Krasnodar Spring Chess Cup Draws Record 600 Young Players for National Showdown
Krasnodar is hosting the 'Krasnodar Spring' stage of Russia’s Children’s Chess Cup for the third year running. The event, one of the largest in the national series, kicked off with an opening ceremony at the Gorky Drama Theater. Over 600 young players from 42 regions have gathered to compete, nearly doubling last year’s participation. The tournament began with speeches from local officials, including Mayor Yevgeny Naumov. He emphasised the importance of chess beyond sport and thanked parents and coaches for their dedication. Yevgeny Bondarenko, president of the Krasnodar Region Chess Federation, described the event as a key part of the national cup, offering young talents a chance to shine.
Competitors, split into age groups under 9, 11, 13, and 15, will battle for places in the December 2026 final in Yaroslavl Oblast. The schedule includes a masterclass led by world championship contender Sergey Karjakin, alongside performances by local artists and stories of chess legends. Between matches, participants will tour Krasnodar’s historic centre and visit Krasnodar Park. Organised by the Russian Chess Federation and backed by the city administration, the tournament runs until May 30.
The expanded event now draws twice as many players as last year’s edition. Winners will secure spots in the national final, while all participants gain experience through workshops and cultural activities. The tournament continues to grow as a major platform for young chess talent in Russia.
