The XLIV Open Internacional “Villa de Benasque” 2025 will unite chess lovers from around the globe in the beautiful Pyrenees of Spain. Set in the idyllic town of Benasque, this prestigious event offers a rich chess tradition, a strong competitive spirit, and unforgettable mountain scenery. Players of all skill levels will enjoy high-quality games, excellent organization, and a truly international atmosphere.

📅 Event Dates

The tournament will take place from July 4 to July 13, 2025.

• Registration and Payment: July 3 to July 6, 2025
• Round 1: July 4 at 16:00
• Rounds 2-9: Daily at 16:00
• Round 10: July 13 at 09:00
• Closing Ceremony: July 13 after the final round

⏰ Time Control

Organizers will use the following time control:

• 90 minutes for the entire game, plus a 30-second increment per move starting from move one.

🗓️ Schedule of Rounds

🎯 Number of Rounds

The tournament will consist of a 10-round Swiss System.

🏆 Prize Fund and Prizes

The XLIV Open Internacional “Villa de Benasque” 2025 offers a substantial prize fund, rewarding excellence across various categories.​

🥇 General Ranking Prizes

🎖️ Special Prizes

These prizes recognize outstanding performances in specific categories:​

• Senior (60 years and above as of January 1, 2025)
• Junior (under 18 years as of January 1, 2025)
• Best Female Player

📊 Rating Prizes

Players are grouped based on their FIDE ratings:​

• 2250 – 2400
• 2100 – 2249
• 1950 – 2099
• 1800 – 1949
• Under 1800

🌟 Other Prizes

• Best Benasque Resident (registered before January 1, 2025)
• Best Player with Aragon Federation License

💡 Prize Regulations

• Non-Cumulative Prizes: Players will receive the highest monetary prize they qualify for; prizes are not cumulative.
• Prize Hierarchy: In case of equal prize amounts, the order of priority is: General, Special, Rating, and Other.
• Prize Distribution:

  • Prizes of €1,000 or more will be paid via bank transfer.
  • Prizes under €1,000 will be paid in cash during the prize-giving ceremony.

• Mandatory Attendance: Prize winners must attend the prize-giving ceremony on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 17:00, at the Sports Hall of Benasque.
• Documentation: Winners must provide a copy of their ID or passport. For prizes over €999, a completed third-party payment form is required.
• Taxation: All prizes are subject to applicable tax deductions as per Spanish law.

📝 Registration and Participation Information

Participants must register online through the official registration form or directly via the tournament website.

• Registration Deadline: July 2, 2025, at 24:00 CEST
• Registration Limit: 500 players (first come, first served)
• Requirements: All players must have a valid FIDE ID. Spanish players must hold a valid FEDA license.

💳 Payment Details

• Adults: €60
• Players born in or after 2011: €50
• Players rated over 2450 FIDE: Free
• Titled players (GM, WGM, IM, WIM): Free
• Players with an Aragón license: €5 discount

Players must pay onsite between July 3 and July 6, 2025, using POS (card) or via bank transfer to the account indicated by the organizers.

🏨 Venue Information

• Playing Venue: Pabellón Polideportivo de Benasque
• Official Site for Information and Meetings: Hotel SOMMOS Aneto (live pairing updates and announcements)

Address:
Pabellón Polideportivo de Benasque, Calle Los Huertos, s/n, 22440 Benasque, Huesca, Spain

✈️ Travel and Accommodation

• Airports: Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ)
• Transfers: Buses and rental cars from airports to Benasque

Organizers strongly recommend booking accommodations early. Several hotels, hostels, and apartments offer discounts for players. The Hotel SOMMOS Aneto will serve as a key venue for updates and players’ coordination.

🚨 Important Tournament Rules

• Players may request one bye without points during the tournament (advance notice required).
• Players who miss two rounds without justification will be expelled from the tournament.
• Players must not carry mobile phones or any electronic devices into the playing hall.
• Smoking, eating, or drinking inside the playing hall is strictly prohibited.
• Organizers will broadcast the first 10 boards live (with a slight delay).
• Appeals must be submitted in writing within one hour after the incident, with a €200 deposit (refunded if the appeal is successful).

🏢 Organizer Information

Organizers: Ayuntamiento de Benasque and Club de Ajedrez de Benasque

• Organizer Email: openbenasque@gmail.com
• Phone: +34 974 551 489
• Official Website: www.openajedrezbenasque.com

🎖️ Tournament Director

Mr. José Luis Pellicer will oversee tournament management, ensuring a smooth and professional experience for all participants.

🧑‍⚖️ Chief Arbiter

Mr. Jesús Mena will serve as the Chief Arbiter, leading the arbitration team and upholding the rules of fair play.