In the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees, in the Benasque Valley, a small town has been the source of a magnificent chess festival, now celebrating its 30th edition. This picturesque town attracted more than 500 players and 26 grandmasters from all corners of the globe to its open, as well as hosting a special champions' tournament for previous winners. Pictures and report.

From July 8 to July 17, the XXX edition of the "Villa de Benasque" International Chess Open was held in Benasque, Spain. This classic chess festival, now celebrating its 30th edition, comprised a large open, a special Champions' Tournament, as well as the Spanish Veterans' Championship and the Spanish Rapid Chess Championship. Altogether, the festival enjoyed a rich prize fund exceeding 20,000 Euros, with idyllic conditions for all.

Benasque is a town in Huesca province in Spain, located in the Benasque Valley in the heart of the Pyrenees. Its beautiful location makes for postcard pictures whichever direction you look and whatever the season.

The Open brought together 505 players, including 26 grandmasters, 36 international masters, and 23 FIDE masters. The main open was won by the top-rated Bulgarian GM Kiril Georgiev (2675), who led throughout the event, and was only caught in the last round by Azerbaijan GM Eltak Safarli. Nevertheless, his superior tie-break gave him the 3,000 Euro first prize.

Parallel to the open was a special event called the Champions' Tournament (Torneo de Campeones), which was a double round-robin played by six players, all of whom were previous winners of the Open. The Peruvian GM Julio Granda Zuniga, winner of the 2008 Open, won the event with a solid 6.5/10.

From chessbase.com