Bolzano International Chess Open

Bolzano International Chess Open

The 21st Bolzano International Chess Open will take place this weekend, January 30 – February 1, in the halls of the Mercantile Museum and, for the first time, in the adjacent Hotel Città. The 2026 edition sets a new participation record with 147 registered players, and all spots have been sold out for weeks.

Organized by the ARCI Chess Club Bolzano, with support from the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce, the Mercantile Museum, Hotel Città, and the Cassa di Risparmio Foundation, the tournament has been one of Northern Italy’s most important international chess events since 2006.

This year, participants come from 7 federations (Italy, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, England, Romania, Ukraine), with over 20% from abroad. The tournament is divided into three categories (Open A, B, C) based on Elo rating, with more than 15 players over 2000 points, including several Masters. Female participation is about 12%, with many Under-18 players.

New in 2026: top games in Open A will be broadcast live using 12 electronic chessboards, allowing the public to follow moves, standings, and results on www.arciscacchi.it.

The tournament begins Friday at 4:30 PM, with two rounds on Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 AM and 2:30 PM. The event is open to the public and media, who may enter the halls for photos and interviews during the first half hour of each round.

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