The 13th edition of the international backgammon championship Merit Open 2026 will take place from November 3 to 8, 2026 (Aban 12–17, 1405, in the Persian calendar), at the five-star Merit Park Hotel in Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus. With €30,000 in added prize money, the tournament will welcome players from countries around the world.
The championship will be held under the supervision of the World Backgammon Federation (WBF) and directed by Marco Fornasir and Arda Fındıkoğlu. Alongside the main competitions, the event schedule includes doubles tournaments, jackpot competitions, a Ladies Tournament, and several educational and recreational activities.
€30,000 in Added Prize Money for Merit Open 2026
The organizers have allocated a total of €30,000 in added money for the 13th Merit Open. This amount is distributed across four tournament categories:
Masters division: €20,000
Intermediates division: €3,000
Ion Ressu Memorial Doubles: €5,000
Gammon Slam 2026: €2,000
According to the organizers, 100% of players' entry fees will also go into the prize pool.
An important detail is that €30,000 does not represent the total tournament prize pool. This amount is added separately to the players' entry fees. Therefore, the number of participants and their entry fees will influence the final prize amounts.
Merit Open 2026 Tournament Schedule
The event program begins on Monday, November 2, with registration and preliminary rounds. The main competitions will start on Wednesday, November 4, and the closing ceremony will take place on Sunday, November 8.
The announced schedule is as follows:
November 2–3 (Aban 11–12): Player registration and preliminary tournament rounds
November 4 (Aban 13), 2:00 PM: Main Event begins
November 6 (Aban 15): Ion Ressu Memorial Doubles competition
November 7 (Aban 16): Merit Mega Jackpot and Ladies Tournament
November 7 (Aban 16): Educational session and quiz featuring Masayuki 'Mochy' Mochizuki
November 8 (Aban 17), 9:30 PM: Closing ceremony and gala
One of this year's more unusual activities is Wetgammon, a side event where participants will experience playing backgammon underwater.
The times and tournament schedule are based on the organizers' initial announcements and may be subject to change.
Merit Open 2026 Entry Fees and Registration Costs
Participation costs vary depending on the selected tournament category. The organizers have announced separate entry fees and registration fees for the Masters, Intermediates, and Mega Jackpot divisions.
Masters: €400 entry fee, €100 registration fee; €500 total
Intermediates: €100 entry fee, €100 registration fee; €200 total
Mega Jackpot: €1,840 entry fee, €160 registration fee; €2,000 total
Doubles competitions: €320 participation fee per team
For example, a player entering the Masters division will pay €500 in total, consisting of a €400 tournament entry fee and a €100 registration fee.
The registration fee covers services such as food and beverages in the tournament hall, special prizes and trophies, and attendance at the gala ceremony.
Venue and Accommodation in Northern Cyprus
The five-star Merit Park Hotel & Casino in Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus, will host this edition of the championship.
The organizers are offering participants a special accommodation package that includes seven nights for the price of six, with Ultra All Inclusive services.
Since the event program runs from November 2 through November 8, players planning to enter multiple competitions should coordinate their arrival and departure dates with the tournament schedule.
Participants should contact the organizers or the host venue for reservation details, final room rates, and the terms of the accommodation offer.
Educational Session with Mochy and Side Events
Merit Open is not limited to its main competitions. This year's program also includes several side events, each adding a different dimension to the championship.
One of the highlights is an educational session and quiz featuring Masayuki 'Mochy' Mochizuki. Mochy is a well-known figure in international backgammon, and his participation will give enthusiasts an opportunity to explore position analysis and decision-making in the game.
The Ion Ressu Memorial Doubles, Mega Jackpot, and Ladies Tournament will also take place alongside the main divisions.
Wetgammon is another distinctive activity at this gathering. Unlike traditional matches played at a table, this event introduces the experience of playing backgammon underwater.
Merit Open 2026: An International Gathering of Backgammon Players
The 13th Merit Open brings several competitive categories together at one venue, with activities scheduled from November 2 to 8. Main Events, doubles competitions, jackpots, and educational sessions make up the different parts of the program.
€30,000 in added prize money and the allocation of all players' entry fees to the prize pool are among the notable features of this edition.
Players and enthusiasts should follow official Merit Open 2026 announcements for the latest changes to the tournament schedule, registration requirements, rules, and accommodation details.