National Under 26 Bridge Championship

The youth championship of Italian bridge

The National Under 26 Bridge Championship is the most important event for youth bridge in Italy. Organized by the Italian Bridge Game Federation (FIGB), it traditionally takes place at the Congress Palace of Salsomaggiore Terme, in the heart of the province of Parma, in Emilia-Romagna. The spa town has been one of Italy's bridge capitals for years and regularly hosts major federal events, thanks to its large congress facilities equipped to accommodate hundreds of players simultaneously.

Who can participate

The competition is reserved for boys and girls up to a maximum of 25 years of age: it is an event entirely dedicated to the new generations of bridge. Participants are divided into two distinct categories based on experience and skill level:

• Competitors — young players of competitive level already part of the federal circuit;
• CAS — players from introductory courses, often school-based, with their first national competition experiences.

Pairs and teams

The tournament is held in two formats. The first phase is the pairs championship, which opens the event; the second is the team championship, which concludes with the proclamation of the new Italian Champions in each category. At the end of the competitions, gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded to the top three finishers, a moment of celebration that rewards the commitment of the young athletes.

A breeding ground for national teams

More than just a competition, the Under 26 Championship is considered a true breeding ground for Italian bridge: it is here that the FIGB identifies talents destined to join the youth national teams and represent Italy in international competitions. It is no coincidence that Salsomaggiore Terme is also the historic venue for major world events in the discipline.

Salsomaggiore Terme, city of bridge

Included in the FIGB's spring calendar, the event contributes to making Salsomaggiore Terme and the entire Emilia-Romagna region a benchmark for sports bridge. For the spa municipality, accustomed to welcoming wellness tourism, these championships also represent an opportunity for animation and promotion of the territory outside the classic spa season.