19th Poti International Chess Festival Nana Aleksandria Cup 2026 will take place from July 11 – 20, 2026, in Poti, Georgia. This is a chess tournament in Poti, Georgia, in 2026.

The festival brings a large international chess program to Georgia’s Black Sea coast. Moreover, it includes classical opens, youth tournaments, blitz events, Chess960 events, and a family team competition.

In addition, the event offers a strong prize program and accommodation options for visiting players. Therefore, Poti can suit titled players, club players, juniors, coaches, and families planning a summer chess trip.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Classical Events

The A, B, C, D, and E Open tournaments use 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move. Therefore, all main open groups offer a full classical chess format.

The youth classical events also use the Swiss System. However, the F1–F5 youth tournaments use 40 minutes + 5 seconds increment per move.

Pairings and System

All classical open and youth events use 9 rounds. In addition, the A Open is listed on Chess-Results with Swiss-Manager pairing support.

The main classical events count for FIDE standard rating. As a result, players can combine festival participation with official rating opportunities.

Tie-Breaks

Final ranking uses direct encounter first. After that, the tie-break order is Buchholz Cut 1, full Buchholz, number of wins, and progressive score.

Therefore, every round can affect final ranking and prize positions. Players should follow pairings and standings carefully during the festival.

💰 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The festival lists a total prize value of 65,000 GEL, approx. $24,000. This amount includes 56,200 GEL in cash prizes and 8,800 GEL in gifts for youth tournament winners.

Cash prizes are not taxed. In addition, prize winners must attend the closing ceremony to receive their prizes.

A Open Prizes

B Open Prizes

C Open Prizes

D Open Prizes

E Open Prizes

Blitz Prizes

Cash prizes are not shared in case of a tie. However, a player can receive only the highest applicable prize in the A, B, C, D, E, G, and H open tournaments. The A Open women’s prize rule allows an eligible woman player to receive both an open prize and a women’s prize.

Youth Gifts and Coaches Contest

The coaches contest rewards the five best coaches based on their students’ results in the F1–F5 youth tournaments. In addition, a coach needs at least five students in the age-group tournaments to participate.

🏆 Sections / Groups

Main Open Events

The five open groups give players several rating-based entry options. Therefore, stronger players, club players, and unrated players can all find a suitable section.

Youth Classical Events

The youth groups give young players a separate classical tournament program. Moreover, the 40+5 time control keeps the schedule practical for children.

Side Events

In addition, the family team event is open to under-12, under-10, and under-8 festival participants together with family members. This gives the festival a wider family chess atmosphere.

📅 Schedule

Classical Open Events

Youth Classical Events

Side Events

📝 Registration

Entry Fees

Players should choose the correct section according to their rating and age category. In addition, Open A players should check the rating-based fee table before registering.

Registration Notes

The main festival includes many parallel events. Therefore, players should confirm their chosen events before arrival.

Youth players and families should also review the daily schedule carefully. This is especially useful because youth classical rounds and evening side events can take place on the same day.

🧑‍💼 Organizer

Poti local management, the Georgian Chess Federation, and Poti Chess Club “Nana” organize the festival together. As a result, the event combines local support with national federation coordination.

Moreover, the festival honors Nana Aleksandria and continues Poti’s established international chess tradition. The broad program also supports classical chess, youth chess, blitz, Chess960, and family team play.

Email: chesspoti@yahoo.com
Phone: +995 593 399 264

📍 Venue

Playing Hall

Poti Multifunctional Sports Complex — Zeragia Street 49, Poti, Georgia

Venue Notes

The festival takes place at the Poti Multifunctional Sports Complex. Therefore, players should use Zeragia Street 49 as the main venue address.

The venue hosts all main festival events. As a result, players can follow the full chess program from one central playing site.

🏨 Accommodation

Hotel Options

Players should contact accommodation providers directly before traveling. Moreover, early booking can help visiting players secure the most suitable option near the venue.

Titled Player Conditions

Selected GM and IM players may receive accommodation and travel support according to July 1, 2026 rating bands. In addition, selected WGM and WIM players may receive similar support under separate rating bands.

The highest listed support level includes a single room, full board, and travel expenses. Lower listed bands include single or double room options, breakfast in selected bands, and possible travel support.

✈️ How to Get There

Travel to Poti

Poti is located in western Georgia on the Black Sea coast. Therefore, international visitors can travel through larger Georgian transport hubs and continue to Poti by road or rail.

Players arriving from outside Georgia should allow enough time for local transfer before the first round on July 12. In addition, families with youth players should consider the afternoon youth round schedule when planning arrival.

Local Planning

The classical open rounds start at 11:00, while youth classical rounds start at 16:00. Therefore, players and families should plan meals, rest, and preparation around the daily rhythm.

The evening side events begin at 18:00 on selected days. As a result, players who join blitz, Chess960, or family events should expect a fuller festival schedule.

ℹ️ Other Information

Tournament Rules

All tournaments follow FIDE Tournament Rules and the Laws of Chess. In addition, FIDE anti-cheating rules and guidelines apply to all festival events.

Appeals must be submitted in writing within 15 minutes after the relevant round ends. The appeal deposit is 200 GEL, and it is returned if the appeal succeeds.

Awards and Trophies

First-place winners in all tournaments receive a cup, medal, and diploma. Meanwhile, second- and third-place finishers receive medals and diplomas.

Side-Event Awards

Women and girls who win first place in the G, H, I, J, K, and L tournaments receive a cup, medal, and diploma. Second- and third-place winners receive medals and diplomas.

In the F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, I, J, K, and L events, a female participant who qualifies for two prizes receives only one prize designated for women or girls.

Finally, the 19th Poti International Chess Festival Nana Aleksandria Cup 2026 offers a broad Black Sea chess program with classical opens, youth events, blitz, Chess960, family competition, and strong festival atmosphere.