Blitz Open
The Blitz Open is an 11-round FIDE-rated blitz tournament played at 3+2, taking place on Bank Holiday Monday at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo. With the tournament finishing in the early afternoon, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the wider festival programme.
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Dates & Venue
Monday, 1 February 2027
Radisson Blu Hotel
Ballincar, Rosses Point, Co. Sligo
F91 XW7Y, Ireland
Tournament Format
11 rounds · 3+2 · FIDE rated
The Blitz Open is not ICU-rated, as the ICU maintains a classical rating only.
Round Schedule
| Round | Time |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | 9:30am |
| Round 2 | 9:50am |
| Round 3 | 10:10am |
| Round 4 | 10:30am |
| Round 5 | 10:50am |
| Round 6 | 11:10am |
| Round 7 | 11:30am |
| Round 8 | 11:50am |
| Round 9 | 12:10pm |
| Round 10 | 12:30pm |
| Round 11 | 12:50pm |
Entry Fee Schedule
| Registration | Fee | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early | €30 | 30 November 2026 |
| Standard | €35 | 31 December 2026 |
| Final | €40 | 31 January 2027, 8:00pm |
Prizes*
| Prize | Open | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | €400 | €200 |
| 2nd | €260 | €130 |
| 3rd | €130 | €70 |
*Chess.com Diamond Membership Prizes
All 1st-place winners receive a 3-month Diamond membership, 2nd-place winners receive 2 months, and 3rd-place winners receive 1 month.
* Prizes are subject to change based on registrations
*Players are eligible to receive one prize only.
Make a Day of It
The Blitz Open finishes in the early afternoon, but the festival continues throughout Bank Holiday Monday. We’re planning additional chess and cultural activities, including a simultaneous exhibition and a special chess-film screening at the Omniplex.
View the Full Festival Schedule →
Rules & Player Information
All players are expected to familiarise themselves with the tournament regulations and the festival’s Code of Conduct before taking part.