Train. Improve. Compete.

An Exceptional Chess Experience in the Heart of the Mediterranean

The American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo and the Pafos Chess Club, together with its academies, Marina Cherkasova Chess Academy, White King, and Pawn Stars Academy, proudly invite ambitious young chess players and chess enthusiasts from around the world to participate in the Pafos Chess Boost Camp 2026.

Train in the Mediterranean and learn from grandmasters and elite chess trainers in an inspiring international environment designed to help every participant realise their full potential.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Pafos, Cyprus, this intensive five-day camp is designed to help players sharpen their skills, gain practical tournament experience, and prepare for the new chess season under the guidance of some of Europe’s leading chess educators.

Whether your goal is to increase your rating, deepen your strategic understanding, enjoy a memorable chess experience, or compete at a higher level, the Pafos Chess Boost Camp offers an exceptional environment where learning, competition, and friendship come together.

Dates and Venues

Training Camp: 24–28 August 2026

Venue: American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo
Location: Pafos, Cyprus

Cyprus Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships

Cyprus Rapid Chess Championship: 29 August 2026
Cyprus Blitz Chess Championship: 30 August 2026

Venue: Attikon
Location: Pafos, Cyprus

Participation Fees for the Cyprus Rapid and Blitz Chess Tournament will be paid directly to Cyprus Chess Federation.

Special Guest Trainer

GM Victor Bologan

Former World Top-20 Player and Renowned Chess Trainer

One of the world’s most respected chess educators, GM Victor Bologan has trained numerous grandmasters, national teams, and elite players. Participants will have the unique opportunity to benefit from his vast experience, gain valuable insights into modern chess preparation, and be inspired by one of the game’s most distinguished ambassadors.

GM Victor Bologan will be training participants on 26 and 27 August 2026. He will spend most of his time working with Group A participants, while also delivering lectures and training sessions for participants in Groups B and C.

Elite Trainers

GM Vladislav Hamitevici

Main trainer for Group A participants. He will also deliver selected lectures and training sessions for participants in Groups B and C.

WGM Andreea Navrotescu

Main trainer for Group B participants. She will also deliver selected lectures and training sessions for participants in Groups A and C.

FM Konstantinos Markidis

Main trainer for participants in Groups B and C.

NI Konstantinos Konstantinides

Main trainer for Group C participants.

The coaching team combines extensive playing and teaching experience, ensuring that every participant receives high-quality instruction, personalized guidance, and individual attention throughout the camp.

Training Programme

The training programme includes:

• More than 30 hours of intensive chess training
• Opening principles and preparation
• Middlegame strategy and positional understanding
• Tactical training and calculation exercises
• Endgame techniques and practical endings
• Training games and in-depth analysis
• Tournament preparation and psychological aspects of competition
• Individual feedback and guidance from experienced players and coaches
• Side events

The programme is carefully designed to combine theory with practical application, ensuring that every participant returns home with new ideas, improved understanding, and greater confidence at the chessboard.

Training Groups

Participants will be divided according to their playing strength to ensure focused and effective instruction.

Group A – Advanced Players

Recommended Rating: 2000+
Participation Fee: €700

Designed for ambitious and highly motivated players, including titled players, seeking advanced preparation, deep strategic concepts, and high-level analytical work.

The number of places is limited to 12 participants. The group will attend joint lectures, while for the workshop sessions participants will be divided into smaller groups, with one grandmaster assigned to up to six participants.

Group B – Intermediate Players

Recommended Rating: 1600–2000
Participation Fee: €600

Focused on strengthening positional and strategic understanding, improving calculation, and preparing players for stronger national and international competition.

The number of places is limited to 12 participants.

Group C – Developing Players

Recommended Rating: 1400–1600
Participation Fee: €400

Ideal for young talents looking to build a solid foundation, improve tactical awareness, and accelerate their chess development.

The number of places is limited to 12 participants.

Group Selection Policy

The indicated rating ranges are recommendations intended to help participants choose the most suitable training group for their current level of play. Players who wish to challenge themselves are welcome to apply and try for a different group.

Please note that the training in each group will generally be geared towards the stronger players within that group’s rating range. Participants who choose to join a higher group should therefore be prepared for a more demanding programme and a faster pace.

The organisers reserve the right to make final adjustments to the composition of the groups in order to ensure the best possible learning experience for all participants.

Early Bird Discount

Participants who register and pay the deposit by 15 July 2026 will receive a 10% Early Bird Discount on the participation fee.

Why Participate?

• Learn directly from grandmasters and elite trainers.
• Train alongside players from different countries and become part of an international chess community.
• Gain valuable tournament experience through the Rapid and Blitz events (participation in the Cyprus Rapid and Blitz tournaments is optional).
• Build friendships and create unforgettable memories with fellow chess enthusiasts.
• Enjoy the unique Mediterranean atmosphere of Pafos, one of Cyprus’s most beautiful coastal cities.
• Combine high-level chess training with an inspiring cultural and educational environment.

Organised By

• American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo
• Pafos Chess Club and its academies, Marina Cherkasova Chess Academy, White King, and Pawn Stars Academy

Registration and Payment

Please complete the registration form available on our website.

Participants may pay the participation fee by bank transfer to the following Bank of Cyprus account:

Account number: 357039645233,

IBAN: CY52002001950000357039645233,

SWIFT/BIC: BCYPCY2N

Account owner: Skakistikos Omilos Paphou

Please include the participant’s name in the payment reference.

Kindly note that all bank transfer fees need to be paid by the participants.

Due to the limited number of places, a non-refundable deposit of 30% of the participation fee is required upon registration to reserve your spot. The remaining 70% must be paid by 17 August 2026.

Information

For additional information, please contact:

+357 96379790
+357 99610468
+357 96843077

Join Us in Pafos This Summer

The Pafos Chess Boost Camp is more than just a training camp—it is an opportunity to challenge yourself, learn from some of the best minds in chess, build lifelong friendships, and experience the beauty and hospitality of Cyprus.

Learn from Grandmasters. Train with Champions. Compete with Confidence.

Pafos Chess Boost Camp 2026
24–28 August 2026 | Pafos, Cyprus