The dawn of 2026 brought a distinctive energy to the German chess community as the Offene Kreiseinzelmeisterschaft (KEM) 2026 officially commenced in Rohrbach a. d. Ilm. Held at the spacious Schmellerhalle on Kirchenweg, the tournament transformed the venue into a battlefield of wits from January 3rd through January 6th. While the event is a well-established tradition for the Schachkreis Ingolstadt/Freising, this year’s narrative was dominated by the arrival of a remarkable young talent.

The Youngest Face at the Board

In a tournament where the average competitor often boasts decades of experience. Born in 2018, Anish entered the competition as the youngest player in the entire field—a feat that captured the attention. Representing SK Freising, he didn’t just come to watch; he came to compete in the rigorous Meisterklasse II.

The decision to place such a young player in the MII category is a testament to his burgeoning skill. The tournament followed a demanding 6-round Swiss System, utilizing the Fischer kurz time mode. This required Anish to maintain intense focus for 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, plus an additional 30 minutes for the remainder of the game, with a 30-second increment added after every single move. For a child born in 2018, navigating these “marathon” sessions is an incredible display of mental stamina.

Performance and Statistical Breakdown

Anish Pujar’s participation was not merely symbolic; his statistics reveal a player who is rapidly ascending the ranks of regional chess. Competing in the Juniorenwertung (Junior Rankings), his results were as follows:

• Entry Rating: He began the tournament with a DWZ (Deutsche Wertungszahl) of 1.050.

• Performance Rating (Leistung): Most impressively, his performance throughout the six rounds was calculated at 1.168.

By achieving a performance rating significantly higher than his starting DWZ, Anish proved that he could hold his own against more seasoned opponents. This “plus-performance” suggests that his official rating will likely see a significant jump in the next update from the Schachkreis IN/FS.

A Flourishing Chess Tradition

The TSV Rohrbach chess department, led by Sebastian Mucke, has been working tirelessly to foster growth in the sport. After the 2025 championships were hailed by the Pfaffenhofener Kurier as a moment where “chess championships blossom,” the 2026 edition sought to continue that momentum. The presence of young prodigies like Anish is the ultimate validation of this “positive trend”.

The tournament structure provided a professional yet welcoming environment. While the top players fought for the Zinnteller (pewter plate) challenge trophy and various category cups, the focus for the juniors was on development and the Juniorenwertung—a category open to those eligible for the KJEM 2026 (U10 through U18).

Looking Forward

The Junior rankings at the KEM 2026 highlight a bright future for youth chess in the region. While the overall Kreiseinzelmeister is traditionally awarded a Zinnteller (pewter plate) as a challenge trophy, the specific categories for Juniors and Seniors ensure that talent at every age is recognized.

The KEM 2026 in Rohrbach was more than just a tournament; it was a showcase of the next generation of chess talent. Anish Pujar has certainly set a high bar for himself as he continues to develop his game in the years to come.