On May 4, 2025, the town of Neufahrn bei Freising hosted a landmark event for the local chess community. The 1. Freisinger DWZ-Pokalturniere was not just a competition; it was the very first tournament of its kind organized by Anish’s own club, SK Freising. For young Anish Pujar, it provided the perfect stage to transition from a student of the game to a ranked competitor.

A Perfect Setting for a Debut

The tournament was held in the Pfarrgemeindesaal of St. Franziskus, a venue filled with the quiet intensity of 100 young players. Anish competed in the Jugend-Pokal U8 category, a division specifically designed for young talents with a DWZ rating under 1000. As a member of the host club, Anish had the unique experience of playing his first major tournament under the guidance of his own club’s organizers.

The Journey to the Podium

The tournament consisted of five rounds of high-stakes chess, with a time control of 60 minutes per player. This format tested both the stamina and the strategic depth of the young participants.

• The Breakthrough: Anish began the day with a decisive victory in Round 1, playing with the black pieces to secure his first-ever competitive win.

• Continued Success: He maintained his momentum in Round 2, winning again—this time with the white pieces—to start the tournament with a perfect 2/2 score.

• Resilience: After a challenging third round, Anish showed incredible mental strength. He refused to let his focus waver and successfully fought back in the final stages of the day.

• The Strong Finish: Anish closed the tournament with two consecutive wins in Rounds 4 and 5, finishing the event with an impressive total of 4.0 points out of 5.0.

Results and Achievements

When the final standings were published, Anish Pujar secured 2nd Place overall in the U8 category. His performance was exceptional, reflected by a Buchholz score of 12.00 and a Buchholz-Summe of 63.00, which are metrics used to measure the strength of the opponents he faced.

The most significant milestone, however, happened behind the scenes. Because all games were submitted for official evaluation, Anish successfully earned his first official DWZ rating. Entering the tournament as an unrated player, he walked away as a recognized member of the competitive chess community.

A Memorable Celebration

The day concluded with a trophy ceremony where Anish was awarded his well-deserved silver trophy. For SK Freising, the event was a resounding success as their first hosted DWZ tournament. For Anish, it was the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey in chess, marked by his first win, his first trophy, and his first official rating—all achieved on his home turf.