The XXXVIII Torneo Magistral de Ajedrez Ciudad de León stands as one of the most prestigious rapid chess tournaments worldwide. From July 3 to July 7, 2025, the historic city of León, Spain, will host this elite invitational event featuring a knockout format with two semifinals and a final. The XXXVIII Torneo Magistral de Ajedrez Ciudad de León brings together global chess stars and local fans for five days of thrilling chess, educational sessions, and cultural celebration.

♖ Each year, organizers transform the city into a chess hub, showcasing high-level competition and promoting the game’s educational and social value during the XXXVIII TORNEO MAGISTRAL DE AJEDREZ CIUDAD DE LEON. The event not only provides world-class chess but also includes parallel activities like open blitz tournaments, simultaneous exhibitions, and interactive programs for schools and fans.

📅 Tournament Dates and Schedule

• Event Dates: July 3–7, 2025
• Format: 4-player knockout (two semifinals + final)
• Time Control: 20 minutes + 10 seconds increment per move
• Rounds: 2 semifinals and 1 final match
• Venue: Auditorio Ciudad de León

🕒 Daily Schedule:

• July 3: Inauguration Ceremony and Color Drawing for the XXXVIII TORNEO MAGISTRAL DE AJEDREZ CIUDAD DE LEON
• July 4: First Semifinal Match
• July 5: Second Semifinal Match
• July 6: Final Match + Blitz Side Event
• July 7: Closing Ceremony

🏆 Prize Fund and Awards

Organizers offer a generous prize pool for the main knockout event of the XXXVIII Torneo Magistral de Ajedrez Ciudad de León and additional prizes for side tournaments. Each invited player competes for honor, trophies, and financial rewards, while parallel events recognize top scorers in blitz, juniors, and local categories.

📝 Registration and Participation

This is an invitational tournament, and the following grandmasters have confirmed participation for 2025:

• ♚ Viswanathan Anand (India)
• ♞ Lê Quang Liêm (Vietnam)
• ♟ Faustino Oro (Argentina)
• ♜ Jaime Santos Latasa (Spain)

Organizers also welcome participation in side events including blitz tournaments, chess lectures, and school exhibitions. Players and fans can contact the organizers to join these open events. Participating in the XXXVIII Torneo Magistral de Ajedrez Ciudad de León ensures engaging activities beyond the main matches.

💳 Entry Fee and Payment Details

Participants in side tournaments must pay a registration fee. Organizers accept payment via bank transfer or on-site during registration. Details regarding fees, discounts, and deadlines will be shared directly by the organizing committee of the XXXVIII TORNEO MAGISTRAL DE AJEDREZ CIUDAD DE LEON.

📍 Venue Information

• Venue: Auditorio Ciudad de León
• Address: Avenida de los Reyes Leoneses, 4, 24008 León, Spain

🏛 The venue combines elegance and functionality, offering a premium chess-playing environment with excellent acoustics, seating, and accessibility essential for the XXXVIII Torneo Magistral de Ajedrez Ciudad de León.

✈️ Travel and Accommodation

🚉 Travel Access:

• By Plane: Fly to León Airport (LEN) or Madrid-Barajas (MAD), then travel by train
• By Train: AVE high-speed trains connect León with Madrid and other cities
• By Road: Drive or take intercity buses via Spain’s national highway network

🛏 Accommodation:

León offers a wide selection of lodging—from elegant hotels near the venue to cozy guesthouses and budget accommodations across the city. Organizers recommend booking early due to peak demand caused by the XXXVIII Torneo Magistral de Ajedrez Ciudad de León.

👥 Organizer and Contact Information

• Organizer: Club Ajedrez Ciudad de León
• Chief Organizer: Marcelino Sion Castro
• Email: magistral@factorcreativo.com
• Website: Advanced Chess León (official site for the tournament)

🎯 Tournament Officials

• Tournament Director: Marcelino Sion Castro
• Chief Arbiter: IA Javier Pérez Llera

These experienced officials ensure that every game adheres to FIDE standards and runs smoothly in a professional environment.