Queen’s Gambit Challenge: Empowering over 580 women from 80+ countries
The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess proudly hosted the opening ceremony of the Queen’s Gambit Challenge – Intermediate Stage, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower women in chess and prepare them for future representation on the international stage. The ceremony brought together women of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds, with players represented from over 80 countries worldwide, showcasing the global reach and inclusivity of the program The Intermediate Stage of the Queen’s Gambit Challenge offers free chess training primarily for female players from Levels 3, 4, and 5 federation countries who are ready to build on their foundation and sharpen their skills for higher levels of competition. This stage provides structured online training with experienced coaches, focusing on practical middlegame and endgame techniques, advanced strategies, and tournament preparation. Beyond improving chess strength, the program also serves as a pathway for participants to prepare for representing their countries at the Chess Olympiad, while fostering international connections among women in chess through a supportive and diverse learning environment. Over 580 women have registered to take part in the program. The event was opened by Tris-Ann Richards (Lead Coordinator), who highlighted the extraordinary progress achieved in the first stage of the program and reaffirmed its mission to create opportunities for women. “Every move you make in this program is not just a step for yourself but a step forward for women’s chess globally.” The Chair of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, Anastasia Sorokina, delivered a heartfelt remark emphasizing the importance of sustained investment in women’s chess development. She underscored how initiatives like the Queen’s Gambit Challenge help build confidence and create pathways for future Olympiad teams. Present also was Francisco Cruz, Vice President of FIDE America and Chair of the Diversity Commission, who praised the program for bridging cultural and geographic divides. He encouraged participants to see chess as not only a competitive pursuit but also a tool for personal growth, resilience, and unity. Introducing the coaches The coaches assigned to guide participants throughout the stage are: Leonid Sandler Jomo Pitterson Khadidja Latreche Steel Shirley Castillo Sanchez Denise Bouah Deborah Richards Porter Russel Porter Sadiqah Razak Ryan Blackwood Milena Shahazizyan Program structure and next steps The Intermediate Stage will run from September 20 to November 2, 2025, with a clear structure designed to balance flexibility with rigor. Sessions are held in English, French, and Spanish and specifically tailored to each age group and time zone. Looking ahead The Opening Ceremony successfully set the tone for a program that is about far more than chess. It represents a global sisterhood of players, united by a common goal: to elevate their skills, strengthen their federations, and pave the way for greater women’s representation at the highest levels of the game. The program will culminate in a closing ceremony on November 2, 2025. The next phase of the Queen’s Gambit Challenge will support National Female Teams preparing for their first Olympiad and commence in March 2026.