizes. Moreover, the program has expanded to include rapid chess and complementary activities for players and the general public. The tournament received recognition as Spain’s best open tournament for its 2022 and 2023 editions, according to the Spanish Chess Federation and Spain’s National Sports Council. Across its first six editions, it welcomed more than 1,200 participants and awarded dozens of international title norms. Players from around 45 countries have regularly taken part, including leading grandmasters and emerging talents.

🌍 Chess Promotion and Media Development

El Llobregat Open combines tournament management with strong media and promotional work. Because of its connection with El Llobregat, the organization publishes regular reports, interviews, photography, results, and stories from the competition. Therefore, the event reaches an audience beyond the playing hall and helps promote chess throughout the Baix Llobregat region. Xavier Pérez Llorca and his team also work with the Sant Boi de Llobregat City Council, chess federations, public institutions, commercial partners, and specialist chess organizations. In 2025, Pérez Llorca accepted a national communication award recognizing El Llobregat Open Chess as the best event of 2024 in Spain in the relevant CLABE award category. Meanwhile, the organization continues to develop its international profile, improve broadcast coverage, encourage women’s participation, and create competitive opportunities for both established professionals and younger players pursuing chess titles.