PRAGUE
INTERNATIONAL
CHESS
FESTIVAL

Traditionally, Czech fans have the opportunity to root for three Czech players competing in the Challengers tournament, and this year is no exception. Václav Finěk and Richard Stalmach are returning for their third appearance, while Jáchym Němec will be making his debut.

Václav Finěk achieved remarkable successes last year. He won bronze at the May Czech Men's Championship, where long-time Czech #1 player David Navara claimed first place. In the summer, he triumphed at the Czech Open in Pardubice, winning the main tournament as the youngest player in its history. At the end of the summer holidays, he crowned his season with a gold medal at the European Youth Chess Championship in the under-14 category.

Richard Stalmach, who will celebrate his 19th birthday right after the festival, secured the silver medal at the Czech Men's Championship and was the only player to defeat the overall winner, David Navara.

Jáchym Němec is looking forward to an exciting tournament. Last year, he surpassed the 2400 ELO mark, and earning the title of International Master seems only a matter of time. He is a regular participant in the Czech Extraleague for Pardubice and has already achieved notable successes. He demonstrated his potential during his first appearance at the closed Czech Republic Championship 2024 in Ostrava, proving himself to be a formidable opponent.

CHALLENGERS