Balàfia 2025 Festa Major Chess Tournament is Here!
Get your boards ready and polish your strategies, because one of the most anticipated events of the Festa Major is back! The Club Escacs Balàfia invites all of you, with your sharp minds and passion for the game, to participate in its rapid-play tournament. It’s going to be a morning full of excitement, brilliant moves, and, most importantly, a great atmosphere.
Whether you’re a lifelong Grandmaster or you’ve just learned how to move a pawn, this tournament is for you. Come and show off your skills and enjoy a festive day!
Key Details You Can’t Forget:
- Date and Time: Sunday, August 24, 2025, at exactly 9:00 a.m. Please be punctual so the first round can start on time!
- Location: We will meet at the Sala Victòria dels Àngels in the Balàfia Civic Center (Calle Terrassa nº 1, Lleida).
- Tournament Format: We’ll play 9 rounds using the Swiss System, with a time control of 3 minutes per player plus 2 seconds of increment per move. The tournament is open to both federated and non-federated players.
- Registration: The best part… it’s completely free! Hurry, though, because spots are limited and given on a strict first-come, first-served basis!
How Do I Sign Up?
Signing up is very easy. You just have to fill out this form: https://forms.gle/fvLXBE6mmEgGKaAf6 You have until Thursday, August 21, at 11:00 p.m. Don’t miss out!
Prizes to Make You Sweat (and Shine)!
Your effort will be rewarded! In addition to eternal glory, we have some fantastic prizes:
General Classification:
- 1st Place: Mug + Shoulder of ham + Cured sausage and a bottle of wine.
- 2nd Place: Mug + Cheese + Cured sausage and a bottle of wine.
- 3rd Place: Mug + 5L canister of olive oil + Cured sausage.
Prizes by ELO and Categories:
- Group B (ELO 2099-1950): Prizes for the 1st and 2nd place winners.
- Group C (ELO 1949-1800): Prizes for the 1st and 2nd place winners.
- Group D (ELO <1799): Prizes for the 1st and 2nd place winners.
- Group E (Non-Federated): Mugs for the 1st and 2nd place winners.
- First Local Player: A mug.
- First Female Player: A mug.
Important Note: The award ceremony will be around 12:30 p.m., and you must be present to collect your prize. Prizes are not cumulative.
Things to Keep in Mind
This is a tournament to be enjoyed, but we have a few rules to ensure fair play. Remember that the use of mobile phones or other electronic devices is prohibited in the playing area. This tournament will not be rated for FIDE or FCE ELO. Participation implies acceptance of the rules.
The tournament is made possible thanks to the Club Escacs Balàfia and the collaboration of the Diputació de Lleida, donaBalàfia, the Associació Veïnal i de Comerciants de Balàfia, and the Lleida City Council.
We hope to see you all there to checkmate boredom and celebrate the Balàfia Festa Major as it deserves!
