Golden Knight Cup 2026 – U18 will take place from August 1 to 4, 2026, at Berlin Green Park Hotel in the Golden Sands resort near Varna, Bulgaria.

Moreover, the junior competition will use a seven-round Swiss system. Each player receives 45 minutes for the game and a 30-second increment from move one.

In addition, the under-18 format gives developing players a multi-day tournament experience while keeping every round at the same resort hotel.

Meanwhile, the official hotel offers accommodation, dining and leisure facilities, which helps families and youth delegations organize the complete stay in one area.

Therefore, participants should confirm registration, room availability and arrival instructions with the organizer before booking non-refundable travel.

🗓️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The youth tournament will run over seven Swiss-system rounds. Each player receives 45 minutes for the game and a 30-second increment after every move.

The format provides a multi-day rated-style competition while keeping the daily playing program suitable for junior participants.

Moreover, players should check the published pairings before every round and report any discrepancy immediately. Therefore, each participant should arrive early enough to find the board, prepare the scoresheet when required and follow the arbiter’s instructions.

📝 Registration

Entry and hotel arrangements are coordinated directly by the tournament team.

In addition, players should retain their payment or registration confirmation and verify that the organizer has added their name to the official participant list.

Meanwhile, international players should check whether the tournament requires a FIDE ID, federation membership, visa documentation or other eligibility evidence.

👤 Organizer

📍 Venue

Berlin Green Park Hotel – Golden Sands, Varna 9007, Bulgaria

Berlin Green Park Hotel hosts the complete seven-round tournament. Consequently, players who stay at the property can reach the playing hall without arranging a daily transfer.

The hotel stands in the Golden Sands resort and provides guest rooms, restaurant services and leisure facilities. Families should confirm which services operate during the tournament dates.

🏨 Accommodation

The playing venue also serves as the principal accommodation option. Therefore, families and team leaders can request room packages directly from the hotel or organizer.

Golden Sands also offers numerous hotels and apartments, although players should compare the distance to Berlin Green Park before booking.

🚆 How to Get There

Golden Sands lies north of Varna on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. International visitors can arrive through Varna Airport and continue by taxi, road transfer or regional transport.

Because the event begins at the hotel, participants should use the complete hotel name when arranging the final transfer.

ℹ️ Other Information

The organizer applies the current FIDE Laws of Chess and the event-specific regulations. Moreover, participants should follow all arbiter instructions, fair-play requirements and venue rules.

In addition, players should recheck the official sources shortly before travel because the organizer may publish operational updates, room assignments or timetable adjustments.

Key Tournament Rules

Official Resources