This event has proved a real success since its creation in 1997. The Corsican Open has since become one of the world's most prestigious chess tournaments. In 2004, in association with the Ajaccio Chess Club, it was decided to organize a Corsican circuit with ?175,000 in prize money, comprising three separate tournaments (one at the Ajaccio conference centre, one at the Bastia municipal theatre, and one in Venaco). All together, some 500 players, including the international elite, from 40 different countries.