Join Estepona’s beloved moonlit chess tradition as it hits it’s 40th year with free entry for all ages

Bring your strategy and skill all to the seafront as local chess enthusiasts, curious holidaymakers, and families all gather up for one of Esteponas unique open-air sporting occasions.

40 years of chess from aged 6 to 90

Estepona is hosting it’s 40th edition of its famous Night Chess Tournament on Thursday, August 13, on the Paseo Maritimo. Organised by the Town Hall through the local Sports Chess School the event is the only amateur tournament of its kind in Spain. As the sun fades action begins at 8pm and runs until midnight, giving a huge 200 chess players the chance to pit their skills against opponents completely free of charge.

Miguel Abril, a former chess instructor, founded the tournament forty years ago to create an inclusive, casual championship for amateurs. Over four decades, the event has grown into a regular summer event, bringing in local residents, school pupils, and visiting enthusiasts from across Spain.

Five competitive categories tailored for every age group

Fair competition is guaranteed through five independent tournaments structured by birth year and category:

Smurfs (Pitufos) and Under-8s: Youngsters kick off with a five-round Swiss-system tournament, with ten minutes allocated per player.
Under-10s and Under-12s:Junior competitors play six rounds under a ten-minute time limit per player.
Under-14s and Under-16s:Youth players compete across six rounds with ten minutes per player.
Adults (Mayores): Competitors battle across seven rounds with ten minutes per side.
Seniors: Veteran players test their rapid tactical decision-making in a five-round rapid tournament with fifteen minutes per player.

Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in every division, and every entrant will receive an official diploma to mark their participation in this milestone 40th anniversary.

How to claim a free spot before places run out

Player registrations are capped at 200 participants to ensure smooth organisation on the night. Interested competitors can register by emailing escueladeajedrez@estepona.es or sending a WhatsApp message to +34 619 063 600. Player check-in begins at 7:30pm on the night, then its heads down for four hours of board strategy by the sea.