The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess was proud to co-organize the first-ever Pia Cramling Cup and the DGT Board Operator Certification Seminar, which took place in Stockholm, Sweden, alongside the prestigious and long-standing Rilton Cup.
Inaugural Pia Cramling Cup
Held in collaboration with Pia Cramling and the Stockholm Chess Federation on January 2, the 7-round FIDE-rated rapid tournament brought together 38 girls and women from seven countries.
With free entry and strong organizational support, the Pia Cramling Cup reflected the Commission’s continued commitment to creating accessible, meaningful opportunities for girls and women in chess.
Honoring a legend
More than a tournament, the Pia Cramling Cup was a tribute to one of the most iconic figures in the history of women’s chess. A former world number one and a true pioneer of the game, Pia Cramling has inspired generations through her achievements at the board. Her personal presence and involvement throughout the event sent a powerful message to every participant: ambition, perseverance, and belief can take you far in chess and beyond.
Tournament Results
The competition concluded with the following results:
🥇 Winner: Agnesa Stepania Ter-Avetisjana (Latvia)
🥈 Second place: Irina Tetenkina (Sweden)
🥉 Third place: Susanne Hansson (Sweden)
From the youngest participant, Miya Sundell, to the oldest, Paula Svensson, the tournament demonstrated how chess connects and empowers women of all ages, creating a shared space for learning, competition, and mutual respect.
Connection across generations
Adding to the special atmosphere of the Rilton Cup, Anna Cramling – a WFM and one of the world’s most recognized chess content creators – was competing simultaneously in the Rilton Cup. The connection to the Pia Cramling Cup was highlighted when Anastasia Sorokina, Chair of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, made the ceremonial first move on Anna Cramling’s board.
Together with Pia Cramling, Anna has played a remarkable role in bringing chess to wider audiences, presenting the game in a way that is engaging, authentic, and always true to its values.
DGT Board Operator Seminar
Hosted at the same venue, the Scandic Continental Hotel, from January 3-4, the seminar unfolded in a vibrant chess atmosphere, with participants surrounded by one of Scandinavia’s most traditional international tournaments.
The seminar was organised by DGT (Digital Game Technology) in cooperation with the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, the Stockholm Chess Federation, and the Rilton Cup organisers, highlighting the strong and growing partnership between DGT and the Commission.
A total of 26 participants took part in the seminar, representing eight countries: Sweden, Mexico, Latvia, Denmark, Iceland, Romania, Portugal, and Slovenia. Particularly encouraging was the strong female participation, with 14 women attending. It reflects the Commission’s ongoing commitment to improving gender balance in technical and professional chess roles, including officiating, tournament operations, and chess broadcasting.
As part of this commitment, the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess fully waived the participation fees for all female attendees, ensuring access to high-level technical education and supporting women’s representation in areas of chess that remain traditionally male-dominated. Creating such opportunities is a key part of the Commission’s broader mission to promote equality, visibility, and sustainable involvement of women at all levels of chess.
The seminar was led by International Arbiter (Category A) Sotiris Logothetis, who delivered a high-quality, hands-on programme focused on modern chess technology and event operations. Participants received practical training on the use of DGT e-Boards and e-Pieces, event setup through DGT LiveChess, live game broadcasting, troubleshooting, and integration with major online platforms such as Chess.com and Lichess.
Upon successful completion, participants received official DGT Board Operator certification, an internationally recognized qualification that supports professional involvement in modern chess tournaments and digital broadcasting.
The Commission is also pleased to underline that DGT is a key partner and sponsor of the Pia Cramling Cup, further demonstrating shared values in supporting girls and women in chess through concrete actions.
Appreciation and thanks
The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess extends its sincere thanks to the Stockholm Chess Federation and the Rilton Cup organisers for their close cooperation, as well as to the event sponsors DGT (Digital Game Technology) and Majana, whose support helped make these events possible possible. We also warmly thank International Arbiter Sotiris Logothetis for his high-level instruction and practical approach throughout the programme.
Above all, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Pia Cramling herself. Her warmth, integrity, and enduring passion for chess continue to inspire players and organisers alike. The Pia Cramling Cup stands as a reflection of her values – excellence, kindness, and belief in the next generation. The Commission is honoured to be part of this initiative.
The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess looks forward to building on this successful first edition of the Cramling Cup and continuing its close cooperation with DGT through future educational initiatives that expand professional opportunities, strengthen technical expertise and support balanced representation in chess worldwide.