Rapid Open
The Rapid Open is a seven-round FIDE-rated tournament played at 10+5, taking place on Saturday, 6 February at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo.
The tournament also serves as the final event of the 2026–27 Sligo Rapid Series, bringing the series to a close at the Sligo Chess & Culture Festival. You don’t need to have played in the earlier Rapid Series events to enter the Rapid Open.
Staying in Sligo for the weekend? Explore Festival Weekend →
Dates & Venue
Saturday, 6 February 2027
Radisson Blu Hotel
Ballincar, Rosses Point, Co. Sligo
F91 XW7Y, Ireland
Tournament Format
7 rounds · 10+5 · FIDE Rapid rated
The Rapid Open is FIDE Rapid rated. It is not ICU-rated, as the ICU rating system covers classical chess only.
Round Schedule
| Round | Time |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | 9:00am |
| Round 2 | 9:45am |
| Round 3 | 10:30am |
| Round 4 | 11:15am |
| Round 5 | 12:00pm |
| Round 6 | 12:45pm |
| Round 7 | 1:30pm |
Time Control
10+5
FIDE-Rated
The Rapid Open is FIDE-rated
ICU-Rated
The Rapid Open is not ICU-rated as the ICU only maintains a classical rating
Entry Fee Schedule
| Registration | Fee | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early | €30 | 30 November 2026 |
| Standard | €35 | 31 December 2026 |
| Final | €40 | 5 February 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.
*Players are eligible to receive one prize only.
*Prizes are subject to change based on registrations.
Sligo Rapid Series Finale
The Rapid Open is also the fifth and final event of the Sligo Rapid Series, which began in August 2026 and concludes at the Sligo Chess & Culture Festival.
Players who have competed throughout the series will earn their final series points in Sligo, with the overall series standings and prizes decided at the festival.
The Rapid Open remains open to everyone. You do not need to have played in any previous Sligo Rapid Series tournament to enter.
View Sligo Rapid Open Series Standings →
View Sligo Rapid Rising Stars (U12) Standings →
Learn More About the Sligo Rapid Series →
Rules & Player Information
Players should familiarise themselves with the tournament regulations and festival Code of Conduct before taking part.
Rapid Open Regulations →
Code of Conduct →
Make a Weekend of It
The final round may finish the tournament, but it doesn’t finish your weekend in Sligo.
The Rapid Open takes place at the heart of Festival Weekend, with a programme of chess, talks, games, social events, culture and entertainment continuing through Saturday and Sunday.
Come for the Rapid and stay for the festival.