VIII Open Los Molinos – Ciudad del Vino 2026
Valdepeñas brings summer chess to the historic heart of La Mancha with the VIII Open Los Molinos – Ciudad del Vino 2026, a compact weekend festival featuring two parallel classical events: Sub-2400 and Sub-1800. Set inside the elegant Centro Cultural “La Confianza” in the old town, the tournament delivers professional arbiting, smooth Swiss pairings, and a friendly atmosphere steps from cafés and hotels. Mark your calendar for 17-19 July 2026 and enjoy competitive chess in Spain’s celebrated wine city.
Built for practical planning, the format runs 7 rounds over three days with clear time controls in each section. The Sub-2400 uses a full classical 60+30 cadence, while the Sub-1800 runs a brisk 30+30 that keeps the action lively. With results sent to FIDE Standard rating lists, the VIII Open Los Molinos 2026 is an ideal mid-July target in central Spain.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | 17-19 July 2026 |
| 📍 Venue | Centro Cultural “La Confianza”, Calle Real 9, 13300 Valdepeñas (Ciudad Real), Spain |
| ♟️ Format | Two events played in parallel: Sub-2400 and Sub-1800 • 7-Round Swiss |
| ⏱️ Time Control | Sub-2400: 60 minutes + 30 seconds/move • Sub-1800: 30 minutes + 30 seconds/move |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE Standard rated (both tournaments) |
| ✅ Eligibility | Sub-2400: Elo < 2400 • Sub-1800: Elo < 1800 • FIDE ID required |
| 👤 Officials | Organizer / Chief Arbiter: IA David Cruz García • Pairings with Swiss-Manager |
| 🌐 Website | https://www.openlosmolinos.es/ |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Sub-2400: 60′ + 30″/move from move 1 (FIDE Standard).
Sub-1800: 30′ + 30″/move from move 1 (FIDE Standard).
Swiss-system, 7 rounds; pairings published online each round; FIDE Laws and fair-play rules apply.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility | Rounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sub-2400 | FIDE Elo < 2400 | 7 | Classical cadence 60’+30″ |
| Sub-1800 | FIDE Elo < 1800 | 7 | Faster classical 30’+30″ |
📅 Schedule
(Local time — Valdepeñas. Both sections follow the same timetable.)
| Date | Time | Activity / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, 17 Jul 2026 | 16:00 | Round 1 |
| 19:15 | Round 2 | |
| Sat, 18 Jul 2026 | 09:00 | Round 3 |
| 12:15 | Round 4 | |
| 17:00 | Round 5 | |
| Sun, 19 Jul 2026 | 09:00 | Round 6 |
| 12:15 | Round 7 | |
| After R7 | Awards Ceremony |
📝 Registration
How to enter: Use the official site https://www.openlosmolinos.es/ (event pages for Sub-2400/Sub-1800) or the tournament hubs linked there.
Player requirements: FIDE ID (and current federation status). Bring a valid identification if requested by the arbiter team.
On-site check-in: Arrive early on Friday to confirm your presence before Round 1.
Contact (organizer): ajedrezvaldepenas@gmail.com
👥 Organizer
Hosted by Club de Ajedrez Los Molinos (Valdepeñas) with an experienced arbiter team led by IA David Cruz García. Live boards are typically broadcast for top tables during the event.
🏨 Venue
Centro Cultural “La Confianza”, Calle Real 9, is a historic cultural hall in Valdepeñas’ old town, with an auditorium and multi-use rooms suitable for Swiss tournaments. The location is walkable to restaurants, bakeries, and lodging options across the center.
🛎️ Accommodation
Valdepeñas offers a range of hotels and guesthouses within a short walk or quick ride of the venue (city center). Book early for mid-July weekends; look for stays near Calle Real, Plaza de España, or the station area for easy access.
🚗 How to Get There
By train: Cercanías/Media Distancia services to Valdepeñas station; short taxi/walk to Calle Real 9.
By car: Autovía A-4 / N-430 corridors connect to Valdepeñas; use central parking around the old town.
By air: Madrid (MAD) → AVE/MD rail to Ciudad Real or Valdepeñas, then local transfer.
Seize a summer weekend in Spain’s Ciudad del Vino — choose Sub-2400 or Sub-1800 and play the VIII Open Los Molinos 2026 in Valdepeñas!