FIDE launches first digital museum dedicated to chess history
A first-of-its-kind digital museum dedicated to chess provides global access to FIDE’s archive, offering researchers and chess fans a curated look into the game’s evolution As part of its 2024 centenary celebrations, FIDE has unveiled an online museum tracing chess history from ancient times to modern tournaments. The Open Chess Museum endorsed by FIDE aims to become the world’s largest repository of chess artifacts, showcasing valuable items from every corner of the world and every era of chess history. For the first time, a full historical record of chess is freely available online—featuring rare, never-before-seen materials ranging from hand-annotated scoresheets to championship medals and personal artifacts of top players. The project also aims to highlight lesser-known facts and stories from the game’s past. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said the project offers “a closer, in-depth perspective on chess” and reflects “FIDE’s broader push towards digital engagement with the public.” “Chess is one of the oldest and richest sports in history. Over centuries, countless books have been written about the game, the players, the events. Much of this is now available online—but what’s missing is a central, official reference point telling the full story of chess. The FIDE Online Chess Museum is exactly that: a place where you can find key information about the most significant events and the people who shaped the game,” said Dvorkovich. “We hope the chess community—and those curious about the game—see the value in the resources now freely available to explore and enrich the sport,” he added. Visitors navigate the museum through five thematic sections. The “Collection” segment includes photographs, handwritten letters, Olympiad posters, commemorative pins, and personal belongings from famous players—alongside historical documents and autographs. The history section begins with a visual timeline showing all the key stages in the history of chess, up to 1913 and the first steps to create an international chess organization. A dedicated segment traces FIDE’s history from early international efforts in 1913 to its evolution into the sport’s global authority. This part features high-quality photos and scans of documents based on which the chess world is organized and governed. The “World Champions” part includes detailed biographies, annotated games, and key publications chronicling the careers and legacies of the game’s greatest players. The project marks a milestone in chess historiography and signals FIDE’s renewed commitment to public engagement. Following up on FIDE’s slogan – the game is just beginning – the Open Online Chess Museum aims to be a constantly evolving project. FIDE is inviting other collectors, galleries, national federations, clubs and players to join in and have their collections and artifacts also featured on the museum’s website. The museum is free to access via the website museum.fide.com.
FIDE Grand Swiss 2025: Expect the unexpected in Samarkand
For two weeks in September, the ancient capital of the Silk Road will be home to many of the best chess players in the world. When talent, youth, experience, and ambition collide, uncertainty is the only rule. Since its initiation in 2019, the FIDE Grand Swiss – held every two years – has distinguished itself as the strongest classical chess tournament. Featuring 11 rounds played under the Swiss system it is a battleground where the best face the best and only exceptional performance can secure victory. This is hardly surprising given what is at stake – substantial prizes and coveted qualifying spots for the 2026 Candidates Tournament in the Open and Women’s categories. The total prize fund amounts $855,000, with $625,000 allocated to the Grand Swiss and $230,000 to the Women’s Grand Swiss. The primary qualification goal of the tournament is clear: the top two finishers in both the Open and Women’s events will secure their places in the 2026 Candidates, which will decide the next challenger for the World Championship title. “The Grand Swiss has always stood as a unique tournament and one of the most anticipated events in the FIDE calendar. We are pleased that it will be taking place in Uzbekistan – a great chess nation which is investing in the sport and has a proven track record in organising major chess events,” FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said. “The rising youth dominating the chess scene in recent years will be tested in Samarkand, facing many of the most seasoned players on the planet. I am very much looking forward to the clash of generations. Overall, I believe that this tournament will have a strong positive impact on the promotion of chess, not just in Uzbekistan or central Asia, but much more broadly,” he added. The unpredictable winners of the Grand Swiss A look at the previous editions of the Grand Swiss – three in the Open and two in the Women’s category – shows that one thing is clear: once the games start, there isn’t much difference between the rating favourites and the underdogs, and nothing is certain until the end. In 2019, underdog Wang Hao emerged as the winner after a lucky victory over David Howell. The Chinese GM edged out the favourite, Fabiano Caruana, thanks to a better tiebreak. In that tournament, the then 23-year-old Kirill Alekseenko stunned the field, finishing in third place. Then in 2021, in Riga, Alireza Firouzja made his big mark on the global scene by overcoming seasoned GMs and winning the tournament outright. In a field dominated by youth, the experienced player Alexei Shirov delivered a great performance, tying for third place and earning a spot in the 2022 FIDE Grand Prix. In 2021, the inaugural Women’s Grand Swiss was held, which was marked by Lei Tingjie’s, securing the title with a round to spare. In the third edition, held at the Isle of Man in 2023, Firouzja faltered and finished in the middle of the scoreboard, but it was the Indian players who stole the show, with Vidit Santosh Gujrathi capturing the Open and Vaishali Rameshbabu triumphing in the Women’s competition. Vidit, despite losing in round one, rallied brilliantly to finish half a point ahead of Hikaru Nakamura. Players to look out for at the 2025 Grand Swiss This year’s Grand Swiss will see 116 players take part in the Open, including the World Champion Gukesh D, and 56 in the Women’s tournament. The Open tournament field is formidable. Eighteen players boast ratings above 2700, placing them in the Super-GM category, alongside 74 GMs rated 2600–2699 – world-class competitors capable of toppling anyone. With top contenders hailing from chess powerhouses such as India, the U.S, France, Germany, China, the competition will be fierce. Photo: Maria Emelianova Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, the current leader of FIDE Circuit, headlines the ranking list in Samarkand. The Indian youngster – who only turned 20 on August 10 – is already a seasoned player having dominated many tough tournaments and represented his country in Olympiads and team events. Praggnanandhaa is enjoying a career-best year as he became the top-ranked player in his native India and fourth in the world, his highest placement so far. Most recently, Praggnanandhaa was the runner-up of the Sinquefield Cup, which secured him a place in the playoff stage of the Grand Chess Tour. The superb strength and performance he has had this year so far has put Praggnanandhaa at the top of the favourites to win the Grand Swiss. Another title hopeful is Gukesh D – the 19-year-old World Champion who has made history several times already, most notably by becoming the first Indian to breach the 2750 ELO barrier, as well as being the youngest-ever winner of the Candidates and later on World Champion. Gukesh has had a bright year so far – finishing as the runner-up at Tata Steel and taking third place in Norway Chess, where he defeated Carlsen and Nakamura. Gukesh’s strength and world crown make him an exceptionally strong favourite in the tournament, but his status also makes him a prime target for many of the players in the Grand Swiss. The 19-year-old is already renowned for his focus and for managing to keep his nerves steady. Whether he does that in Samarkand will be decisive for his performance in the Grand Swiss. Arjun Erigaisi, India’s third big hope at the event, is also in strong form. A former national number one, he’s now ranked among the best players in the world. Then there’s Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, the 2023 Grand Swiss winner chasing for another title. Other top players in the race include the 2021 Grand Swiss winner, 22-year-old Alireza Firouzja, who captured another Bullet Chess Championship title in 2025, had a solid performance at the Superbet Rapid & Blitz and was a runner-up in the Esports World Cup, losing to Magnus Carlsen. Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz Germany’s Vincent Keymer is another one to watch out for – the winner of the German Championship, Keymer is
FIDE Grand Swiss 2025: Updated dress code offers more flexibility
FIDE is pleased to publish the dress code for the FIDE Grand Swiss and FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss, reflecting a modern and inclusive approach while preserving the elegance of our sport. Key update Appropriate jeans are now permitted as part of the official dress code. This change offers players more comfort and freedom of choice, while ensuring that the overall appearance of the event remains professional and respectful. Dress code guidelines Men: Suit Dark business casual trousers, including classic, non-distressed jeans (blue, black, and grey) Unicoloured shirt (with minor deviations allowed, e.g. checkered or striped) Dress shoes and loafers with closed toes Unicoloured sneakers (soles can be a different colour) Women: Skirt suit, pantsuit, dress suit Dress Dark business casual trousers, including classic, non-distressed jeans (dark blue, black and grey) Shirt/blouse Dress shoes and loafers with closed toes Unicoloured sneakers (soles can be a different colour) FIDE’s perspective FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich highlighted the spirit of the change: “FIDE took the decision to provide more flexibility in the dress code. It is still required to follow the official standards, but elegant, appropriate jeans are also allowed. FIDE, chess players, arbiters, and officials must collectively strive to preserve the integrity of chess while also ensuring that the sport remains appealing to the audience and sponsors.” With this update, FIDE reaffirms its commitment to both tradition and progress — creating an environment where players feel comfortable and confident, while the game continues to shine on the world stage.
Fujairah Global Chess: Pranav V and Sanan Sjugirov share the lead at midpoint
The inaugural Fujairah Global Chess Championship 2025 has passed its midpoint. After five exciting rounds, leaders have emerged in all three groups: Superstars, Masters, and Open. In the Superstars section, India’s GM Pranav V and Hungary’s GM Sanan Sjugirov are joint leaders with 4 points each. Close behind on 3.5 points are Azerbaijan’s GM Aydin Suleymanli, USA’s GMs Brandon Jacobson and Andrew Hong, China’s GM Zhu Jiner, and Iran’s GM Amin Tabatabaei. In Round 5, the top board clash between Brandon Jacobson and Amin Tabatabaei in the Queen’s Gambit Declined Exchange Variation ended in a draw. Jacobson had the upper hand for most of the game, but a mistake on move 34 in the queen endgame allowed Tabatabaei to equalize. After a series of exchanges, the game concluded in a bare-king draw after 57 moves. On Board 2, Pranav V scored an impressive victory with White against Mexico’s GM Jose Eduardo Martinez. Playing the Sicilian Rossolimo, Martinez sacrificed a pawn in the opening to damage Pranav’s pawn structure. However, the Indian maintained balance through his knight’s activity. On move 19, Martinez’s decision to open up the kingside with his f-pawn backfired. Later, in an attempt to complicate matters, he sacrificed an exchange, but Pranav demonstrated accuracy and converted the advantage smoothly, winning in 47 moves. On Board 3, Sanan Sjugirov continued his excellent run by defeating compatriot GM Gleb Dudin. Playing the Vienna Opening with White, Sanan surprised his opponent in the opening and kept a firm grip throughout the game, finally clinching victory after 51 moves. Meanwhile, on Board 4, the tournament’s only female participant, China’s GM Zhu Jiner, impressed once again. Playing Black against Aydin Suleymanli, she obtained a nearly winning position several times but missed her chances in the endgame, allowing the game to be drawn after 64 moves. On Board 5, India’s GM Raunak Sadhwani, with White, was unable to convert a winning rook endgame against USA’s GM Andrew Hong (pictured below). A crucial miscalculation by Raunak allowed Hong to escape, and the game ended in a draw. All games begin daily at 15:00 CET and are broadcast live. The tournament is conducted in full compliance with anti-cheating regulations, with all players thoroughly checked before entering the playing hall. The inaugural edition of the Fujairah Global Chess Championship attracted enormous attention worldwide — uniting over 530 participants from 70 countries. Thanks to the Fujairah Chess & Culture Club and the event sponsors, the tournament has been organized at the highest level. Superstars standings after Round 5 Masters standings after Round 5 Open standings after Round 5 Fans can follow the live broadcast of the 1st Fujairah Global Chess Championship 2025 on the Fujairah Chess and ChessBase India Hindi YouTube channels, and also check full results via Chess-Results. Written by Pavel Dvorkovich & Niklesh Jain Photos: Anna Shtourman, Vivek Sohani and Aditya Sur Roy YouTube Fujairah Chess YouTube ChessBase India Hindi Photos are available on Flickr: flickr.com/photos/203288106@N04/albums
5th Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners: Registration continues
The countdown is on for the 5th edition of the FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners, scheduled for October 14-16, 2025. Held as part of the Chess for Freedom project and the FIDE Year of Social Chess, this unique event brings correctional facilities from every continent together through the game of chess. Teams from the USA, Paraguay, Croatia, Italy, Australia, Czech Republic, Jersey, Portugal, Lithuania, Georgia, Singapore, Jamaica, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Kazakhstan, UAE, Ghana, Bulgaria, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini have already confirmed their participation. With more entries expected, this year’s edition is shaping up to be truly diverse and international. Registration remains open, and correctional institutions worldwide are invited to join this global initiative. Registration Participation is free of charge Each country may enter up to three teams: men’s, women’s, and youth (under 20) Teams may include inmates from one or multiple facilities Registration deadline: September 14, 2025 Event details Platform: Chess.com Time control: 10 minutes + 5 seconds increment Group stage: October 14 Championship round: October 15 Finals: October 16 Correctional institutions can register by completing the official form and confirming their entry via email to Tournament Organizer Mikhail Korenman (mikhail.korenman@ccsheriff.org). Now in its fifth year, the Intercontinental Championship for Prisoners has become a cornerstone of the Chess for Freedom program. The tournament offers incarcerated individuals the chance to represent their institutions on the international stage, develop skills that encourage discipline and critical thinking, and connect with a wider community beyond prison walls. By promoting education, rehabilitation, and inclusion, the event continues to show the constructive role chess can play in preparing individuals for reintegration into society. FIDE looks forward to welcoming even more teams to this year’s event.
FIDE Announces final decision on the case of Kirill Shevchenko
The FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission (EDC), in its Appeal Chamber, has issued its final decision in Case No. 06/2024: “Alleged cheating at the Spanish Team Championship”. The appeal panel, led by Chairperson Mrs. Yolander Persaud with members Mr. Khaled Arfa and Mr. Ravindra Dongre, has strengthened the earlier sanctions imposed by the First Instance Chamber (Chaired by David Hater, together with Olga Baskakova and Alan Borda). The Chamber considered both an appeal of Kirill Shevchenko and a cross-appeal of the FIDE Fair Play Commission (FPL), dissatisfied with certain findings made by the EDC First Instance Chamber and the sanction imposed. Having considered all arguments, the Appeal Chamber has decided, by unanimity of its members, that the appeal by Kirill Shevchenko fails and the guilt is confirmed, whereas a cross-appeal of FPL succeeds and accordingly, the first-instance decision was changed as follows: Respondent GM Kirill Shevchenko, found guilty under Article 11.7(e) of the FIDE Disciplinary Code. Sanctions: A three-year worldwide ban from all FIDE-rated events. One year of the ban suspended, contingent on the absence of further misconduct. The ban runs from 19 October 2024 until 18 October 2026, with the suspended portion in effect until 18 October 2027. The Grandmaster title is revoked effective from the date of publishing this decision. Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, underlined FIDE’s firm commitment to chess integrity: “FIDE takes cheating cases among top players with the utmost seriousness. We are working hard on both prevention and swift, appropriate sanctions. Ensuring fair play is non-negotiable – it is essential to the credibility and future of our sport.” This reflects increasing efforts across FIDE divisions – including Fair Play, Arbiters, and Ethics – to strengthen detection systems, refine preventive training, and ensure swift disciplinary response when needed. The full text of the decision can be found here: ethics.fide.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Case_06_2024A_decision_final.pdf
Wesley So wins 2025 Sinquefield Cup
Wesley So emerged as the winner of the 2025 Sinquefield Cup, edging out Fabiano Caruana and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa in a dramatic blitz playoff. The American grandmaster, who was born in the Philippines, replicated his 2016 success by winning this prestigious event for the second time. The 2025 Sinquefield Cup—the final classical event and concluding leg of the Grand Chess Tour season—featured a $350,000 prize fund and took place at the World Chess Hall of Fame in St. Louis, Missouri, from August 18–28. With an exceptionally strong field, the event was fiercely contested, ending with three players tied for first place on 5.5/9. Caruana seized an early lead after scoring back-to-back wins over defending champion Alireza Firouzja and Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Praggnanandhaa, who opened his campaign with a brilliant first-round victory against World Champion Gukesh D, caught up with the leader in Round 7 after defeating Firouzja. That same round marked a turning point for So, who finally broke his streak of six straight draws by overcoming Gukesh and joining the race for first place. Heading into the final round, Caruana and Praggnanandhaa led with 5/8, closely followed by Levon Aronian and So on 4.5/8. First, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave made a quick draw with Jan-Krzysztof Duda, securing the top position in the overall GCT standings. Then Aronian, taking a pragmatic decision, split the point with Praggnanandhaa, a result that guaranteed both players spots in the 2025 GCT Finals. Caruana’s draw with Gukesh left So with a chance to force a tie for first. Rising to the occasion, So outplayed Abdusattorov, scoring a victory on demand and joining the leaders. A three-way blitz playoff was held to determine the champion. In the first game, Praggnanandhaa defeated Caruana after capitalizing on a crucial mistake by the American on move 24. In the second, So dismantled Praggnanandhaa’s queenside defense, forcing resignation. With this win, Wesley needed only a draw against Caruana to clinch the title—and he delivered, achieving this so-much-needed result after a hard-fought battle. Despite his triumph in the Sinquefield Cup, So narrowly missed qualification for the Grand Chess Tour Finals, falling short by just half a point. The Finals, featuring Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Fabiano Caruana, Levon Aronian, and Praggnanandhaa R, and will be held from September 28 to October 3 in São Paulo, Brazil. Photos: Lennart Ootes and Crystal Fuller | Saint Louis Chess Club Official website: grandchesstour.org/
Call of interest for panels of arbiters and world events 2026-2027
Dear colleagues, International and FIDE arbiters, According to the new Regulation B.06.4 FIDE Regulations for the Appointment of Arbiters in World Events (effective from July 20th 2023), the FIDE Arbiters’ Commission is proud release a new process for the selection of arbiters in the Panels (Green, Blue, Red and Yellow) for the next cycle 2026-2027. The call of Interest for Panels of arbiters and World Events 2026-2027 is open for one month, from August 28th 2025 to September 27th 2025, 23:59 CEST for all FIDE Arbiters and International Arbiters with a valid FIDE license. All arbiters who wish to officiate in World Events have to submit their application via Chamilo* (https://arb-learn.fide.com/). * Chamilo is the ARB Training Portal, which we are using to support the process. We will take advantage of the call of interest to include colleagues who haven’t followed training sessions yet under this new system. Survey link >>> Please fill in this survey to help us identify your wishes and availability for the Panels and World Events scheduled in 2026-2027. Arbiters will be assigned according to the Regulations (B06.4), depending on their experience, to panels which will be used to assign positions in tournaments. GENS UNA SUMUS! IA Ivan SyrovyChairman FIDE Arbiters’ Commission IA Nebojsa BaralicSecretary FIDE Arbiters’ Commission
Winners crowned at the 23rd European Union Youth Chess Championship
The 23rd European Union Youth Chess Championship 2025, organized by Šachový klub Světlá nad Sázavou under the patronage of the European Chess Union (ECU) and in cooperation with the Czech Chess Federation, concluded on Wednesday, August 27, in Roznov pod Radhostem. After final rounds full of fighting spirit and tension, the winners emerged in all categories: U8 Boys Lev Jevglevski (EST, 9 out of 9!) David-Christian Talaba (ROU) Daniel Sava (ROU) U8 Girls Sophia-Lenina Matala (ROU) Sare Adam (FRA) Pausader Ines Bravo (FRA) U10 Boys Filip Sirbu (FRA) Matelo Vinet (FRA) Thomas Lobina (FRA) U10 Girls Julia Szczurek (POL) Melania-Cristina Grigore (ROU) Karina Ser (LTU) U12 Boys Matvii Bilochenko (POL) Alexandru-Daniel Pasca (ROU) Krisjanis Lazars (LAT) U12 Girls Maelys Manouvel (FRA) Lila Rzadkowska (POL) Agnieszka Slusarczyk (POL) U14 Boys Andrii Diachek (POL) FM Vlad Petroff (ROU) Simon Matejka (SVK) U14 Girls Tess Hujova (CZE) Kaja Rzadkowska (POL) Olga Debowska (POL) Complete results are available HERE. The top three finishers in each category received a cup and a diploma. All participants were awarded a commemorative medal, and the eight European champions each won a laptop. The next five players in each category also received valuable prizes. Additionally, every player was given a tournament T-shirt featuring the EUYCC logo. The prizes were presented by the event director, Zdenek Fiala. The organizers also awarded special prizes for the best game in each of the final four rounds. The recipients of these brilliance awards were: Pastor Zuccolo Matteo (FRA), Melania-Cristina Grigore (ROU), Lila Rzadkowska (POL), Daniel Belocky (CZE), Sare Adam (FRA), Evienne Jongejan (NED), Klara Svabova (CZE), Kaja Rzadkowska (POL), Lev Jevglevski (EST), Julia Szczurek (POL), Alexandru-Daniel Pasca (ROU), Zsofia Bolla (HUN), Ines Bravo Pausader (FRA), Karina Ser (LTU), Yanis-Andrei Ganea (ROU), and FM Vlad Petroff (ROU). The organizers extend their gratitude to all players for their performance and fair play, to the parents and coaches for their cooperation, to the arbiters for smoothly running the tournament, and to all partners for their support. The next edition of the European Union Youth Chess Championship U8-14 will also be held in Roznov pod Radhostem from August 17 to August 26, 2026. Written by Zdenek Fiala, director Sachovy klub Svetla nad Sazavou Photo gallery: rajce.idnes.cz/sachysvetla/album/euycc-2025 Official website: chess.cz/mistrovstvi-evropske-unie/
FIDE President visits Latin America to promote chess growth
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich has completed a strategic tour across Latin America and the Caribbean—visiting Panama, Aruba, Curaçao, Venezuela, and Colombia—to bolster chess development in the region through strategic partnerships, education initiatives, and youth engagement. Colombia During his visit to Colombia, Arkady Dvorkovich took part in the Confederation of Chess for the Americas (CCA) assembly in Barranquilla. He witnessed the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding between the CCA and the Asian Chess Federation, aimed at enhancing school chess projects, youth development programs, coach and player exchanges, and educational material collaboration. He also attended the U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad (August 16–23, 2025), where he made the first ceremonial move in a match between Georgia and the FIDE team. Reflecting on the event, he remarked: “I hope at some point we will have the Chess Olympiad in the Americas—not U-16, but the main one. It is our ambition for the future. Having more events here allows local players to improve their skills and gain valuable experience.” Panama FIDE President met with Luis Esquivel (President, Panama Chess Federation), Miguel Ordóñez (Director General, Pandeportes), and José Carrillo Pujol (President, Confederation of Chess for the Americas). They had a productive discussion on expanding school chess programs, organizing international events, and enhancing training opportunities, with plans for closer collaboration between FIDE and the Chess Federation of Panama. Aruba In Aruba, he met with Gerlien Croes (Minister of Kingdom Relations, Education, Youth, Innovation & Sports). Alongside FIDE Executive Director, GM Victor Bologan, he opened a mini chess tournament at Centro di Bario Dakota, engaged with young players, and joined a friendly football match—highlighting chess as a tool for community development. Curaçao In Curaçao, Arkady Dvorkovich held a formal meeting with Sithree van Heydoorn (Minister of Education, Science, Culture & Sport), Christine Dania (President, Curaçao Olympic Committee), Vergilly Winklar (Director, Foundation for Development of Sports), and Paulus Berkenveld (President, Curaçao Chess Federation). Discussions focused on establishing chess among Curaçao’s top five sports and introducing Chess in Schools. GM Bologan also gave a simultaneous exhibition for local players to promote grassroots participation. Venezuela In Venezuela, FIDE President met with Rander Peña (Deputy Minister for Latin America, Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Hugo Martín (President, Venezuelan Chess Federation), Alejandro López (Vice Minister of Education), Johann Carlos Álvarez Márquez (Vice Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Promotion), and Jose Manuel Suarez Maldonado (Mayor, Vargas Municipality). The discussions centered on strengthening professional and social chess, hosting international events, and scaling up the Chess in Schools program through joint initiatives. Reflecting on the tour, FIDE President said: “Visits like these are vital for the global chess community. They connect us with players, officials, and educators while supporting federations in bringing chess to schools, communities, and families. The passion I witnessed confirms that chess is more than a sport—it is a tool for education, social development, and international friendship.”
Fujairah Global Chess: World Junior Champion Pranav V stuns top seed Nihal Sarin
The inaugural Fujairah Global 2025 tournament began with a sensational upset as India’s reigning World Junior Champion, GM Pranav Venkatesh, defeated top seed and recent Asian Individual silver medalist, compatriot GM Nihal Sarin. Playing Black in the Sicilian, Nihal soon found himself under mounting pressure. Limited with space, his pieces struggled to find activity. On move 29, his bishop became trapped near Pranav’s king, shifting the balance decisively. Although Nihal was given a chance to bounce back after Pranav’s slip on move 45, he missed this opportunity, ultimately resigning after a long 71-move battle. For Nihal, who is close to the 2700 rating mark, the loss was a major setback, and he appeared visibly dejected after the game. Just last week, Nihal defeated Pranav at the Chennai Grandmasters, but this time Pranav took sweet revenge by leveling the score. Opening Ceremony & Participation Yesterday, the city of Fujairah, UAE, hosted the opening and the first round of the 1st Fujairah Global Chess Championship 2025. With 71 countries and over 530 participants across three sections — Superstars with 44 players, Masters with 239 players, and Open with 250 players — the championship promises top-level action filled with excitement and unexpected results throughout. Special guests from the UAE Chess Federation, Fujairah Chess & Culture Club, and the Qatar Chess Federation attended the opening, reaffirming international support for the growth of chess in the UAE and underlining the global importance of the event. Dr. Abdullah Ali Al Barak T, President of the Fujairah Chess & Culture Club, and Mohamed Al-Mudahka, President of the Qatar Chess Federation, made the first ceremonial moves to officially launch the competition in all three sections. The UAE Chess Federation extended its gratitude to all partners and organizations that made the tournament possible — especially the sponsors, whose support has been instrumental in organizing such a grand event. Fans can follow the games live on the Fujairah Chess and ChessBase India Hindi YouTube channels, as well as track results on Chess-Results. Surprises on Day 1 The Superstars event features 44 elite players with an impressive average rating of 2606. The opening round saw several big surprises: Second seed GM Raunak Sadhwani was held to a draw by FIDE’s GM Aleksey Grebnev. Third seed GM Amin Tabatabaei suffered a shock defeat against Romanian GM Alexander Motylev (pictured below). India’s GM S L Narayanan drew with USA’s GM Sam Shankland. GM Pranav Anand held UAE’s top star, GM Salem Saleh. GM Pranesh M split the point with Mexico’s GM Jose Martinez Alcantara Meanwhile, Hungary’s GM Sanan Sjugirov defeated compatriot GM Adam Kozak to start with a full point. The first-round upsets were so striking that ninth seed Sjugirov now finds himself on Board 1 for Round 2, 12th seed Cheparinov – on Board 2, and 18th seed Abhimanyu Mishra – on Board 3. In fact, among the top 18 players, as many as 15 either lost or were held to draws — a clear indication of how fiercely competitive this section is. The tournament boasts a total prize fund of US$ 125,000, with US$ 80,000 allotted to the Superstars section, US$ 30,000 to the Masters (2200–2599), and US$ 15,000 to the Open (<2200). The top three prizes in the Superstars are $23,000, $13,000, and $9,000 respectively. Masters section The Masters is itself a very strong Grandmaster tournament. On the top board, USA’s GM Vladimir Akopian received a walkover to get himself on the scoreboard. On Board 2, India’s reigning National Champion, GM Karthik Venkataraman, started his campaign with a win against compatriot FM Garv Gaur. On Board 3, Turkey’s GM Sanal Vahap defeated India’s Namitbir Singh Walia to secure his first victory. The Masters section has attracted 202 players, while the Open section has nearly 290 participants. Altogether, the three categories feature 533 players from 71 countries, making Fujairah Global a truly international celebration of chess. Written by Pavel Dvorkovich & Niklesh Jain Photos: Aditya Sur Roy, Anna Shtourman and IA Vivek Sohani Photo gallery: flickr.com/photos/203288106@N04/albums/ Broadcast: youtube.com/watch?v=k6u0lv3DjrU Results are available HERE