Pantelej 2026 – 6th Pantelej Trophy Open U2400 forms the classical centrepiece of the Pantelej festival in Niš from August 6 to 9. The seven-round Swiss is open to players below 2400 Standard rating. Each game uses 60 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one.

Hala Čair provides a central venue for the Open and the festival’s accompanying events. Dečiji šahovski klub Osnovac will organize the competition, while Swiss-Manager will handle pairings. Players may request limited half-point byes under the published conditions.

The listed prize fund totals RSD243,000 and includes regular and special awards. First place receives RSD50,000. Entrants should send their details to the organizer, confirm the current fee, and review transport options to Niš before departure.

📌 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Classical Swiss play defines the tournament structure. Therefore, players should prepare for long games and notation duties.

However, the chief arbiter may issue extra instructions. Players should attend any technical meeting and read every notice.

In addition, players should check their colour and board number before each round. They should report any pairing error at once.

🏆 Prize Fund

Next, the organizer has published the prize information below. However, the local-currency regulations control every award.

For reference, the USD figure above is an approximate conversion. The conversion uses the National Bank of Serbia USD/RSD reference rate published for July 2026.

Therefore, players should not treat the USD figure as a guaranteed payment amount. Exchange rates can change before the event.

📂 Sections / Eligibility

Although every event in this batch is an Open, some events use a rating ceiling. Therefore, players must read the eligibility rule carefully.

In addition, players should report rating errors before pairings appear. A late correction may affect eligibility or prize rights.

Finally, foreign players should confirm that the organizer has their correct federation. They should also check the FIDE ID on the starting list.

🗓️ Schedule

Chess-Results confirms a seven-round event from August 6 to 9. Its schedule controls the round times.

Keep an offline copy of the schedule and arrive well before the reporting deadline.

The live pairing notice should guide every round after play begins.

📝 Registration

Send the entry by email or phone. Confirm the current fee and payment method before travel.

Therefore, a payment receipt alone may not prove final acceptance. Players should obtain confirmation from the organizer.

In addition, players should retain screenshots of the completed form. They should save every organizer reply.

👤 Organizer

Moreover, players should contact the organizer about entry disputes and invitation letters. They should also report accessibility needs early.

However, unofficial social posts may become outdated. The current organizer page and Chess-Results record remain the best operational sources.

📍 Venue

Hala Čair, VIP Entrance, Niš, Serbia

However, the postal address may not identify the playing-hall entrance. Players should save any map pin from the organizer.

In addition, players should carry the venue name in the local language when useful. This can help taxi drivers and hotel staff.

🚗 How to Get There

Niš Constantine the Great Airport serves the city. Niš also has rail and intercity bus connections.

Therefore, players should avoid a same-day arrival with little margin. A delayed journey can cause a forfeit.

In addition, travellers should keep an offline copy of the route. Mobile coverage or data access may fail.

🏨 Accommodation Near the Venue

Search near Čair, the city centre, or a direct public-transport route to Hala Čair.

In addition, players should confirm the hotel’s exact address before payment. Properties with similar names may sit in different districts.

Finally, players should review the return journey after the last round. A late finish may require one extra night.

🛂 Visa & Travel Documents

Foreign players should check the official immigration source below. Therefore, they should not rely only on advice from a booking website.

However, tournament registration does not grant immigration permission. Each player remains responsible for legal entry.

In addition, foreign players should check local payment and currency rules. They should also keep digital copies of key documents.

ℹ️ Other Information

• ✓ The festival also includes blitz and youth events.
• ✓ This page covers only the seven-round classical Open.
• ✓ Players may request up to two half-point byes in the first five rounds.
• ✓ The organizer uses Swiss-Manager.
• ✓ The Standard rating ceiling is 2400.

Meanwhile, FIDE rules and the current organizer regulations govern play. The chief arbiter resolves technical questions during the event.

Therefore, players should read the final regulations before Round 1. They should ask questions before a dispute occurs.

✅ Final Checks Before Travel

Finally, complete every check before departure. Therefore, the player can reduce avoidable registration and travel problems.

In addition, recheck the page during the final 48 hours. The organizer may publish a late venue or schedule notice.

🔗 Official Resources