L'Echiquier Du Roy René invites you to 3rd Dole Trophy 2026 offering prize fund worth more than €30000
L'Echiquier Du Roy René invites you to Dole Trophy International Open 2026. It is one of the strongest tournaments in Europe. The total prize fund is more than €30000. The top three prizes are €8000, €5500 and €3500. There are three tournaments - Masters (>2100), Accession (<2200) and Petits Zelos (<1700). It will take place at Pasino Grand Aix in Aix-en-Provence, France from 18th to 26th July 2025. Indians have had a huge successes in the last two editions. So far in both Masters and Accession events were won by Indians. The next one could be you. In the previous edition, 17 players scored 18 norms - a GM, 11 WGM and 3 WIM-norms. It goes without saying that this event should be a norm seekers paradise. Photo: Official site
This July, play one of the strongest tournaments in Europe
Pasino Grand Aix is just about 50 minutes away in a bus from Marseille airport. Bus fare cost us last year €10. Aix-en-Provence has plenty of bus service. From my hotel to the venue the bus ride two-way cost about ₹150 on weekdays, about ₹160-180 on weekends as I had to take three buses. They were all top notch and on time which is needless to say. Of course, one had to walk a bit and I had more than one choice to reach the venue. I preferred taking the bus so I can traverse on my own and save time on getting more stuff done. The point is public transport is cheap. Supermarket is just a two minute-walk from the venue. Even a street food shop is located just 2 minutes away in a walking distance. I had a great experience attending this in 2025. One of the main reasons is - 17 players scoring 18 norms. I have not witnessed so many norms being scored in a single event ever since I started writing reports in the last eight years. Even those who are not seeking norms, they can play in great atmosphere, in presence of strong and fantastic players, friendly organizers and a great prize fund too. What more one could ask for in a norm tournament? There are also two category tournaments - Accession (<2200) and Petits Zelos (<1700). So there is something for all.
History of the Club
The Chess Club was originally created under the name "L'Échiquier du Roy René", in homage to Duke René of Anjou, known as the Good King René, Count of Provence, a great lover of entertainment and parties and symbol of the city of Aix-en-Provence. The association merged in 1993 with the other club of Aix-en-Provence, the "Diagonale Aixoise", and took the name of "Diagonale du Roy", before returning to its original name in 2005.
The Club, which has won numerous team and individual trophies during its long existence, now has more than 200 members of all ages, from young beginners to elite categories. (Source, Translated by Bing)
Events, Venue, Date and Eligibility
There are a total of three events - Masters (>2100), Accession (<2200) and Petits Zelos (<1700). All of them will take place at Pasino Grand Aix, 21 avenue de Europe, 13090 Aix-en-Provence in Aix-En-Provence, France from 18th to 26th July 2026. There are no double rounds. The time control is 40 moves in 100 minutes + 30 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move no.1. More than €30000 prizes are up for grabs. The top three prizes are €8000, €5500 and €3500. For more details, check the image below.
Contact details
Terms and invitations on request by email: doleopen2026@gmail.com
Indian success at this event
Indian players had a success in the first two editions. Both Masters and Accession champions in 2024 and 2025 were by Indians - GM Pranesh M and Dinesh Rajan M won in 2024, Iniyan and Darshan in 2025. Indians scored four out of 18 norms that were scored last year.
Video Gallery
Video playlist of 2nd edition in 2024
Check out the details of the tournaments on our calendar: Masters, Accession and Petits Zelos.
Links
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