Making the case for chess in the classroom: The first day of the Smart Moves Summit
The Smart Moves Summit – a first of its kind global education conference focusing on the transformative power of chess in education – opened in Washington D.C. The prestigious Episcopal High School in Alexandria will, for two days, play host to government officials, scientists, researchers, EdTech entrepreneurs, innovators, and chess experts. The international conference aims to build a global framework for cognitive development through chess and promote the game’s role in education. The Smart Moves Summit is organised by FIDE and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), with sponsorship from Freedom Holding. Congressman Jamie Raskin, of Maryland’s 8th congressional district, opened the event. Raskin, a prominent fan of the game and a staunch supporter of chess in education, noted that the U.S. Chess Center, a significant and historically noteworthy non-profit located in his district, has taught chess to over 40,000 students. Chess as a mechanism for non-violent conflict resolution Congressman Raskin noted the importance of chess “as a mechanism for non-violent conflict resolution and strategical critical thinking”. He argued that chess is crucial to solving modern societal problems, as it promotes critical thinking over propaganda, strategic planning over impetuous behaviour, and non-violent, diplomatic resolution over violence. “Chess can be a major part of the solution to the problems that beset Humanity right now. It seems like we’ve got a bunch of choices to make, what is? Are we going to try to promote critical thinking skills among young people, or are we going to promote Dogma and propaganda in fake news and conspiracy theory,” Raskin said. He noted that, while chess promotes healthy competition, this competition is ultimately with oneself to achieve higher levels of thinking, and must be linked with a sense of community. Congressman Raskin thanked FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and Freedom Holding CEO Timur Turlov for organising the Smart Move Summit, stating that their work is essential “to get us through the current crisis in world affairs in politics and in government”. Fighting for focus in a fast-moving world Timur Turlov, President of the ISCF and CEO of Freedom Holding, spoke about the challenges of living in a fast-moving world and the importance of adapting educational systems. He highlighted the “ability to keep concentration” as the most valuable asset in an attention economy, and proposed that chess is an excellent tool to train this skill. Turlov gave details of an initiative to implement chess in over 500 schools in Kazakhstan, with plans for more, and mentioned that scientific studies are underway to measure the results. “We believe that the most valuable thing in our life now is our ability to keep concentration… and I really believe that chess could be a very great tool to overcome this challenge. Because chess is a very interesting game, it’s a game that can keep your attention for a long period of time and is a beautiful way to train your ability to concentrate,” Turlov said. Arkady Dvorkovich on the importance of school chess championships for children In his address, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich highlighted the importance of evolving educational systems to keep pace with rapid technological change. He argued that despite technological advancements, personal interaction remains key to the exchange of ideas and improvement. Advocating the vital role chess has in education, Dvorkovich pointed out that events such as school championships, which put children in different settings to their everyday lives, are an important point of communication breeding progress. “The whole idea of the World Schools Team Championship also came from that Soviet tradition,” Dvorkovich said. “My father was involved in that. By introducing chess into the educational system, we put students in these situations that are unknown in the classroom since they have to face a different world… they have to face some moves that matter, some smart moves, and they start thinking about how those pieces interact and how to think about the whole chessboard, and the surrounding, not just about one square.” Real examples: How chess is changing education and improving societies The first day of the Smart Moves Summit featured five panel discussions and a workshop. The topics included the role of chess in early and primary education, a global case study analysis on using chess to advance gender and socio-economic equality, and the opportunities of digital and educational platforms to harness the game’s power. Other sessions focused on aligning chess-based learning methodologies with public education goals, and a chess and math workshop. The central event of the day was a panel titled “Strategic Leadership in Global Chess Education,” which discussed long-term strategies, cross-sector collaboration, and how to drive initiatives to include chess as a part of official government policies. Moderated by Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board and the former Latvian Minister of Finance, the session featured government officials and program heads of organisations focusing on chess in education. Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding, set the stage by describing chess education as a “long-term investment” in the mindset of an entire generation rather than “charity”, as its often seen. “Strategy, self-control, attention management, the ability to think as part of a team—these are skills no modern leader can do without,” Turlov said. “And if we want these questions to develop internationally, we must integrate chess into the education system as a core subject.” Turlov concluded by outlining his goal to build a global exchange platform for best practices in work and life principles, built through chess. The discussion quickly shifted to the political and practical implementation of chess. Costa Rican Minister of Sport and Recreation Donald Rojas Fernández shared compelling data from pilot programs, revealing a decrease in bullying and an average eight percent increase in math and science grades among students who learned chess. “The numbers don’t lie,” Fernandez stated, underscoring that the positive academic and social outcomes of implementing chess in education. This also helped influence the decision of the government of Costa Rica to make chess a national priority. Echoing this sentiment, Minister Chad Blackman of Barbados
A day of fierce matches and lasting friendships at WSTCC 2025
The World Schools Team Championship in Alexandria continued with great momentum today, as two more rounds were completed. The intensity of the competition is growing, with three teams – Kazakhstan’s National School of Physics and Mathematics, India’s Velammal MHS School, and Sri Lanka’s Royal College, Colombo still leading the standings on a perfect score. As the tournament progresses, the atmosphere on and off the board continues to reflect not just the fierce competitive spirit, but also the unique camaraderie that makes this event so special. Shortly before 10:00, the playing hall was alive with anticipation. Students filled the space, eager to begin their games. Some had started the day with a walk around the scenic grounds of Episcopal High School, enjoying another bright and sunny morning. Others spent time in the vibrant players’ lounge, where activities like air hockey, table tennis, and, naturally, casual games of chess offered a fun way to relax before the serious matches began. Despite their different routines, the shared feeling among all the participants was one of excitement and good spirits as they returned to the boards. One of the core messages of this championship is “friendship” – the kind that transcends borders and is often born through shared love for chess. This sentiment came to life today in touching ways, as players exchanged thoughtful gifts from their home countries with their opponents. From decorative trinkets to fridge magnets, these simple gestures spoke volumes about the bonds being formed. It is clear that, beyond the chessboard, meaningful connections are being made here at the World Schools Team Championship. On the competitive front, the battles are intensifying. The tournament favourite, the National School of Physics and Mathematics, has delivered a commanding performance so far, with each board maintaining a perfect score and no points dropped. Not far behind, India’s Velammal MHS School is also showcasing remarkable consistency, having conceded just a point and a half (three draws) across all rounds. Their strategy of placing lower-rated players on the top boards continues to spark intrigue. Among today’s standout performances was Sri Lanka’s Royal College, Colombo. The team made waves in the third round by stunning the 8th-seeded English side, Hampton School, with a resounding 4-0 victory. In the fourth round, they faced the third seed, University High School, and dominated the match 3:1 continuing their impressive journey on this global stage. Moment of the Day The moment of the day comes from the Round 3 match between Velammal MHS School and US The Harker School on board 2 where IM Arun Daakshin delivered a crushing final move in this position, which was met with an immediate resignation by Black. The move is 24.Qxf6!! The squares around the black king are completely dominated by White. If 24…Kxf6 then 25.Be5# game over. Looking ahead, tomorrow’s pairings promise exciting matchups as the Swiss system begins pitting the top teams against one another. With the leaderboard tightening, the battle for the championship title is about to enter a thrilling phase. Top 10 after Round 4 Smart Moves Summit Parallel to the chess battles, the Smart Moves Summit kicked off today – a two-day conference spotlighting the powerful role chess can play in shaping education. With 15 scheduled topics, the summit brings together thought leaders, educators, and policymakers to explore chess as a tool for leadership, inclusion, and innovation. The day began with an official opening ceremony and flowed into panels that addressed various themes, from global leadership in chess education and its integration in early childhood learning, to increasing inclusivity and leveraging AI in educational technology. The day concluded with a thought-provoking session on methodology, policy development, and public sector collaboration. Alongside the panels, two masterclasses provided hands-on insight into using chess for cognitive development in early learners and the dynamics of strategic gameplay. The second and final day of the Smart Moves Summit will take place tomorrow, August 5, alongside rounds 5 and 6 of the championship. As the tournament heats up and the summit continues, Alexandria remains the center of both high-level chess and meaningful dialogue about the game’s future in education. Written by: Charlize van Zyl Photos: Michal Walusza Official website: worldschoolteam2025.fide.com/
Opening moves in Alexandria: World Schools Team Championship 2025 begins
The World Schools Team Championship 2025 officially got underway at Episcopal High School, located in the historic city of Alexandria, just outside Washington, D.C. A flagship event in the global scholastic chess calendar, the tournament brings together hundreds of students representing nearly 50 countries. While the players are here to compete for international glory, the championship is equally a celebration of friendship, diversity, and shared passion for the game of chess. With participants ranging from unrated newcomers to seasoned International Masters, the tournament features a remarkable mix of talent and potential. This variety has already led to a wide spectrum of exciting games in the early rounds. At the top of the starting rankings is Kazakhstan’s National School of Physics and Mathematics, led by newly titled Grandmaster Edgar Mamedov, with a formidable average rating of 2229. Close behind is India’s Velammal MHS School, averaging 2210. The host country, the United States, is represented by four schools. Leading the American contingent is University High School, which holds third place in the starting rankings with an average team rating of 2003. The tournament’s first round began promptly at 11:30. Ceremonial first moves were made on the top four boards by distinguished guests: FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, President of the International School Chess Federation Timur Turlov, Minister of Educational Transformation of Barbados Hon. Chad Blackman, and Minister of Sport and Recreation of Costa Rica Donald Rojas Fernández. In the opening round, the top-seeded teams performed as expected, securing confident victories over their lower-ranked opponents. However, the second round saw the competition intensify as more closely matched teams faced off across the boards. By the end of the day, 11 teams secured wins in both rounds and concluded Day 1 with a perfect score of 4 match points. KAZ – National School of Physics and MathematIND – Velammal MHS SchoolENG – HamptonKAZ – Seed Educational ComplexNZL – Wellington CollegeSRI – Royal College, ColomboKAZ – Astana 2 RSPMUSA – The Harker SchoolSGP – Raffles InstitutionGRE – 1st General Lyceum of XanthiAUT – Privates Gymnasium Sacre Coeur Wien Moment of the day SUI – Kantonsschule Alpenquai Luzern SGP vs Raffles InstitutionBoard 4: Infanger, Philip vs Loh, Yang Hao Our moment of the day comes from board 4 in the match between Singapore’s Raffles Institution and Switzerland’s Kantonsschule Alpenquai Luzern. The match delivered one of the day’s biggest surprises, as the 19th-seeded Raffles Institution defeated the fifth seed by a commanding 3:1 score. The spotlight moment unfolded in a tense endgame after a rollercoaster battle where both sides had chances. In the critical position, White played 60.Kd5??, a decisive mistake that allowed Black to break through with 60…Kg6 61.Ke5 h5 62.gxh5 Kxh5. With the white king cut off, it could no longer stop Black’s advancing passed pawn, especially with the black king perfectly placed to shepherd it forward. Instead, the correct move was 60.Kf3, keeping the white king in front of the pawns, and ready for opposition – a key principle in pawn endgames. One possible line would be 60…Kg6 61.Kg3 h5 62.gxh5 Kxh5 63.Kh3, where the white king maintains opposition, denying Black any meaningful progress. Rounds 3 and 4 will be played on Monday, August 4, and after eight rounds, the tournament champions will be crowned on August 6. As the competition continues, so does this unique celebration of youth, talent, and international friendship through chess. Photos: Michal Walusza Official website: worldschoolteam2025.fide.com/
Let the games begin: Celebrating the start of the World Schools Team Championship 2025
The opening ceremony of the World Schools Team Championship 2025 began with a colorful Parade of Nations, featuring players from more than 50 countries including India, China, the United States, and Norway. This was followed by the official transfer of ownership from FIDE to the International School Chess Federation, after which the event was formally declared open. The tournament officially commenced on August 3, 2025, in the historic city of Alexandria, Virginia. Hosted at Episcopal High School, just outside Washington, D.C., the venue offers a beautiful campus with modern facilities and rich tradition, an ideal setting for a tournament that encourages critical thinking, fair play, and global connection. This event will bring together over 50 teams from around the world, uniting young chess players in a truly international competition. Unlike a traditional indoor event, the opening ceremony embraced the sunny weather and took place outdoors on the grass lawn in front of the Hoxton house dormitory. Schools lined up in alphabetical order, and one by one, teams marched toward the front stage, proudly holding their country’s flag. The ceremony host introduced each team over the speakers, with upbeat music playing in the background to energize the crowd. The audience responded with loud applause, giving every team their moment in the spotlight. After all the teams had been welcomed, the national anthem of the United States played, followed by the FIDE anthem. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich then took the stage to pass the championship flag to Timur Turlov, President of the International School Chess Federation (ISCF). This symbolic gesture marked the official transfer of responsibility for the event to the ISCF. “Following the World Corporate and the World Rapid & Blitz, this is the third major global chess event we are hosting in the U.S. in just over a year, and we hope to do more. We are eternally grateful to our partners, particularly Freedom Holding and Mr. Timur Turlov – for their generous support for chess globally, at all levels. And on this note, it is my honour to formally entrust the International School Chess Federation with care and stewardship over the FIDE World Schools Team Championship,” said Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE. Timur Turlov followed with a speech highlighting the educational value of chess and the importance of making the game accessible to children everywhere. “Chess is not just a sport. It’s a way of thinking. It teaches discipline, decision-making, and the ability to see the consequences of your actions. It’s a game that shapes the kind of thinking every person needs – in life, in his or her career, in society. I say this not only as the head of a federation, but as a father whose children play chess. I see, game after game, how they learn to think, to be patient, to win – and sometimes to lose with dignity. Chess is a school of life. And we want more children around the world to have access to this beautiful game,” said Timur Turlov, President of the International School Chess Federation. He ended his speech by officially declaring the World Schools Team Championship 2025 open, drawing a warm round of applause from the crowd. The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests and prominent figures from the global chess and academic communities. Among them were present Dr. Bill Poucher, Executive Director of the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC), ACM Fellow, and Professor of Computer Science at Baylor University, recognized for his decades-long contributions to computer science and innovation and Dana Reizniece, former Latvia’s Minister of Economics and Minister of Finance, and current FIDE Deputy Chair. Their presence underscored the significance of the event and its role in shaping the future of scholastic chess worldwide. Applications are now open to host the next World Schools Team Championship! National chess federations, educational institutions, and event organizers interested in hosting the tournament are invited to submit their proposals. Please include a description of the venue, infrastructure, and a letter of intent. All applications should be sent to: info@ischoolchess.com For more information and the full program, please visit the official website of the Federation and follow our social media accounts – exciting, inspiring, and unforgettable moments lie ahead! More information: Championship website: worldschoolteam2025.fide.com/ Summit website: worldschoolteam2025.fide.com/summit/ ISCF website: ischoolchess.com/ General Partner: Freedom Holding Corp.Join us in Washington, D.C. / Alexandria from August 2–7, 2025.
Magnus Carlsen wins first ever edition of Chess Esports World Cup
Magnus Carlsen representing Team Liquid took home gold in Riyadh after a dominant performance against Team Falcons’ Alireza Firouzja in Chess at EWC 25. Carlsen added another trophy to his legendary résumé on August 1, defeating Alireza Firouzja in the Grand Final of Chess at 2025 Esports World Cup. The Norwegian grandmaster crushed his opponent with an overall score of four wins, two draws, and a single loss. The gap between the world’s No. 3 Blitz player, Alireza Firouzja (2856), and the world No. 1, Magnus Carlsen (2937), couldn’t have been more apparent after the action concluded in Riyadh. The chess competition at the Esports World Cup consisted of two stages. In the group stage, the sixteen players from thirteen teams were divided into four groups and competed in a GSL-style double elimination bracket for eight spots in quarterfinals. The playoffs were an eight-player single-elimination bracket. The teams that lost in the semifinals competed in a third-place match. All matches in the playoffs were best-of-threes but the final was a best-of-five. A dominant opening Carlsen looked sharp in the opening set, claiming a win and two draws to put the score at 3-1, securing a commanding lead. Having to reset going into the second set, Firouzja’s impressive retort saw Magnus blunder his rook after 50 moves, leading to Firouzja’s only win of the series. Clearly unhappy, Carlsen shot back in the second game, punishing Firouzja with his calculating play. Firouzja looked pressed, burning through much more of his clock than Magnus. The difference between the two became even more obvious with each player’s heart rate displayed on screen. Carlsen remained calm and collected throughout the majority of the final. A blunder by Firouzja in game three pushed the series to 2-1, with Magnus on match point. And just like that, it was over. A weak opening by Firouzja was punished by Carlsen, who ultimately defeated the French GM in just two sets. “I’ve got my bow and arrow ready” Early in the event, Magnus had been supremely confident. Responding to a Team Falcons trash-talking tweet in an interview, he stated that the Falcons “better do well in other games because you’re not going to win chess.” Then, following his victory over Falcons’ Hikaru Nakamura in the semifinals, he doubled down. “It pissed me off when they cheered when Hikaru was winning,” he said. “I’ve got my bow and arrow ready, I’ve shot one Falcon, I want to shoot one more tomorrow.” With two Falcons skewered, Magnus takes home the win for Team Liquid, earning 1,000 Club Championship points and rocketing them into contention to win the Club Championship. The grandmaster also wins $250,000 – one of the largest competitive chess prizes in recent memory. Firouzja’s second-place finish locks Team Falcons in second place on the Club Championship leaderboard, still lacking the first-place finish required to win the overall club trophy. He also pockets the $190,000 second-place prize. Earlier in the day, Hikaru defeated Arjun Erigaisi in the third-place match, a best-of-six series. With his teammate Firouzja in the final, Nakamura’s points do not count toward Team Falcons’ total, but he will take home $145,000. Erigaisi claims $115,000 in prize money for fourth place, along with 300 Club Championship points for Gen.G. Text and photos: esportsworldcup.com/ Official website: esportsworldcup.com/en/competitions/chess
FIDE World Youth Championships 2025: Registration deadline extended to August 15
Dear Delegates and Participants, We hereby inform you that, following increased demand from several countries, the registration deadline for the FIDE World Youth U14, U16, U18 Chess Championship 2025, October 3-16, 2025 held in Durrës, Albania has been officially extended to August 15, 2025. To date, we have received over 600 registrations, and the number is expected to grow significantly in the coming days. We kindly urge all delegations to proceed with registration and hotel arrangements without delay. Due to high demand, additional rooms may be requested but cannot be guaranteed after the deadline. Single room availability is limited. Delegations are strongly encouraged to opt for shared accommodations (double/triple rooms) to ensure efficient allocation and access for all participants. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to welcoming you to Albania this October. Best regards, Organizing Committee FWYCC 2025 The 2025 FIDE World Youth Chess Championships (U14, U16, and U18) will be held in Durrës, Albania, from October 3 (arrival) to October 16 (departure). Each national federation may register one official player in each category (Under 14, Under 16, and Under 18, Open and Girls). This totals six official players plus one accompanying person (with a valid FIDE ID) per federation, all of whom are invited by the organizers. Registration deadline: August 15, 2025. Invitation letter and regulations (PDF) FIDE World Youth Chess Championships 2025 official website: worldyouth2025.fide.com E-mail: worldyouth@fide.com
World Women’s Team Championship 2025 heads to Linares, Spain
Photo: Michal Walusza The FIDE World Women’s Team Championship 2025 is set to take place in the legendary chess city of Linares, Spain, from November 17 to 24. Known as one of the most iconic venues in chess history, Linares will once again be in the global spotlight as it welcomes 12 of the world’s strongest women’s national teams to compete for the prestigious world title. “I am very excited that the Championship goes to Linares. The city is famous for its rich chess tradition – however it is not only about the past, but also the present and the future. I’d like to thank the local chess community and the Spanish Chess Federation for the cooperation, and we look forward to an exciting event,” said Emil Sutovsky, FIDE CEO Photo: European Best Destinations First held in 2007, the FIDE World Women’s Team Championship has become one of the most important events on the women’s chess calendar. Previous winners include China, Russia, Ukraine, and Georgia (reigning champion), with China claiming a record four titles. The event not only crowns the best national women’s team in the world, but also showcases rising stars and team spirit. The 12 teams competing in Linares are: * Semi-finalists of the 2023 edition: Georgia France Kazakhstan USA * Top-rated teams from each continent: China (Asia) Ukraine (Europe) Peru (Americas) Egypt (Africa) * Top federations by average rating (August 2025): India FIDE Team * Host nation: Spain * FIDE President’s nomination: To be announced The championship features 12 teams, split into two pools of six for a round-robin stage. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the knockout stage, consisting of semi-finals and a final. Each match between two teams consists of four boards, and matches are played under the standard time control: 45 minutes + 30 seconds per move from move one. Full regulations for World Women’s Team Championship 2025 (PDF)
2025 2nd FIDE Council Meeting: List of Decisions
2nd FIDE Council meeting 18 July 2025 Online List of decisions CM2-2025/01 To note President’s report. CM2-2025/02 To approve Treasurer’s report. CM2-2025/03 To allow a team of athletes of Russian nationality to participate in the 2025 Women’s World Team Championship under the FIDE flag subject to receiving a non-objection letter from IOC, and to continue consultations with IOC regarding possible participation of Russian and Belarus nationals in the future team competitions. CM2-2025/04 To note FIDE Calendar 2024/2025. CM2-2025/05 To note the Global Strategy Commission’s report. CM2-2025/06 To note the Arbiters’ Commission’s report. CM2-2025/07 To approve the recommendations of the Arbiters’ Commission on Seminars, Classification upgrades, Amendments to the lecturer list, FA norms and titles. CM2-2025/08 To note the Qualification Commission report. CM2-2025/09 To approve the recommendations of the Qualification Commission on titles. CM2-2025/10 To approve in principle Swiss Chess Federation’ request to convert their National ratings to FIDE ratings for their players. To authorize the Qualification Commission to set the exact terms for this procedure. CM2-2025/11 To approve the recommendations of the Trainers’ Commission on titles and Academies. CM2-2025/12 To approve the recommendations of the Events Commission on titles. CM2-2025/13 To approve the recommendations of the Chess in Education Commission on titles. CM2-2025/14 To note the Fair Play Commission’s report. CM2-2025/15 To approve the recommendations of the Fair Play Commission on titles. CM2-2025/16 To authorize the President to consult with respective Commissions and formulate the Council’s decision in respect of the Rules Commission’s proposal regarding the Fair Play. The decision shall be along the lines of the President’s proposal at the Council’s meeting. CM2-2025/17 To note the Commission’s for Women’s Chess report. CM2-2025/18 To note the Rules Commission’s report CM2-2025/19 To note Continental Presidents’ reports. CM2-2025/20 To send a letter to the Panama Chess Federation regarding the tournaments organized in Panama. CM2-2025/21 To note the report of the Reverse Delegate for the USVI Chess Federation. To request the Constitutional Commission’s advisory opinion for this matter. CM2-2025/22 To note the report of the Reverse Delegate for the Burkina Faso Chess Federation. CM2-2025/23 To approve the proposed procedure regarding the previous and new Federations of Burkina Faso, to request the Constitutional Commission’s opinion as part of the relevant process, and to include the corresponding agenda item for the 2025 General Assembly consideration. CM2-2025/24 To note the report of the Reverse Delegate for the Syria Chess Federation. To request the Constitutional Commission’s advisory opinion for this matter. CM2-2025/25 To note the update on the FIDE Social Year 2025. CM2-2025/26 To organise the FIDE General Assembly 2025 online. 2nd FIDE Council Meeting 18 July 2025 – List of decisions (PDF)
FIDE August 2025 rating list published
The August 2025 FIDE rating list was primarily influenced by the Women’s World Cup in Batumi, the Biel International Chess Festival and several other tournaments across Europe. The top 10 in the Open section remained unchanged from July, with the only exception being Wei Yi, who gained 5 rating points in his match against Levon Aronian. In contrast, the women’s top 10 saw several notable shifts following the Women’s World Cup 2025 in Batumi. Lei Tingjie (+8) consolidated her third position in the list and closed in on her title match opponent the reigning Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun; Tan Zhongyi (+12) climbed to fourth place, while Zhu Jiner moved up one spot. The tournament winner, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh (+15) reached her career-high 15th position and earned the Grandmaster title. Photo: Anna Shtourman Biggest gains in the top 100 (Open and Women) Schippke, Manon WIM FRA 2374 (+176) Prishita Gupta WFM IND 2353 (+135) Balabayeva, Xeniya WGM KAZ 2371 (+39) Kiolbasa, Oliwia IM POL 2393 (+32) Garifullina, Leya IM FID 2477 (+27) Kamalidenova, Meruert IM KAZ 2349 (+25) Theodorou, Nikolas GM GRE 2646 (+21) Divya Deshmukh IM IND 2478 (+15) Tabatabaei, M. Amin GM IRI 2673 (+14) Martinez Alcantara, Jose Eduardo GM MEX 2636 (+14) Salem, A.R. Saleh GM UAE 2640 (+13) Photo: Vivian Passig WIM Manon Schippke (pictured above) was the biggest rating gainer in July, earning a whopping 176 points in three competitions across France. The 18-year-old player from France broke into the top 100 Women and jumped straight to 9th position in the top female juniors list. WFM Prishita Gupta (pictured below) also debuts in the top 100 Women following her standout performances in Championnat de Paris 2025 Masters (+75 points) and Open International d’Aix-en-Provence (+60 points). Remarkably, the Indian teenager has earned over 400 (!) rating points over just the past two months. Photo: Shahid Ahmed Another overperformer in the Open International d’Aix-en-Provence is Leya Garifullina who collected 27 rating points in this competition, breaking into the top 20 Women for the first time in her career. WGM Xeniya Balabayeva made a triumphant return to the top 100 Women after a brief absence thanks to her excellent performance at the Oskemen Open 2025, where she gained 39 rating points, while Oliwia Kiolbasa added 32 points to her tally at the 11th Cesme International Open to reach 47th place in the women’s list – her best ranking since May 2023. Meruert Kamalidenova had stong showings in both the Vladimir Dvorkovich Memorial – Aktobe Open and the Women’s World Cup, boosting her rating by 25 points. Photo: Biel International Chess Festival Nikolas Theodorou (pictured above) made a major breakthrough in July following his successful runs in the Greece National Team Championship and Biel Chess Festival – Challengers. The 24-year-old GM from Greece earned 21 rating points to debut in the top 100 Open. Another newcomer to the top 100 Open is Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara who emerged as the winner of Lince Andujar Chess Open 2025, gaining 14 rating points along the way. Amin Tabatabaei added another title to his collection, lifting the trophy at the XXII Karpov International Chess Tournament (+14 points), while Saleh Salem returned to the top 100 Open after one-year absence, following a strong performance in the Biel Chess Festival – Masters.
World School Team Championship meets Smart Moves Summit
A major event in August bringing together school children, chess players, thought leaders and scientists set to transform how chess is perceived in the classroom The second edition of the World School Team Championship, a flagship event for school chess clubs, runs from 2 to 7 August at Episcopal High School – just 11 kilometers from downtown Washington D.C. More than 50 teams from different countries will compete in an eight-round Swiss-format tournament. “This will be one of the largest global children’s tournaments ever organized. With Freedom Holding covering all travel and accommodation, young players from across the globe will enjoy an experience that extends well beyond the board. Paired with the Smart Moves Summit on chess in education, this marks a milestone for scholastic chess and its role in childhood development,” said Emil Sutovsky, CEO of FIDE. Each team is fielding four main players, one reserve and one non-playing captain. Time control is 45 minutes plus a 10-second increment per move, with two games per day across four action-packed days. The inaugural edition of the World School Teams was held in Kazakhstan in 2023, laying the groundwork for this year’s expanded format. The 2025 event integrates competitive play with a major educational conference featuring scientists and experts in chess, learning, and life skills development. “The World Schools Team Championship is more than just a tournament – it’s a celebration of intelligence, unity, and the limitless potential of young minds. Bringing together teams from around the world, this event is a powerful example of how chess transcends borders and cultures. It helps develop critical thinking, resilience, and focus – skills essential for the 21st century,” said Timur Turlov, President of the International School Chess Federation. On 4-5 August, the Smart Moves Summit 2025 will bring together educational experts from over 30 countries, to discuss scientific research and showcase proven strategies on the role of chess in reshaping education and wellbeing. “As Artificial Intelligence reshapes every sector, educators and parents must find ways to equip students and children with critical thinking and resilience reflective of the 21st century challenges. This Summit brings together experts to share proven strategies,” Emil Sutovsky added. Spread across 15 sessions featuring panels, workshops, speeches and round-table debates, the conference will offer a host of fresh ideas and stimulating discussions across science, education and learning. It will deliver actionable conclusions and toolkits, to kicks-start the scale of school chess programs and using chess as a tool for self-improvement and personal development in both children and adults. “The Smart Moves Summit is a powerful reminder that education isn’t confined to classrooms: it lives in the lessons of strategy, patience, and foresight that chess teaches. By investing in this timeless game, we’re nurturing the minds of future leaders and empowering children with the tools to shape a smarter, more resilient world,” added Timur Turlov. Panels, round tables and master classes – What you will get from the Summit. Strategic Leadership in Global Chess EducationBrings together FIDE, national federations and partners to discuss long-term strategy, cross-sector collaboration and visionary leadership for global chess education. Chess in Early and Primary EducationExamines how introducing chess in preschool and primary settings supports executive functioning, emotional regulation, numeracy, language skills and social learning in inclusive, multilingual classrooms. More Than Equal – Levelling the Board for All Through Chess: Reviews global case studies on using chess to advance equity across gender, socio-economic status, ability and geography, moving from mere access to genuine agency. Tech on the Board Explores how digital platforms, tools and devices are transforming student engagement and learning through chess both inside and outside the classroom. Making the Case for Chess – Methodology, Policy, and Public Sector Partnerships: Looks at aligning chess-based learning methodologies with public education goals to build large-scale, lasting collaborations between chess organizations and government bodies. Chess + Math – Cognitive Games for Early Numeracy: A Master Class showing how to structure short, chess-based exercises tailored for early mathematics learners. Chess & Strategy Games Provides scalable, classroom-tested models that equip pre-service and in-service teachers with the skills and confidence to use chess and strategy games for cognitive development and interdisciplinary learning. The Power of Chess to Change Lives A case-study presentation, detailing how a chess program helped intellectual and social development among low-income youth. Sponsorship and Marketing at the Crossroads of Chess and EducationDiscusses how brands and organizations can sponsor school chess programs to support their growth while delivering value to partners. From Classroom to Cashflow – The Business of School Chess ProgramsAnalyzes how to build financially viable, pedagogically sound frameworks that sustain and scale school-based chess initiatives. Going Viral – How Social Media and Creators Are Redefining Chess Promotion (Cyber sport, Minecraft, Roblox)Investigates how social media, streaming platforms and digital influencers are reshaping the perception and reach of chess worldwide. Beyond the Final MoveReflects on lessons learned in school integration, technology use, partnership building and educational impact, and identifies urgent opportunities and challenges ahead. How to Train the TrainerShares methods for teaching chess in classrooms with neurodiverse learners and multiple language groups. Inclusive Chess EnvironmentsTechniques for teaching in neurodiverse, multilingual classrooms. A Statistical Spectroscope for Fair Play and Growing MindsExplores how analytics can reveal patterns in chess play to support ethical competition and cognitive development. Visit worldschoolteam2025.fide.com/summit for full details and to secure your seat. Early-bird pricing ending soon!