Key elements
The Venue
The Open Final is played at the Katowice International Conference Centre, the same venue as the World Bridge Series 2026 (Aug 18–30). Plac Sławika i Antalla 1, 40-163 Katowice, Poland. The eBridge Cup team will be there to greet you the moment you arrive.
The Hotel
All 52 finalists stay at the Qubus Hotel Katowice, a 4-star property about a 10-minute walk from the Congress Centre. Three nights are covered by the organizers: August 17, 18, and 19. Booking details are sent directly to qualified players.
Visit Qubus Hotel ↗
Travel allowance
$250 for European and continental players, $400 for the rest of the world, to help cover your trip.
Getting there
Katowice International Airport (KTW) is about 30 minutes from the city center. The main train station is a short walk from the hotel.
How the Live Final Works
Day 1 — Tuesday, Aug 18
Played on BBO · Advanced GIBBO| Round 1 | 11:00 – 12:00 |
| Break | 12:00 – 12:20 |
| Round 2 | 12:20 – 13:20 |
| 🍽 Lunch, on site | 13:20 – 14:50 |
| Round 3 | 14:50 – 15:50 |
| Break | 15:50 – 16:10 |
| Round 4 | 16:10 – 17:10 |
| Break | 17:10 – 17:30 |
| Round 5 | 17:30 – 18:30 |
| Day ends | 18:30 |
Day 2 — Wednesday, Aug 19
Played on Funbridge · Argine| Round 1 | 10:30 – 11:30 |
| Break | 11:30 – 11:50 |
| Round 2 | 11:50 – 12:50 |
| 🍽 Lunch, on site | 12:50 – 14:20 |
| Round 3 | 14:20 – 15:20 |
| Break | 15:20 – 15:40 |
| Round 4 | 15:40 – 16:40 |
| Break | 16:40 – 17:00 |
| Round 5 | 17:00 – 18:00 |
| 🏆 Prize ceremony | 19:00 – 20:00 |
| Day ends | 20:00 |
Format
Both days are played on tablets, with 5 rounds of 12 boards lasting one hour each.
Day 1 is played on BBO with Advanced GIBBO. Day 2 is played on Funbridge with Argine.
Matchpoints on each board, best average across all boards determines your final ranking.
Meals
For lunch, you'll each receive vouchers to eat what you like in the bistro area.
On August 19, a cocktail reception is planned during the prize ceremony.
Prize Pool
$10,000 for first place, down to $200 for 7th through 10th.
Weather in Katowice, Aug 18–19
Historical averages for mid-August, worth checking again closer to your trip.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Poland is in the Schengen Area, so entry depends on your nationality.
US, Canada, UK, Australia & most Western passports
- Visa-free for stays up to 90 days — passport only
- ETIAS launches Q4 2026, after this trip, so it doesn't apply yet
- Fingerprints + photo taken automatically at the border (EES, active since April 2026)
China, India, Russia & other visa-required countries
- A Schengen short-stay visa is required in advance
- Processing can take several weeks
Whatever your nationality, your passport must be valid at least 3 months beyond your departure. Check your country against Poland's official visa-free list if you're unsure.
Currency
As of July 9
Poland uses the złoty (PLN). Cards are widely accepted, ATMs are easy to find, and the hotel also takes euros in cash as a backup. We advise you to check with your bank before traveling to avoid any unexpected fees.
Mobile & Internet
- Free WiFi throughout the Qubus Hotel
- Free WiFi expected at the venue
Want to See More of Katowice?
Neighborhoods worth a wander, what to eat, and a few words of Polish that go a long way.
Read Your Guide to Katowice →