Kurtenkov Memorial 2026 will take place from August 15–16, 2026 at Palace of Chess in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Atanas Kurtenkov and Bulgarian chess partners organize the two-day memorial for players within the published U2000 rating limit. Therefore, the event creates a compact classical-style weekend for ambitious club players and juniors.
Players will compete in an eight-round Swiss-system tournament. The published time control is 30 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. Moreover, the tournament uses an Armageddon game if the leading players require a decisive result after the published tie procedure. The official prize fund is €3,500 / approx. $4,020, with 13 overall cash awards and separate children’s prizes.
Palace of Chess offers seven playing rooms, analysis and rest areas, internet access, parking, a museum, a library and a buffet. In addition, the dedicated chess complex lets players remain in one venue throughout both tournament days. Consequently, players should review the registration rules, schedule, travel arrangements and official resources before making non-refundable bookings.
🗓️ Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | August 15–16, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Plovdiv, Bulgaria |
| 🏛️ Venue | Palace of Chess |
| ♟️ Format | 8-round Swiss system |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 30 minutes + 30 seconds per move |
| 👥 Rating Limit | U2000 |
| 💰 Prize Fund | €3,500 / approx. $4,020 |
| 👤 Organizer | Atanas Kurtenkov and Bulgarian chess partners |
| 🌐 Chess-Results | https://chess-results.com/tnr1437483.aspx?lan=1 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The memorial consists of eight Swiss-system rounds. Each player receives 30 minutes plus a 30-second increment after every move.
Moreover, the organizer may use an Armageddon game between the top two tied players to determine the tournament winner.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| System | Swiss system |
| Rounds | 8 |
| Time Control | 30 minutes + 30 seconds per move |
| Rating Limit | U2000 |
| Winner Tie | Armageddon game when required |
🏆 Prize Fund
The official cash prize fund is €3,500 / approx. $4,020. The organizer awards 13 overall cash prizes and separate children’s awards after Round 2.
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | €1,000 |
| 2nd Place | €700 |
| 3rd Place | €400 |
| 4th Place | €300 |
| 5th Place | €200 |
| 6th Place | €200 |
| 7th–13th Place | €100 each |
📅 Schedule
The organizer completes all eight rounds over two days. Therefore, players should reserve both full days and monitor the official announcements for the precise round times.
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, August 15, 2026 | According to official timetable | Registration, opening rounds and children’s awards after Round 2 |
| Sunday, August 16, 2026 | According to official timetable | Remaining rounds, possible Armageddon playoff and closing ceremony |
📝 Registration
Players should register directly with the organizer and confirm eligibility under the U2000 conditions.
In addition, participants should provide a correct FIDE ID, rating and telephone number.
| Registration Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organizer Phone | +359 899 203 468 |
| Federation Email | info@chessbg.org |
| Federation Phone | +359 88 969 44 36 |
👤 Organizer
| Organizer Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organizer and Chief Arbiter | Atanas Kurtenkov |
| Phone | +359 899 203 468 |
| Federation Email | info@chessbg.org |
| Federation Phone | +359 88 969 44 36 |
📍 Venue
Palace of Chess – Plovdiv, Bulgaria
The Palace of Chess is a dedicated tournament complex with seven playing rooms, analysis and rest areas, internet access, video security, parking, a museum, a library and a buffet.
Consequently, players can spend the full competition day in a venue designed specifically for chess.
🚆 How to Get There
Plovdiv connects with Sofia and other Bulgarian cities by train, coach and motorway. Therefore, international visitors can travel through Sofia Airport and continue by public transport, taxi or rental car.
Players should confirm the exact Palace of Chess entrance with the organizer before travel.
| Travel Option | Practical Information |
|---|---|
| By Air | Use Sofia Airport or Plovdiv Airport, then continue by road or public transport. |
| By Train | Plovdiv has regular services from Sofia and other major cities. |
| By Bus | Intercity coaches connect Plovdiv with Sofia and regional destinations. |
| By Car | Use the published coordinates and confirm parking access at the Palace of Chess. |
ℹ️ Other Information
The tournament applies the published U2000 eligibility rule and uses a decisive Armageddon game when the leading players remain tied.
Key Tournament Rules
| Rule | Information |
|---|---|
| Rating Limit | U2000 |
| Winner Tie | Armageddon playoff |
| Children’s Awards | Presented after Round 2 under the organizer’s categories |
Official Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Chess-Results Tournament Page | https://chess-results.com/tnr1437483.aspx?lan=1 |
| Bulgarian Sports Chess Federation | https://chessbg.org/ |
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $4,020
Organizer
♟️ About the Organizer
Atanas Kurtenkov is a Bulgarian International Master, licensed National Arbiter, chess coach, tournament organizer, and club administrator based in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. FIDE awarded him the International Master title in 1985, and his official profile confirms his active National Arbiter licence. Kurtenkov has worked in Bulgarian chess for several decades as a player, arbiter, trainer, and competition director. He currently serves as chairman of Chess Club Spartak Plovdiv, where he coordinates tournaments and chess-development activities for children and adults. The club conducts many of its activities at the National Palace of Chess in central Plovdiv.
🏆 Tournaments and Chess Events
Kurtenkov organizes a regular program of FIDE-rated classical, rapid, and blitz competitions. He is closely associated with the monthly First Weekend Chess Festival, which gives players frequent opportunities to obtain international rating experience. FIDE tournament records repeatedly identify him as chief organizer and chief arbiter of competitions held in Plovdiv during 2025 and 2026.
In addition, he directs events connected with the Open Balkan Chess Championship, youth competitions, club tournaments, and memorial events. He is also the organizer and chief arbiter of the Kurtenkov Memorial 2026, scheduled for August 15–16 at the Palace of Chess in Plovdiv. The tournament uses an eight-round Swiss system and welcomes players who satisfy the published U2000 rating conditions. Kurtenkov manages player registration directly through his telephone number and tournament email.
🌱 Youth Chess and Player Development
Youth chess forms an important part of Kurtenkov’s work with Chess Club Spartak. The club organizes recurring children’s tournaments at the National Palace of Chess and provides young participants with opportunities to receive medals, books, coaching, and further competitive experience. These activities introduce beginners to tournament play while helping stronger juniors improve their calculation, concentration, and practical decision-making.
Moreover, Kurtenkov’s events usually include players from different age groups and levels. This structure allows children, amateur competitors, experienced club players, and titled masters to participate within the same wider festival program. Through regular tournaments, direct communication with players, and cooperation with Bulgarian chess organizations, he continues to support competitive chess in Plovdiv and beyond.
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