The European Chess Club Cup has been held annually by the ECU since 1976, making it the longest-running European chess club competition. Six-board open teams plus four-board women’s teams play a 7-round Swiss over eight days. Many top European clubs build season-defining rosters specifically for the Cup, hiring international grandmasters as one-off contracts.
The 2026 Host
Budva, Montenegro, hosts the 2026 edition. The Splendid Conference & Spa Resort has hosted the cup three times previously and is one of ECU’s preferred venues for the event. Around 70-80 club teams across both sections, with a typical entry list including the top clubs from Russia, Azerbaijan, Germany, France, and Spain.