The Sofia CrossSwords team is proud to present Sofia Longsword Open 2026 – a full day dedicated entirely to longsword fencing, featuring three tournaments.
The following day will once again be open for free sparring for everyone who decides to stay longer.

Open Longsword
The Open division will be separated into two tiers – Tier A and Tier B
The division will be determined after registrations close. Higher-rated fencers (according to HEMA Ratings) will be placed in Tier A, with the remaining competitors in Tier B.

Ladies Longsword
No limit on the number of competitors. If registrations allow, the division may also be separated into Tier A and Tier B.
All categories will be judged and scored by our local team together with guest judges.

Rules
The full ruleset can be found on sofiaxswords.com/rules. The basic scoring system is:
– 2 points for any clean hit.
– 1 point for the first hit followed by an afterblow.
– 0 points for any double hit.
– No afterblow after a head hit.
– Hit quality is required. Unopposed flats are allowed only to the head; all other targets require edge alignment.
Video-Assisted Review (VAR) will be available at every stage of the tournament, including pools and eliminations.

Equipment
Full protective gear is required. A detailed equipment list is available on sofiaxswords.com/gear

Permitted longswords:
Total length: 105–135 cm
Weight: 1300–1650 g (1200–1650 g for Ladies Longsword)
Blade length: 85–104 cm
Crossguard width: 20–30 cm (side rings are not permitted)
Grip length (including pommel): 20–35 cm
Blade flexibility: 9–16 kg (measured by pressing on the pommel until the reading stabilizes)

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN – https://sofiaxswords.com/reg-slo2026