V International Chess Festival “Georgi Rakovski” < 2400 will take place from July 1 – 5, 2026, in Kotel, Bulgaria. This is a chess tournament in Kotel, Bulgaria, in 2026.

The festival offers a compact classical chess schedule with 9 rounds over five days. Moreover, the event welcomes Bulgarian and foreign players with a FIDE standard rating below 2400.

In addition, the program includes a blitz tournament during the festival. Therefore, players can combine classical chess, faster games, and a summer visit to one of Bulgaria’s historic mountain towns.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Classical Event

Players receive 60 minutes for the game, plus a 30-second increment from move 1. Therefore, the tournament gives players a serious classical format while keeping the five-day schedule active.

The main event uses the Swiss System with 9 rounds. In addition, the tournament counts for FIDE standard rating.

Pairings and System

Swiss-Manager handles the pairings. Also, the Chess-Results page provides the official tournament file, player lists, statistics, and playing schedule.

The event accepts players with a FIDE standard rating below 2400. However, the organizers must approve every participant.

💰 Prize Fund

Prize Fund Overview

The confirmed festival cash prize fund is €4,940, approx. $5,810. In addition, the regulations list €600 in vouchers for selected special prize categories.

The main classical tournament includes €4,420 in cash prizes, approx. $5,200. Meanwhile, the blitz tournament adds €520 in cash prizes, approx. $610.

Main Ranking Prizes

Special Prizes

Blitz Tournament Prizes

Prize winners in the under-8, under-10, and under-12 age categories receive medals. As a result, younger players also have recognition opportunities during the festival.

🏆 Sections / Groups

Main Tournament

The tournament uses one main classical section. Therefore, players from different rating groups compete in the same Swiss event.

Special Prize Categories

In addition, the special prizes give different player groups extra motivation. Thus, the event can attract juniors, club players, local players, and experienced competitors.

📅 Schedule

Opening Day

Main Rounds

Blitz and Closing Ceremony

📝 Registration

Registration Details

Players should send their applications before the deadline. In addition, they should prepare for on-site registration on the first playing day.

Blitz Registration

The blitz tournament takes place on July 2. Moreover, all chess players who pay the €15 blitz entry fee can participate.

The blitz time control is 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment from move 1. Therefore, it offers a fast and energetic side event during the festival.

🧑‍💼 Organizer

Municipality of Kotel and Chess Club “Maritza-Iztok” organize the festival. As a result, the tournament combines local support with chess club experience.

The event honors Georgi Rakovski and brings competitive chess to Kotel in early July. Moreover, the compact schedule makes the festival practical for players who want several rated games in a short trip.

Email: miroslav_mitev90@abv.bg

📍 Venue

Playing Hall

Sports facility of MS “Georgi Stoykov Rakovski” — Atanas Belopahov – uchitel Street No. 1, Kotel, Bulgaria

Venue Notes

The tournament takes place at the sports facility of MS “Georgi Stoykov Rakovski” in Kotel. Therefore, players should plan their arrival directly around the school sports venue.

The compact schedule includes several double-round days. As a result, staying close to the playing hall can make the tournament week more comfortable.

✈️ How to Get There

Travel to Kotel

Kotel is located in eastern Bulgaria. Therefore, most international visitors can first travel to a major Bulgarian city and then continue to Kotel by road.

Players should plan enough time before registration on July 1. In addition, the first round starts on the same day at 13:00, so early arrival is important.

Local Planning

Because the event has two rounds on several days, players should keep travel simple during the tournament. Therefore, accommodation near the venue or in central Kotel may be the most practical option.

ℹ️ Other Information

Blitz Side Event

The festival includes a blitz tournament on July 2. The time control is 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment from move 1.

In addition, the blitz event has separate cash prizes for the top eight players. This gives participants another competitive opportunity during the festival.

Organizer Rights

The organizers retain the right to make changes to the regulations. Therefore, players should check official updates before traveling.

Finally, Kotel offers players a compact rated chess festival with classical rounds, blitz chess, and a clear summer tournament schedule.