Olympic Beach Initiative launched in Argentina
The Argentine Olympic Committee’s “Olympic Beach” was officially inaugurated in Argentina—an initiative designed to bring sports and Olympic values to the country’s coastlines as a prelude to the Santa Fe 2026 South American Games. The formal opening took place on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Horizonte Beach Club in Mar del Plata. The event was attended by the President of the COA, Mario Moccia; the Governor of Santa Fe Province, Maximiliano Pullaro; Olympic athletes; and local authorities, including Javier Curilen, Vice President of the Argentine Chess Federation (FADA). Under the leadership of Mario Petrucci, Executive Director of FADA, member of the COA, and representative on FIDE’s Chess in Multinational Sports Games Committee, the Argentine Chess Federation has integrated chess into the Olympic Beach activies. The program runs from January 7 to February 1 across eight key locations: Mar del Plata, Chapadmalal, Miramar, Pinamar, Cariló, Villa Gesell, Rosario, and Concepción del Uruguay. It features beach sports competitions and exhibitions, free clinics, activities for children and youth, environmental cleanups, and more. During the opening event in Mar del Plata, the Mar del Plata Chess Federation organized a Blitz tournament at “Varese” Beach, along with open boards for casual play, simultaneous exhibitions, and inclusive activities for all ages. Summer chess in Argentina is moving at an Olympic pace!
FIDE updates rating regulations to include faster time controls for major events
The FIDE Council has approved a resolution allowing specific shortened time controls to count toward standard ratings and title norms in 2026. This decision follows a pilot phase that took place in late 2025, including the Women’s World Team Championship tournament in Linares. Based on feedback from participants, organisers, partners, and consultations with top-tier Grandmasters, FIDE has decided to adjust the regulations to reflect the evolving needs of the chess community. The new standard Effective immediately for the 2026 calendar, tournaments with a time control of 45 minutes plus a 30-second increment (45+30) or longer (60+30), may now be rated as standard chess. This change will not automatically apply to all events. It will strictly apply to major or traditional tournaments, approved by the FIDE Qualification Commission (QC). Modernising the circuit The adjustment aims to reduce logistical barriers for organisers and players. By allowing a 45+30 control, high-level Open tournaments can be concluded in five to six days rather than the traditional nine or ten. This format reduces financial strains on players and organisers, accommodation costs and time commitments, making professional chess more accessible to a wider pool of players and sponsors. “We are adapting the pace of modern sport, while preserving the quality and essence of the game,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. “This format allows for more dynamic chess events without compromising the quality of play and the depth of the games,” he added. Protecting title integrity To ensure the value of FIDE titles remains consistent, strict safeguards are put in place: Vetting process: The Qualification Commission (QC) will evaluate requests submitted to qualification@fide.com by tournament organisers on a case-by-case basis, assessing the strength of the field, the history of the event, and support from National or Continental federations. Norm limitations: While players as well as arbiters and organisers will be able to earn norms in these events, a maximum of one such norm may count toward any single title (such as Grandmaster or International Master). Schedule limits: To prevent fatigue and maintain quality of play, approved tournaments may run no more than two rounds per day. The FIDE Council notes that this is a continuation of the pilot project. The QC will monitor the implementation and volume of requests throughout 2026, with the option to adjust criteria based on real-world results. The full text of the FIDE Council Resolution is available [HERE].
Call for Bids: FIDE Amateur World Championships 2026
FIDE Events Commission is pleased to announce “Call for Bids for FIDE Amateur World Championships 2026” and invite FIDE member Federations to participate. The deadline for submissions is January 26, 2026, 15:00 CET. Two competitions included in this call: World Amateur Chess Championships (in a new format) World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships (a new event) Interested bidders can find detailed information about the bidding procedure – including the Bidding Form, Bid Form Annex, and applicable Bid and Deposit Fees – [HERE].