FIDE Trainer Awards 2024: Winners announced
The International Chess Federation (FIDE), together with the FIDE Trainers’ Commission (TRG), is pleased to announce the winners of the 16th FIDE Trainer Awards 2024, recognizing and celebrating the exceptional achievements of the global chess training community. These prestigious awards honor the outstanding work of trainers whose dedication and expertise have contributed significantly to chess development worldwide. Vakhtang Karseladze Award Photo: Maria Emelianova Pavel Kotsur (Kazakhstan) receives the award for the best achievement by trainer(s) in women’s and/or girl’s competitions. Recognized for his productive work with the Kazakhstan women’s national team, Kotsur served as both captain and coach, leading the team to a historic silver medal at the 45th Chess Olympiad. Mikhail Botvinnik Award Photo: Eng Chin An Richard Rapport (Hungary) wins the Mikhail Botvinnik Award for the best achievement in Open Section competitions. Rapport served as Ding Liren’s second in the 2024 World Championship Match. Although Ding lost the title, he mounted a valiant defense, with the match being decided only in the final game. Mark Dvoretsky Award Photo: Lennart Ootes Mikhail Kobalia (FIDE) has been chosen by the judges for the Mark Dvoretsky Award for the best achievement by a trainer in junior events. Over the past eight years, he has worked productively with GM Volodar Murzin. In 2024, his pupil made headlines by winning the World Rapid Championship. Yuri Averbakh/Isaac Boleslavsky Book Award 2024 The Yuri Averbakh/Isaac Boleslavsky Award for the best instructional chess book goes to published in 2023 goes to Mastering Chess Endgame Calculation – Level 1 co-authored by Adrian Mikhalchishin & Tadej Sakelšek and published by Forward Chess. The book is the first part of a trilogy designed to help chess players up to 1700 rating improve their endgame calculation skills. It covers all the important theoretical positions and techniques that are necessary for successful endgame play, and includes 400 carefully selected exercises to help readers practice and reinforce their understanding of these concepts. The exercises are arranged progressively. This book stands out for its clear and concise explanations of key concepts, combined with practical exercises. Trainer Awards jury panel The FIDE Trainers’ Commission expresses its deepest appreciation to the distinguished jury members, whose expertise, experience, and integrity guided the selection process: GM Bassem Amin GM Mihail Marin IM Willy Iclicki GM Alonso Zapata Their invaluable contribution ensured a fair, insightful, and professional evaluation of all nominations. The FIDE Trainers’ Commission warmly congratulates all winners and extends sincere thanks to all federations, trainers, and authors who submitted nominations. These awards continue to highlight the vital role of trainers and educators in nurturing chess excellence across the world.