Praggnanandhaa wins Superbet Chess Classic Romania
Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu captured his maiden Grand Chess Tour title at the Superbet Chess Classic Romania, emerging victorious in a thrilling three-way playoff against Alireza Firouzja and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. The 19-year-old from Chennai secured his second major title of the year, further consolidating his top position in the FIDE Circuit 2025. The 2025 GCT Superbet Chess Classic Romania took place in Bucharest from May 7–16, featuring ten elite grandmasters. It was a tight race from the start, with no clear leader for most of the tournament. However, after a crucial win against Wesley So in the penultimate round, Praggnanandhaa pulled ahead, entering the final round half a point ahead of Fabiano Caruana, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and Alireza Firouzja. In the final round, Praggnanandhaa secured a solid draw against Levon Aronian, guaranteeing at least a share of first place. Three players had a chance to catch up, but only two succeeded. Facing World Champion Gukesh D with the black pieces, Caruana was unable to generate winning chances and settled for a draw. In contrast, Firouzja, taking significant risks against Bogdan-Daniel Deac, found himself in a worse position—but his persistence paid off. Deac cracked on move 52, blundering the game away. Meanwhile, Vachier-Lagrave capitalized on a misstep by Jan-Krzysztof Duda in a complex position, securing a full point and joining Firouzja and Praggnanandhaa in a three-way tie for first. To determine the champion, a single round-robin playoff was held with a 5-minute + 2-second increment time control. The first game between Firouzja and Praggnanandhaa was a complex battle in Giuoco Piano which ended in a draw. In the second game Vachier-Lagrave and Firouzja split a point after Alireza held his ground on the black side of the Caro-Kann. The third game Praggnanandhaa vs. Vachier-Lagrave proved to be decisive. In an endgame with a pair of rooks and the queens Maxim first missed a chance to trade the rooks (likely leading to a draw) and just three moves later committed the decisive mistake. Praggnanandhaa seized the opportunity, clinching the win and the title. Photos: Lennart Ootes
World Schools Team Championship 2025: Registration is open
FIDE and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) invite all FIDE member federations to participate in the World Schools Team Championship 2025 (WSTC). The competition will take place in Washington, D.C./Alexandria, USA, from August 2 (arrival) to August 7 (departure), 2025. Each team must consist of four main players, one reserve, and one non-playing captain. Where possible, a team shall include both boys and girls, and at least two players born in 2012 or later. National federations are responsible for verifying that participating children are enrolled in the school they represent. Participation is limited: the first 45 teams registered by national federations will be accepted, with priority given to teams selected through national school competitions. An additional 15 wildcard spots will be allocated by FIDE, ISCF, and the host federation, bringing the total to 60 teams. These 60 teams will receive free accommodation, consisting of two twin rooms and two single rooms per delegation. The organizers will purchase flight tickets directly after a team’s participation is officially confirmed via email. The registration deadline is July 1, 2025. Teams can register using the online form at: worldschoolteam2025.fide.com/registration2025/ FIDE member federations will be able to update registration details via an edit link. In special cases—for example, if a national championship has not yet taken place—federations may request an extension to submit player names after July 1, subject to Organizing Committee approval. Educational conference Smart Moves Summit The Smart Moves Summit is an international education conference that explores how chess sharpens minds, fosters creativity, and transforms learning—both in and beyond the classroom. Held in Washington, D.C., August 4–5, 2025, alongside the World Schools Team Championship, the summit brings together teachers, parents, school leaders, researchers, edtech innovators, chess-related businesses, marketing professionals, officials, and other enthusiasts from over 20 countries. Expect inspiring keynotes from top chess influencers, visionary educators, and thought leaders in cognitive science. Participate in practical teacher trainings, interactive panels, and global school partnerships—all centered around how chess builds confidence, critical thinking, and deeper learning in today’s classrooms. The Smart Moves Summit is where the future of education meets the timeless strategy of chess. It’s a space for bold ideas, practical tools, and global collaboration, with the child at the center. In a world facing educational inequality and rapid change, chess offers a powerful, inclusive path to academic success and lifelong skills—for every student, everywhere. The conference is organized by the International School Chess Federation and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, under the patronage of FIDE. Contact e-mail: worldschoolteam@fide.com Official website: worldschoolteam2025.fide.com INVITATION LETTER (PDF)