The Rilton Cup 2025–26, Sweden’s most prestigious chess festival, will take place from December 27, 2025 to January 5, 2026, at the Scandic Continental Hotel, Vasagatan 22 — right in the heart of Stockholm. The event brings together top-level players, ambitious juniors, and enthusiasts from around the world for 10 days of exciting over-the-board action.
📅 Tournament Schedule
| Date | Rilton Cup | Rilton U2200 | Rilton U1800 | Rilton Open |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Dec | Round 1 – 14:30 | Round 1 – 14:30 | ||
| 28 Dec | Round 2 – 14:30 | Round 2 – 14:30 | Rounds 1–2: 10:00, 14:00 | |
| 29 Dec | Round 3 – 14:30 | Round 3 – 14:30 | Rounds 3–5: 10:00, 14:00, 18:00 | |
| 30 Dec | Round 4 – 14:30 | Round 4 – 14:30 | Rounds 6–7: 10:00, 14:00 | |
| 31 Dec | Round 5 – 12:00 | Round 5 – 12:00 | ||
| 1 Jan | Free Day | Free Day | Free Day | Free Day |
| 2 Jan | Round 6 – 14:30 | Round 6 – 14:30 | Rounds 1–2: 10:00, 15:00 | |
| 3 Jan | Round 7 – 14:30 | Round 7 – 14:30 | Rounds 3–4: 10:00, 15:00 | |
| 4 Jan | Round 8 – 14:30 | Round 8 – 14:30 | Rounds 5–6: 10:00, 15:00 | |
| 5 Jan | Round 9 – 12:00 | Round 9 – 12:00 | Round 7 – 10:00 |
📍 Venue
Scandic Continental Hotel, Vasagatan 22, Stockholm — a prime location just across from the Central Station, ensuring easy access to transport, dining, and sightseeing.
⏱ Time Control
- Rilton Cup & U2200: 40 moves in 90 minutes, then 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with 30-second increment per move.
- Rilton Open: 60 minutes for the entire game + 30 seconds increment.
- Rilton U1800: 90 minutes for the entire game + 30 seconds increment.
Note: Sofia rules apply in the Rilton Cup — no draw offers before move 30.
💰 Entry Fees & Prizes
🥇 Rilton Cup (Elo 2200+ or special eligibility)
- Format: 9 rounds, FIDE-Swiss (Dec 27 – Jan 5)
- Entry Fee:
- Regular players: 1,400 SEK
- FM/WFM: 1,000 SEK
- Born 2004 or later: 900 SEK
- GM/WGM/IM/WIM: Free entry
- Eligibility: Players rated 2200+ (Dec 2025 list). Female players and juniors born in 2005 or later with 2100+ Elo also eligible.
- Prize Fund (SEK): RankPrizeRankPrize130,00078,000225,00086,000320,00095,000415,000104,000512,000113,000610,000122,000 Women’s Prizes: 1) 6,000 SEK 2) 4,000 SEK 3) 2,000 SEK
(Rating prizes to be announced later.)
Rilton U2200
- Format: 9 rounds, FIDE-Swiss (Dec 27 – Jan 5)
- Eligibility: Elo below 2200
- Entry Fee:
- Regular: 1,200 SEK
- FM/WFM: 1,000 SEK
- Born 2005 or later: 800 SEK
- Prizes (SEK):
- 7,000 2) 5,000 3) 4,000 4) 3,000 5) 2,500 6) 2,000 7) 1,500 8–10) 999
Women’s Prizes: 1) 2,000 2) 1,500 3) 999
- 7,000 2) 5,000 3) 4,000 4) 3,000 5) 2,500 6) 2,000 7) 1,500 8–10) 999
Rilton Open
- Dates: Dec 28 – 30
- Eligibility: Elo below 2400 (as of Dec 1)
- Entry Fee: 1,000 SEK (800 SEK for players born 2005 or later)
- Prizes (SEK): 1) 4,000 2) 3,000 3) 2,000 4–5) 999
Rilton U1800
- Dates: Jan 2 – 5
- Eligibility: Elo below 1800 (as of Dec 1 or Jan 1)
- Entry Fee: 1,000 SEK (800 SEK for players born 2006 or later)
- Prizes (SEK): 1) 4,000 2) 3,000 3) 2,000 4–5) 999
📝 Registration Details
- Discount: Register and pay before December 1st to get 100 SEK off.
- Payment options:
- Bank transfer:
IBAN – SE45 9500 0099 6042 0257 9589
BIC – NDEASESS - Credit Card / PayPal via the official site: www.rilton.se/inbjudan.html
- Bank transfer:
- Limit: The first 300 paid participants are guaranteed a spot.
☕ Bonus: Free Coffee for Players!
As highlighted on the official poster (page 1 of the PDF), players can enjoy free coffee throughout the tournament — a signature Rilton tradition.
🌍 Why Play the Rilton Cup?
- One of Europe’s most iconic year-end chess festivals
- Central Stockholm location with easy access to winter sightseeing
- Open events for all rating levels
- GM-level competition with a rich prize fund
- Friendly atmosphere and world-class hospitality
Players List – Click Here
Download Full Details PDF
I played Rilton cuop twice and I must say it’s one of the best tournaments I have ever played.