Celebrating International Chess Day 2025: Every Move Counts
Each year on July 20, the global chess community unites to celebrate International Chess Day, commemorating the founding of FIDE in 1924. Last year marked a historic milestone – FIDE’s centennial anniversary, which celebrated a century of chess while laying the foundation for the next hundred years. Among the key legacies of that celebration is FIDE’s renewed commitment to long-term goals: from global expansion and accessibility to deepening chess’s social impact. This year, FIDE launched the Year of Social Chess, an initiative dedicated to using the game as a tool for inclusion, education, empowerment, and mental well-being. The theme for International Chess Day 2025, “Every Move Counts”, reminds us that, on the board and in life, every decision shapes our journey. In 2024, to commemorate the centenary, the global chess community set a Guinness World Record for the most chess games played in 24 hours: over 7.28 million games played across more than 350 events worldwide. In 2025, we aim to carry this momentum forward with global celebrations, inclusive events, and creative storytelling that highlights the power of chess to bring people together. Creative Chess FIDE invites chess lovers everywhere to join us in promoting the game in the most imaginative way possible. It’s time to play Creative Chess. Set up a game in the most unusual or symbolic place you can think of: a mountaintop, underwater, at your local landmark, or any wild and creative place that you can imagine. Host your game or tournament anytime between July 10 and 20, and share your photos or videos using #InternationalChessDay or send them to socialmedia@fide.com. Your content could be seen across the globe and featured on FIDE’s social media channels and during our YouTube broadcast on July 20. Let’s show the world how vibrant, fun, and limitless chess can be. Global Online Celebration in Partnership with Lichess.org Join us for the largest-ever Social Chess Day tournament, co-hosted by FIDE and Lichess.org. This 24-hour online blitz tournament will have a time control of 5+3 and begins at 00:00 CEST (Zurich time) on July 20, running until 00:00 CEST on July 21. Players of all levels are invited to participate – no matter the time zone, and can join at any time, playing as many games as they want! All participants will be entered into random prize draws, with rewards including: 5 winners will receive a voucher to attend the Opening Ceremony and the first round of the World Chess Olympiad 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan (including two nights of hotel accommodation). At least 10 winners will receive a gift voucher for FIDE merchandise valued at €100, redeemable at the official online shop: shop.fide.com At least 20 winners will receive a copy of the exclusive chess photography book “Chess Players.” At least 40 winners will receive access to a group or individual online masterclass with a top Grandmaster (date and GM to be announced). 20 winners will be invited to take part in a top-GM online simul on Lichess (details to be confirmed) You can join the event via the following link: lichess.org/tournament/fscday25 Global Over-the-Board Events We warmly encourage federations to organise an inclusive, over-the-board chess event on July 20th. This could involve diverse communities, such as seniors, refugees, youth from underserved areas, or individuals with disabilities — showcasing how chess transcends barriers and builds connection. Such events showcase how chess transcends barriers and connects people across backgrounds. Please share your stories and photos on social media by tagging FIDE and FIDE Social Commission and by using the hashtags: #FIDESocialChess, #FIDESocialChessAward, #SocialChess, #SocialChessDay “Teach Someone to Play Chess” Initiative One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to celebrate International Chess Day is by teaching someone to play. Whether it’s a friend, a sibling, a neighbor, or a colleague — pass on the gift of chess. Your act could spark a lifelong journey. Let’s Make Every Move Count Whether you teach one person to play, host a community tournament, or share your chess story with the world – your participation matters. Together, let’s celebrate the transformative power of chess on International Chess Day 2025.