European Chess Union unveils European Chess Super League 2027
The European Chess Union (ECU) is proud to announce the launch of the European Chess Super League, a groundbreaking new competition set to redefine the landscape of club chess across the continent. The inaugural edition will take place in 2027, with dates and location to be announced and a minimum budget of €500,000. A new era for European club chess The European Chess Super League brings together eight of Europe’s strongest chess clubs to compete for a prize fund of €300,000. The event will showcase world-class talent, thrilling matches, and a commitment to sporting excellence and innovation. Key features: Elite Participation: 8 clubs, including top 4 finishers from the European Chess Club Cup, the highest-rated club, the organizer’s team, and two ECU wild cards available to any club in Europe and worldwide. Prize Fund: €300,000, with €110,000 awarded to the champion. Format: 7-round round-robin, 6 boards per team, two reserves allowed per team. Media & sponsorship Main Partner and sponsor is the “SUPER Foundation” based in Bucharest Romania and major supporter of Chess Top Events as the “Grand Chess Tour”. The ECU retains all commercial, media, and broadcasting rights for the Super League. Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are available for brands looking to align with Europe’s premier chess event.
Manuel Petrosyan and Anahit Mkrtchyan crowned Armenian champions
GM Manuel Petrosyan and untitled Anahit Mkrtchyan emerged victorious at the Armenian National Chess Championships. Petrosyan captured his second national title, while Mkrtchyan claimed her first. Both earned the right to represent Armenia in international team competitions. The 86th Armenian Chess Championship and the 81st Armenian Women’s Chess Championship where held simultaneously at the Tigran Petrosyan Chess House-Sports School in Yerevan from January 13-21, 2026. Both competitions were 10-player round-robins with classical time control. The Open Championship was fiercely contested – so much so that no player completed the tournament undefeated. Entering the final round, GM Manuel Petrosyan, IM Artur Davtyan, and GM Zaven Andriasian were tied for the lead with 5/8. In the decisive round, both Davtyan and Andriasian drew their games, while Petrosyan secured a crucial victory over IM Arsen Davtyan to clinch the title. Davtyan, Andriasian, and GM Aram Hakobyan finished on 5.5/9, a half-point behind the champion tying for second place. Based on tie-breaks, Davtyan took silver, while Andriasian completed the podium with bronze. 86th Armenian Championship – Final Standings The Women’s Championship developed into an exciting duel between Anahit Mkrtchyan (pictured below, right) and WFM Astghik Hakobyan. Both players surged ahead early, but Hakobyan gained the upper hand by defeating Mkrtchyan in their Round 6 encounter, taking sole lead. However, a late collapse derailed her campaign: Astghik lost two her final games and had to settle for silver with 6/9. Mkrtchyan drew both of her final two games, which proved sufficient to claim gold with 6.5/9. WFM Sona Krkyasharyan, Ani Avetisyan, and WFM Anna Khachatryan scored 5.5 points and tied for third place. Based on tie-breaks, WFM Sona Krkyasharyan was awarded the bronze medal. 81st Armenian Women’s Chess Championship – Final Standings Photos: Armenian Chess Federation
Carlsen and Nakamura dazzle Barcelona with blindfold chess show at ICE 2026
The world’s No.1 and No.2 chess players headlined ICE Barcelona with a rare exhibition match played entirely from memory, joined by GothamChess for commentary, insight, and fan interaction. Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura, two of the world’s most renowned chess grandmasters, made a special appearance this afternoon at ICE Barcelona 2026, the International Casinos & Entertainment Expo. One of the world’s largest iGaming and gaming-tech trade shows, ICE attracts tens of thousands of professionals from the global gaming and tech industries. The highlight of the event hosted by BETBY was a blindfold chess exhibition game between Carlsen and Nakamura, a rare format in which both players compete without seeing the board, relying purely on memory and calculation. To the best public knowledge, this was the first publicly staged blindfold head-to-head between the world’s No. 1 and No. 2. Playing for fun in Barcelona, Carlsen was expected by many to play the Catalan Opening but the world’s No.1 instead began with 1.Nf3. Nakamura responded with the solid Agincourt Defence for the 15-minute game. The Norwegian tried to confuse his opponent with a double fianchetto setup maneuvering his knights aggressively and eventually winning a central pawn. But Nakamura had “seen” far ahead and, at the right moment, sacrificed a bishop to force a perpetual check. Watch the game [HERE]. “The Internet’s Chess Teacher,” Levy Rozman, provided live play-by-play commentary, explaining moves and strategies to more than a hundred spectators and making the match accessible even to casual observers. Known online as GothamChess, Rozman is an American International Master, content creator, and commentator who produces daily chess content across platforms. On YouTube alone, he recently surpassed seven million subscribers. A fireside chat with all three guests covered topics such as strategic thinking, mental discipline, and the evolution of chess as both a sport and a digital entertainment medium. Spectators from all over the world were given rare insight into the minds and approaches of elite chess players. Reflecting on how chess has evolved over the past five or six years, Nakamura said that while he had previously focused almost exclusively on his playing career, he began investing seriously in content creation in 2019, and since the pandemic, it has become his main professional focus. Carlsen noted that he has been recognized far more widely in recent years, adding that since early 2023, chess has “just kept showing up in everybody’s algorithms.” He also pointed out that the pandemic changed the chess world: the focus has shifted away from purely classical formats toward a more diverse landscape in which speed chess, rapid, and blitz events have become much more popular. In addition to the blindfold match and discussion, the event featured interactive exhibition games, giving spectators the chance to play against Carlsen or Nakamura in short, fun matches. All three masters played several blitz games, much to the delight of the audience. Written by IM Michael Rahal, Barcelona, Spain Photos: BETBY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnohw2JeIUs&t=3426s
Ghana Championship: Bernard Anhwere and Maud Benson claim titles
CM Bernard Anhwere and WCM Maud Benson emerged as the winners of the recently concluded Ghana National Chess Championship. Organized by the Ghana Chess Association the event was held in Accra and brought together top chess players from across the country. Final standings Open category: CM Bernard Anhwere – 7.5/9 Akpa Prince – 6.5 FM John Hasford – 5.5 CM Fomevor Cephas Clinton – 5.5 Loglo Daniel – 5 Ladies category: WCM Maud Benson – 7/8 Ridham – 7 pts WCM Gertrude Banini – 5.5 Dotse Dzidzor Esi – 5 Dotse Sumya Ibrahim – 4.5 Bernard Biney Otoo‘s impressive performance earned him the junior championship title, highlighting the bright future of Ghanaian chess The top 5 finishers in both Open and Ladies categories will represent Ghana as The Golden Knights at the 46th World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan later this year. The Ghana Chess Association extends its gratitude to the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, for attending the closing ceremony. He expressed his appreciation for the game of chess and commended the organizers, notably Madam Christiana Ashley, for a thrilling event and pledged continued support for the sport, highlighting the strong participation of young players. Special thanks also go to the dedicated arbiters, organizers, the media and our sponsors, including Mr. Rajan Singh of Cave and Gardens, for their continued support of Ghana Chess. Photos: Sabb Studio
Call for Submissions: FIDE Veteran Support Program 2026
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is pleased to announce the continuation of its support for chess veterans. Grants will be awarded to distinguished chess players, coaches, and organizers aged 65 and older who have made significant contributions to the development of chess and are currently facing an unstable financial situation. As in previous years, we national invite federations, clubs, and individuals to submit applications. Each submission must include a CV of the nominee and be sent to office@fide.com. The deadline for submissions is February 1, 2026.
Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2026 officially underway!
Wijk aan Zee, 17 January 2026 – This afternoon, the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2026 was officially opened in a fully packed De Moriaan community hall. The start of the tournament was delayed due to actions by protesters. The 88th edition of the world famous chess event was inaugurated by Hans van den Berg, CEO of Tata Steel Nederland, together with tournament director Jeroen van den Berg. The Tata Steel Chess Tournament – known worldwide as the ‘Wimbledon of chess’ – each year attracts the world’s top grandmasters, emerging talents, hundreds of amateur players and thousands of visitors to the coastal village Wijk aan Zee. The tournament boasts a rich history dating back to 1938 and has evolved from an internal company competition (formerly Hoogovens) into an international toptier sporting event. Over the decades, legendary players such as Viswanathan Anand, Garry Kasparov, Anatoly Karpov, and Magnus Carlsen — who won multiple titles here — played chess in De Moriaan, as well as illustrious names from earlier times, including Max Euwe, Mikhail Botvinnik, Mikhail Tal, and Boris Spassky in Beverwijk. Battle commences This year, 28 top players are participating: 14 in the Masters group and 14 in the Challengers group. Immediately after the gong, all participating International masters and Grand masters took their seats at the boards for their first game, marking the official start of the battle for the prestigious titles. The Masters group features an average age of just 23 years – making it the youngest edition ever. The Challengers tournament includes no fewer than four women competing for the title, among them the Dutch player Eline Roebers, who made history earlier this year by becoming the first Dutch woman to win the European Blitz Chess Championship. Important role of the local community During the opening, Hans van den Berg, CEO of Tata Steel Nederland, emphasized the unique character of the tournament: “The Tata Steel Chess Tournament brings creativity, strategic thinking and innovation together – values that are central both in chess and in our organisation.” He also highlighted the important role of the local community and the unique atmosphere that the event creates each year in Wijk aan Zee. Extensive program rich in tradition The event is distinguished by the combination of grandmasters and amateurs playing under one roof, a tradition symbolizing connection and accessibility within the chess world. In addition to the matches in De Moriaan, the tournament once again offers an extensive program for the local community, including the annual Tata Steel Chess Festival for families and children. The games can be followed live in De Moriaan and online worldwide. More information is available at tatasteelchess.com. Photos: Tata Steel Chess Tournament
Early-bird tickets now available for FIDE Candidates 2026
Tickets are now on sale for the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, one of the most prestigious events in the international chess calendar. From March 28 to April 16 2026, the world’s attention will turn to Cyprus as the FIDE Candidates Tournament and the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament are held side by side at the Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort. Set on the scenic coastline near Paphos, the venue offers a rare combination of top-level sport and an exceptional setting, making this a must-see event for chess followers from around the world. The Candidates Tournament is the final and most demanding step in the World Championship cycle. Over fourteen rounds of classical chess, eight elite players in each event compete in a double round-robin format, with only the winner earning the right to challenge for the World Chess Championship title. Every game matters, and the tension builds steadily as the tournament progresses, round by round. The 2026 edition brings together an outstanding field of players, including former challengers, established super-grandmasters, and rising stars. Watching these players compete in person offers a close-up view of chess at the highest level, where preparation, stamina, and nerves are tested every day for nearly three weeks. Tickets are available in Standard and VIP categories, with a range of day passes and full event passes on offer. Standard ticket holders can watch the games live from the viewing area inside the playing hall and enjoy access to the fan zone. VIP tickets provide an enhanced experience designed for those who want closer access and added comfort. VIP guests enjoy access to the VIP lounge, live viewing from VIP seats inside the playing hall, preferential seating in the fan zone, and all-day catering. Subject to availability and confirmation, VIP ticket holders may also have the opportunity to play a game with a Grandmaster and receive an autographed player card. VIP passes are strictly limited and are expected to be in high demand. Special early-bird prices are currently available for a limited time, valid until February 1. Multi-day discounts can be applied at checkout using the promo codes 2days10, 3days15, or 4days20 for bookings of two, three, or four or more days. Due to venue capacity, availability is limited, and prices will increase closer to the event. All tickets are sold exclusively through the official ticketing platform at tickets.fide.com. Spectators are encouraged to book early to secure their preferred dates and seating category. With world championship ambitions on the line, an exceptional venue, and a rare chance to see the very best players in classical chess up close, the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 promises an experience unlike any other on the chess calendar.
Every Lesson Counts: The Present and Future of Chess in Education
The second day of the FIDE Global Conference on Chess in Society and Education at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar was dedicated to chess in education, with a clear focus on how the game can be integrated into formal and non-formal learning systems. Building on the social impact discussions of the opening day, EDU Day brought together education leaders, researchers, federation officials, and practitioners to examine policy frameworks, research evidence, and real-world implementation models for Chess in Education (CIE). Welcome and opening The day began with a formal welcome and ceremonial lamp lighting, marking the start of proceedings. Senior representatives from FIDE and KIIT were invited to the stage, followed by the presentation of flower bouquets to the guests. Dr Saranjit Singh, Vice-Chancellor of KIIT, delivered the opening address, welcoming participants and outlining KIIT’s commitment to education and chess as part of its institutional ecosystem. He was followed by Jerry Nash, Chair of the FIDE Chess in Education Commission, who introduced the educational focus of the day and framed chess as a tool for learning rather than an end in itself. Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, linked the discussions to the broader objectives of the FIDE Year of Chess in Education 2026, stressing the need for quality, consistency, and alignment with education systems. She underlined that the purpose of chess in schools goes beyond performance, noting that “chess in education is not about creating champions. It is about creating better thinkers, better learners, and more confident young people who are prepared to make decisions and take responsibility.” Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT, spoke about education as a transformative force and the role institutions can play in creating opportunities through innovative and inclusive approaches. The opening concluded with remarks from Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President, followed by closing thanks from Dr Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, who acknowledged the speakers, organisers, and partners involved in the conference. Geopolitics of a changing world: balancing cooperation and competition in the 21st century Arkady Dvorkovich opened the programme with a keynote titled Geopolitics of a Changing World: Balancing Cooperation and Competition in the 21st Century. Drawing on his background in economic policy and academia, he placed chess and education within a broader global context, describing a world marked by uncertainty, competition, and shifting power dynamics. Using chess as an illustrative lens, he explained that patterns within the chess world often mirror wider economic and social realities. “I start my lectures normally with one picture – a picture about chess and the current ratings of the top players,” he said, noting that the distribution of elite players reflects deeper structural factors. “What it shows is which countries dominate the chess world. And it is not by coincidence. There is some correlation between economic power and chess power.” Dvorkovich went on to describe how different chess cultures emerge from distinct education systems, opportunities, and approaches to talent development, arguing that education remains one of the few forces capable of fostering cooperation alongside competition in a divided world. Year of Chess in Education 2026 The strategic framework for EDU Day was set through presentations by Dana Reizniece and Jerry Nash. Reizniece outlined the objectives of the FIDE Year of Chess in Education 2026, focusing on strengthening cooperation with education authorities, supporting teachers, and ensuring that chess programmes are delivered with consistent quality across regions. Particular emphasis was placed on evidence-based approaches that allow Chess in Education initiatives to be evaluated, refined, and scaled. Jerry Nash followed with an overview of the FIDE EDU framework, explaining how chess can be embedded into learning environments as a structured educational tool. His presentation addressed governance, programme design, and the central role of teachers, highlighting the need for clear methodologies, training pathways, and accessible resources to support effective classroom delivery. How chess builds academic and life skills at the Overseas Family School Practical school-based implementation was illustrated by Dijana Dengler, Head of Chess at the Overseas Family School in Singapore. Her presentation provided insight into how chess is integrated into the school’s curriculum and daily activities, supporting both academic development and life skills such as problem-solving, focus, and resilience. The case study demonstrated how chess can be embedded within an international school environment as part of a holistic educational approach. Creating Chess in Education resources for teachers Anzel Laubscher focused on the practical foundations of Chess in Education, presenting the development of teacher-centred resources designed to support classroom delivery. She addressed curriculum design, lesson structure, and methodology, emphasising that effective chess education begins with understanding learners’ needs. “In chess education, we need to meet our learners where they’re at,” she explained. “If your learner cannot read and write yet, you need to meet them there. If they have special needs, you need to meet them there. The classroom must be inclusive.” Laubscher highlighted the importance of teacher training and follow-up support, describing how initial training alone is not sufficient. “Teachers walk into the session and they don’t know how many squares there are on a chessboard. Four days later, they walk out knowing all the basic rules of chess, how the pieces move, including special moves. But then they realise they still need support to implement this in the classroom, and that’s why we designed the starter kit.” World Schools Team Championship The role of school competitions was explored by Nadzeya Krauchuk, Director of International Relations at the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), through a presentation on the World Schools Team Championship. She explained how structured school tournaments can motivate students, support teamwork, and create international connections, while remaining firmly rooted within an educational framework rather than elite competitive pathways. Research: Measuring the impact of Chess in Education A dedicated research block examined how the impact of chess in education can be measured and communicated. Moderated by Jerry Nash, the session featured contributions from Dr George Chitiyo of TTU, Martin Labollita of the National University of Tres de Febrero (UNTREF), and Jonathon Quest of Webster University. Reflecting on comparative
Nodirbek Abdusattorov secures final spot at FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship
Nodirbek Abdusattorov has secured the eighth and final spot in the FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship, to be held in Weissenhaus, Germany, from February 13–15, 2026. Abdusattorov won the official Play-In qualifier hosted by Chess.com, defeating Pranav Venkatesh 2–0 in the final. The qualifier attracted more than 100 titled players from around the world and culminated in a four-player knockout stage on January 15. With this victory, Abdusattorov joins the seven players already qualified for the championship:Magnus Carlsen, Levon Aronian, Fabiano Caruana, Vincent Keymer, Arjun Erigaisi, Javokhir Sindarov, and Hans Niemann. Abdusattorov brings extensive experience in Freestyle Chess and Chess960, having previously reached the semifinals of the FIDE Fischer Random World Championship. In 2025, he competed in multiple events on the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour. During the World Championship in Weissenhaus, an exhibition Freestyle Chess match between Hou Yifan and Bibisara Assaubayeva will take place on February 14 and 15. The FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship marks the first World Championship jointly staged by FIDE and Freestyle Chess, concluding the 2025 Freestyle Chess season and crowning the first World Champion under this new framework. Photo: Lennart Ootes
FIDE Global Conference on Chess in Society and Education opens in Bhubaneswar
The FIDE Global Conference on Chess in Society and Education opened at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar on 14 January 2026, bringing together education leaders, researchers, social impact practitioners, and chess organisers for a three-day programme that also marks the launch of the FIDE Year of Chess in Education 2026. During the opening session, the moderator highlighted the role of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) as host of the conference and a long-standing centre for chess and education initiatives. KIIT has been organising international chess festivals for over 18 years, with the most recent edition featuring a total prize fund of INR 1.30 crore. The institution has produced 46 international chess players and hosted more than 30 international events, including World Junior Championships. Chess has also been integrated into KIIT’s broader educational framework, reflecting a sustained commitment to using the game as a tool for learning and development. The conference then formally opened with a ceremonial lamp-lighting, marking the inauguration of the event, followed by opening addresses from senior officials and partners, including Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, Viswanathan Anand, FIDE Deputy President, and Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT, alongside André Vögtlin, Chair of the FIDE Social Chess Commission, Abhijit Kunte, Grandmaster, and Mukesh Ranjan Das, Executive Director (HR) of IndianOil. The opening ceremony and remarks set the tone for the conference’s two linked themes: chess as a social tool with measurable impact, and chess as a structured support for learning. “Education is about turning mirrors into windows,” said Dana Reizniece in her address to the audience, linking the idea to FIDE’s mission of using chess as a tool for empowerment and expanded ways of thinking. Anand emphasised that chess in education is “not to produce professional players,” but to help students “learn habits that improve performance in class,” pointing to focus, discipline, and decision-making as skills that transfer beyond the board. The conference then turned to the speakers and their presentations, with the day organised in thematic sections. FIDE Social Chess 2025 highlights and priorities for 2026 Vögtlin opened the conference programme with a review of the FIDE Social Chess Year 2025 and a forward look to 2026. He highlighted flagship campaigns across the year, including a month-by-month rhythm of themed initiatives, and the Social Chess Day tournament “Every Move Counts”, organised with Lichess.org, which drew 20,078 players worldwide. “Chess is more than a game. It is a tool to empower, include, educate, and transform communities worldwide,” said Vögtlin. “Following the success of the FIDE Social Chess Year 2025, 2026 will focus on scaling, professionalising, and globally embedding social chess as a measurable, evidence-based social impact framework.” The amplified connectome of the brain: Chess, the best scientific tool Dr. Cristóbal Blanco Acevedo followed with a neuroscience-focused presentation on how chess engages the brain across multiple systems rather than in a single “chess area”. “The most important question is not whether the brain will change, but into what it will change,” he said, pointing to the impact of environment and habits in a world of constant information overload. He explained that chess activates multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, particularly those linked to memory, calculation, and emotional control, while cautioning that not all forms of cognitive training translate effectively into real-life performance. How to build a big international social chess ecosystem for various social groups A core mid-morning session focused on how chess can be built into social ecosystems across different communities, with speakers from humanitarian, grassroots, and club-based backgrounds. Joining from Geneva, Francesca Bonelli, Head of Partnership and Coordination at UNHCR, outlined the scale of global displacement and the role sport can play in wellbeing and opportunity. UNHCR reports that 123.2 million people were forcibly displaced by the end of 2024. She also highlighted the FIDE and UNHCR collaboration that began in 2021 with a pilot “Chess for Protection” project in Kakuma, Kenya, and has since expanded to additional locations. Russell Makofsky, Founding Board Member of The Gift of Chess, spoke online about a practical, distribution-led approach to access, tracing the organisation’s origins to community initiatives during the Covid-19 pandemic and outlining its goal of distributing one million chess sets globally by 2030. “We saw how something as simple as a chess set could open doors,” Makofsky said. “When communities have access, opportunities begin to grow.” The session also included contributions from Rodrigo Barbeiton, who shared experiences from Club Magic Extremadura in Spain and the role clubs can play in long-term engagement. FIDE Social Chess programme updates After the networking break, the conference shifted into project-level updates from the FIDE Social Chess portfolio. Anastasia Sorokina (online) presented Chess for Protection, focusing on expanding safe, structured chess activities in refugee settings, particularly for girls and schools. Mikhail Korenman presented updates on Chess for Freedom, outlining developments in prison chess and upcoming continental and intercontinental competitions. Prabitha Urwyler presented Chess for Hope and Recovery, describing chess as a tool that provides structure, routine, and reflection in rehabilitation contexts. April Yunwei Zhong, via recorded video, highlighted how Chess for the Elderly supports both cognitive activity and social connection. Maryia Tamkovic presented Infinite Chess, focusing on adaptive learning models designed to meet players where they are. Social chess in India The afternoon returned to regional practice with a focus on India. In a standout contribution, Neelaya, Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Chess Association, presented initiatives shaped by geographic isolation and limited recreational infrastructure. He described projects spanning schools, orphanages, prisons, beach clean-ups linked to “Checkmate to Plastic”, culturally sensitive outreach to Indigenous communities, and onboard chess championships during long inter-island ship journeys. “The story of chess in Andaman and Nicobar islands is ultimately a story of belief in people, in potential, and in the power of thoughtful engagement.” he said, “Each move played on the chess board represents a larger life decision to think before acting, respect others, and to persevere despite setbacks” ending with, “Sometimes the strongest waves of change begin with a single move.” IndianOil