FIDE statement regarding composition of FIDE World University Team Chess Championship Final
In view of a number of statements made regarding the composition of the FIDE World University Team Chess Championship Final, FIDE wishes to clarify the following: 1. The FIDE World University Team Chess Championship is a competition between universities, not national federations. No national federation has participated in the formation of any team, submitted an application on its behalf, or approved its line-up. 2. The tournament regulations expressly allow players affiliated with different national federations to represent the same university team. Several participating teams have exercised this right. This clearly demonstrates that university teams are not, and cannot be treated as, national teams. 3. All participating teams compete under the symbols of their respective universities, not national emblems. For example, four universities from the United States and two from the United Kingdom have qualified for the final, yet none of these teams represents the national team of its federation. 4. With regard to the team of Ural State Mining University (Yekaterinburg), the claim that it is affiliated with the Chess Federation of Russia is unsupported by any evidence. The university’s geographic location alone does not establish any legal or organisational affiliation with the Chess Federation of Russia. 5. Article 13.6 of the FIDE Charter provides that suspended Member Federations lose the right for their national teams to participate in FIDE competitions. This provision does not apply to university teams, which are formed and entered independently of any national federation. Accordingly, FIDE confirms that the team representing Ural State Mining University is fully eligible to participate in the FIDE World University Team Chess Championship Final. Any suggestion to the contrary is without factual or legal basis.
World Amateur Rapid Chess Championship 2026 kicks off in Abuja, Nigeria
The FIDE World Amateur Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship 2026 officially got underway with the Rapid section on Sunday, at the Bolton White Event Hall in Abuja, Nigeria. Players from across the world began their quest for the coveted FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Championship titles. Competitors will play 11 rounds of Rapid chess and 11 rounds of Blitz chess over five days, ensuring the full competitive format. Notably, any female player is eligible to win two prizes, while this option is not available to male players, providing an additional incentive for the women competing in the championship. The opening ceremony brought together leading figures from the Nigerian and international chess community. It was attended by FIDE Delegate Sergei Indeikin, President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, Vice President Prince Adewole Adeyinka, FIDE Vice President (and Chief Arbiter of the championships) Olalekan Adeyemi, alongside members of the Federation’s Board and other distinguished guests. In his address, Senator Dankwambo welcomed the players and guests to Nigeria, expressing his delight at the opportunity to host a prestigious international chess championship of this magnitude. Following his speech, the NCF President made the ceremonial first move, officially declaring the championship open and signaling the start of the competition. The first day saw intense action with three rounds of rapid chess event played. With every game carrying significant importance in the race for the championship, competitors battled fiercely for valuable points and an early advantage in the standings. After three rounds, FM Bomo Lovet Kigigha emerged among the early leaders after securing victory over Lanre Seye Oluwalasinu in Round 3. Odey Goodness Ekunke also recorded an important victory over Vasia Ajuba, while CM Toluwanimi Okemakinde secured a full point against AIM Sahil Sanjay Shejal. Other notable Round 3 results saw AFM Aryan Raj defeat Joseph Sambo, while Augustine Imohede Apemiye overcame CM Pankaj Sharma. Sandra Osarugue Omoruyi also secured a victory against Odafe Benedict Efemuai. In a closely contested encounter, Tersoo Moses Adekpe drew with Kumar Saket, while veteran and former Nigerian National Chess Champion, Architect Theophilus Caiafas and AIM Ambesh also shared the point. Standings after Round 3 – Rapid With three rounds completed, the championship has already delivered a quota of the intensity and competitive spirit expected from a global event. With Abuja now at the center of the global amateur chess community, the stage is set for more thrilling battles as the world’s amateur players continue their pursuit of glory. The action continues on Monday, August 3, with more rounds of Rapid chess as the battle for the top positions intensifies. Every point will count as players continue their pursuit of the prestigious FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Championship titles. Photos: Nigeria Chess Federation Official website: https://nigeriachessfederation.com/wacc2026/
FIDE August 2026 rating list published
The FIDE August 2026 rating list was primarily shaped by the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters, Biel International Chess Festival, Oskemen Open, and several open tournaments across Europe. Both the top 10 Open and top 10 Women sections saw two important changes at the lower end. Alireza Firouzja returned to the prestigious list after a two-month absence, following his triumph in the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters, while Polina Shuvalova delivered an excellent performance in the Oskemen Open – Masters, earning 24 rating points and making her debut in the top 10 Women. Photo: Michal Walusza Biggest gains in the top 100 Open and Women Mungunzul, Bat-Erdene WIM MGL 2392 (+63) Li, Rachael WIM USA 2374 (+60) Mkrtchyan, Mariam WGM ARM 2390 (+37) Aamuktha Guntaka WFM IND 2376 (+25) Toncheva, Nadya FM BUL 2372 (+25) Kairbekova, Amina WGM KAZ 2353 (+25) Shuvalova, Polina IM FID 2507 (+24) Beydullayeva, Govhar WGM AZE 2392 (+17) Mendonca, Leon Luke GM IND 2631 (+15) Khotenashvili, Bella GM GEO 2428 (+15) Bat-Erdene Mungunzul (pictured below) became the biggest rating gainer in July across both top 100 lists. The 21-year-old WIM from Mongolia participated in three European open tournaments – Festival prijateljstva (Slovenia), Festival International de La Plagne, and Open International d’Aix en Provence (both in France) – where she hauled an impressive 63 rating points, jumping to a career-high 52nd position on the Women’s list. Photo: Anna Shtourman Rachael Li had very good runs in the FIDE World Youth Chess Championship and the 13th Annual Washington International, gaining 60 rating points and returning to the top 100 Women and top 10 Girls lists. Mariam Mkrtchyan held her own against strong opponents in the Open International d’Echecs des Menuires in France, receiving 37 points for her efforts and moving 29 places up on the top 100 Women. Photo: Anna Shtourman Aamuktha Guntaka had a successful campaign in Bosnia and Herzegovina, earning 25 points in two Sahovko Ljeto open tournaments. Similarly, Nadya Toncheva (pictured above) overperformed in the II Lince Andujar Chess Festival, adding the same amount to her tally. Amina Kairbekova returned to the top 100 Women, following her strong showing in the Serbia Open – Masters, while Bella Khotenashvili tied for third place at the 19th Palaiochora International Tournament netting 15 points. Photo: Michal Walusza Leon Luke Mendonca (pictured above) and Govhar Beydullayeva were among the top performers in the Open International d’Aix-en-Provence open tournament, each gaining 15 rating points. Thanks to this result, the Indian GM returned to the top 100 Open after a more-than-year hiatus. Visit: https://ratings.fide.com/
Arab Youth Chess Championship 2026 underway in Cairo, Egypt
The 2026 Arab Youth Chess Championship is currently underway at the Pyramids Park Resort Hotel, located on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt. The competition, running from July 29 to August 4, has brought together the best young players from 16 Arab nations. The championship features seven age groups – from Under-8 to Under-20 – in both Open and Girls’ sections. All 14 tournaments are 9-round Swiss events played with a classical time control. The highest-rated participants are local International Masters Hamed Wafa and David George Samir, both competing in the U20 section. After three rounds of play, a sole leader has emerged in five sections: U20 Open, U12 Girls, U14 Girls, U16 Girls, and U18 Girls – a testament to the fiercely contested nature of the championship. With no clear frontrunner in most sections and several categories still wide open, the remaining six rounds promise intense battles, dramatic swings, and plenty of opportunities for players to stake their claim to the continental crown. Standings after Round 3
Registration opens for European Continental Stage of FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026
FIDE and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), with the support of its general partner Freedom Holding Corp., invite all FIDE member federations from Europe to participate in the European Continental Stage of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 (WSTC 2026). Organized by ISCF and FIDE jointly with the Armenian Chess Federation and the European Chess Union, the event will be held in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, from September 28 (arrival) to October 3 (departure), 2026. The European Continental Stage will become one of the continental qualifiers of the new World Schools Team Championship cycle held within the framework of the Year of Chess in Education 2026 initiative. The best teams will qualify directly for the WSTC 2026 Grand Final, where the continental champions will compete for the title of FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Champion 2026. Team composition and eligibility Each team shall consist of: Four main players; One reserve player; One non-playing captain Each team must include at least one boy and at least one girl, except in specific cases provided for in the Regulations for single-gender educational institutions. Players eligible to participate must be born between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2018. National federations are responsible for confirming that all players are officially enrolled in the educational institution they represent during the 2025–2026 academic year. The tournament will be played over eight rounds using the Swiss system. Participation conditions and organizer support Within the framework of the Championship, selected teams will receive organizer support, including: Full-board accommodation; Airport and local transfers; Four economy-class flight tickets for designated eligible delegations. Detailed participation conditions are outlined in the official Invitation Letter and General Regulations. Educational and cultural programme In addition to the tournament itself, participants and guests will take part in a special educational and cultural programme organized in line with the Year of Chess in Education 2026 initiative. The programme will include: Masterclasses and lectures by leading chess players and educators; Interactive workshops; Side activities promoting educational exchange and intercultural dialogue. The Championship aims not only to identify the strongest school team on the continent but also to promote chess as a powerful educational and social development tool. Registration The registration deadline is August 28. National federations are kindly encouraged to complete the registration process at the earliest opportunity, as the number of places in the tournament is limited. Organizer support conditions outlined in the Regulations are available only for the first 20 teams fully registered in compliance with the official requirements. Teams may register only through their respective FIDE member federations using the official online registration form. Registration form: http://worldschoolteam2026.fide.com/registration-stage-europe/ Contact e-mail: worldschoolteam@fide.com Official website: https://worldschoolteam2026.fide.com/ Invitation letter: http://worldschoolteam2026.fide.com/files/WSTC_2026_Invitation_Letter_European_Stage.pdf
Sixteen universities meet in Almaty for inaugural FIDE World University Team Chess Championship
Almaty will host the first FIDE World University Team Chess Championship from 3 to 10 August 2026, bringing together 16 university teams from around the world at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The final stage of the FIDE World University Team Chess Championship 2026 will take place in Almaty this August, following the online qualification stages held in May. The competition is the first FIDE world team championship for universities. Sixteen teams will take part, with eight qualifying through the online competition and eight receiving wildcard invitations from FIDE and the organisers. The full programme runs from 3 to 10 August, with competition taking place from 4 to 9 August. The road to Almaty The field was decided across the first two stages. Two online Swiss qualifiers were held on Lichess in early May and divided by region, with teams from the Americas and Africa competing on 2 May and those from Europe and Asia on 9 May. The 32 teams that advanced then met in an online knockout on 16 and 17 May, from which eight earned places. Competition format The final stage opens with a group phase, with the 16 teams divided into four pools of four and playing a double round robin. Teams meet the same opponents twice on each day of the group stage. The top two teams from each pool advance to the playoffs, which progress through the quarterfinals and semifinals to the medal matches. Every match is played across four boards, and each lineup must include at least one male and at least one female player. The standard games will be played at a time control of 45 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. Each playoff duel consists of two matches. If the duel is level after both matches, the teams will play a four-board blitz match at three minutes plus a two-second increment. If the blitz match is also drawn, the winner will be decided by sudden death. Players must have been born between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2008 and be currently enrolled at the institution they represent. The total prize fund is €50,000, with €25,000 awarded to the champions, €15,000 to the runners-up and €10,000 to the third-placed team. “This championship brings together universities with remarkable academic traditions and proud chess histories. Some of the participating institutions have had chess clubs for more than 150 years, showing how deeply the game is rooted in university life. The response to the inaugural championship has been outstanding. A total of 79 teams from 49 countries competed in the qualification stages, demonstrating both the global reach of the tournament and the popularity of chess among university students. By bringing the finalists together over the board in Almaty, we are strengthening the connection between the worlds of chess and academia, creating opportunities for friendships, collaboration and cultural exchange that will last well beyond the competition. For many of the players, Almaty will be their first FIDE world championship, and I hope they enjoy every moment of the experience and return home feeling proud of what they achieved together as a team,” said Viswanathan Anand, FIDE Interim President. “Importantly, university chess lays a foundation for collaboration that reaches far beyond sports. Sitting at these boards are the leaders who will head global companies and public institutions ten years from now. Connections built during student years often prove to be the most enduring, and that, perhaps, is the greatest outcome beyond the tournament standings. Almaty is the ideal venue for this story: as the country’s largest student hub, it speaks the language of youth,” said Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. A historic achievement for the universities In several cases, qualification has been announced by the universities themselves rather than only by their chess programmes. Their statements give a sense of what a first world championship at this level means to the institutions taking part. Universidad de Chile covered the team’s achievement: “Qualifying for this world championship was a historic milestone. I think it was a feat,” said Eduardo Caurapan, the team captain and a student of International Studies. Dylan Padilla, the university’s Director of Sport and Physical Activity, said the result “confirms that our students can compete at the highest international level against major institutions such as Yale and the University of Melbourne.” The National Technical University of Athens, which eliminated the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley across two matches, opened its announcement by stating that the institution “is now amongst the leading university chess teams in the world, having secured qualification to the final phase of the World University Chess Championship 2026.” Ural State Mining University, whose team won the online qualifier before beating opposition from Libya and Mexico in the knockout, told its readers that “the university team is the favourite of the competition, as its average rating is the highest amongst the participants.” Universitas Gunadarma described itself as “the only representative from South East Asia to have qualified for this prestigious competition.” Almaty Management University said that participation “provides AlmaU with an opportunity to showcase both the University and Kazakhstan’s higher education system on the international intellectual stage, while becoming part of a historic event that brings together the world’s strongest university chess teams for the very first time.” The Kazakh National University of Sports called the appearance of its students “an important step in the development of university sports and intellectual competitions, as well as a testament to the high level of training of the university’s students.” The championship is organised by FIDE together with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, the Akimat of Almaty and Freedom Holding Corp. Full regulations, pairings and results are available at worlduniversities2026.fide.com, where games from all three stages are also broadcast. Media inquiries and accreditation requests can be directed to worlduniversity@fide.com.
Interim elections to take place in Samarkand
In connection with the emergence of a vacant seat on the Constitutional Commission and in accordance with article 16.13 of the FIDE Charter and the FIDE Electoral Rules, the elections for the Member of the Constitutional Commission will take place at the FIDE General Assembly, on September 26, 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The candidatures for the Member of the Constitutional Commission should reach the FIDE Offices by August 26, 2026, at 6 PM CET.The relevant documents (application and nomination forms) are attached to the present announcement: Elections of the Member of the FIDE Constitutional Commission – CANDIDATE APPLICATION FORM (DOCX) Recommended Form for Nomination by Member Federation (DOCX)
FIDE 2026 Elections: Presidential ticket candidacies announced
The 2026 FIDE Presidential election will be held on September 26, 2026, at the FIDE General Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Each Member Federation represented in the General Assembly and in the assemblies of FIDE continents has one vote. List of Member federations having voting powers (July 28, 2026). According to the 2026 FIDE Elections timeline, by 6 pm CEST on July 26, Presidential candidacies had to reach the FIDE Office. Following the deadline, the FIDE Electoral Commission consisting of Roberto Rivello (chairman of the Constitutional Commission), Yolander Persaud (chairwoman of the Ethics and Disciplinary Commission) and Allen Priest (chairman of the Verification Commission) held an online meeting. In accordance with art. 21.8 of the Electoral rules, FIDE Offices announce that the Electoral Commission, after a preliminary exam, approved the following list of valid Presidential ticket candidacies: Jan Henric Buettner and Malcolm Pein Wadim Rosenstein and Gordon Tang Timur Turlov and Viswanathan Anand The full version of the Electoral Commission report (July 27, 2027) is published [HERE] About the candidates (texts from their application forms): Jan Henric Buettner Jan Henric Buettner (b. 1964) is an international entrepreneur, investor, sports innovator, and philanthropist with more than three decades of experience building global organizations, raising investment capital, creating strategic partnerships, and leading complex international businesses. Throughout his career Buettner has founded and developed companies in the fields of telecommunications, internet technology, venture capital, luxury hospitality, and sports, including helping to establish AOL Europe, founding BV Capital (now Headline Ventures), and creating the award-winning WEISSENHAUS Private Nature Luxury Resort. In recent years he has focused increasingly on chess. As co-founder of Freestyle Chess alongside Magnus Carlsen, Buettner has demonstrated an ability to attract significant commercial investment, global media attention, and new audiences to the game while working closely with the world’s leading players, organizers, sponsors, and broadcasters. His experience in building sustainable business models, securing sponsorship, organizing world-class events, and developing long-term strategic partnerships provides skills that are directly relevant to the future growth of FIDE. Throughout his professional career, he has worked internationally across Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia, building relationships with business leaders, governments, investors, and sporting organizations. His leadership style emphasizes listening, partnership, transparency, and long-term value creation. As a candidate for FIDE President, Buettner seeks to apply this experience to strengthen FIDE’s member federations, expand participation in chess worldwide, professionalize the federation’s commercial activities, increase revenues through sponsorship and media, and ensure that the benefits of this growth are shared equitably among all member federations. He believes that FIDE’s greatest responsibility is to serve its 203 member federations. His vision is of a stronger, more transparent, and financially sustainable federation that creates more opportunities for players, organizers, arbiters, coaches, and national federations alike, while growing the global chess ecosystem through innovation, education, technology, and responsible governance. Website: https://janhenricbuettner.com Wadim Rosenstein Wadim Rosenstein (b. 1990) is an entrepreneur, the founder of WR Chess, and Chairman of WR Group Holding. According to his ticket, he declares his candidacy for FIDE President, with a clear vision of what this institution can become through modernization: an organisation that puts federations first, is professionally managed, commercially stronger, future-ready, and truly international – in both its identity and its conduct. He holds an EMBA from the SGMI Management Institut St. Gallen, Switzerland. Rosenstein’s career began in 2009 at ThyssenKrupp in Germany, followed by an executive position at Siemag Tecberg Group. Since September 2014 Rosenstein has served as Chairman of WR Group, the company he founded, which has grown into a diversified global enterprise operating in 70 countries, specialising in logistics, heavy engineering, and IT, with additional interests in real estate development and international sports initiatives. According to Rosenstein, ambition, structure, and teamwork define these businesses – and they define his approach to chess. Chess has been central to his life since childhood. It shaped how he thinks, how he prepares, and how he leads. He has been a competitive player since 2001. Over the years, and alongside his success in business, he has supported chess in various ways – primarily through sponsorship but also by organising events and building structures for long-term growth: created the WR Chess Masters in Düsseldorf and London, established WR Chess Juniors, and supported youth championships in Italy and Brazil. Rosenstein has sponsored federations, clubs, and emerging talents across continents. He initiated and helped build the World Rapid & Blitz Team Championship, uniting elite grandmasters and club players. It is today the strongest team championship in global chess and a permanent fixture in the FIDE calendar. He has recently launched the WR Women’s Chess Tour, a series of four elite tournaments for women players. He also established several elite tournaments under WR Chess Masters. Rosenstein is currently the Delegate of the German Chess Federation (Deutsche Schachbund – DSB). Website: https://wr2026.com Timur Turlov Timur Turlov (b. 1987) is a Kazakhstani entrepreneur, financier, and international chess patron, best known as the founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. A specialist in international financial markets and brokerage services, Turlov has built one of the leading financial ecosystems in Central Asia, expanding Freedom’s operations across Kazakhstan, Europe, and the United States. Under his leadership, Freedom Holding Corp. became publicly traded on NASDAQ and significantly broadened its presence in banking, insurance, telecommunications, and digital services. Alongside his business career, Turlov has become an influential figure in the development of chess and sports in Kazakhstan and internationally. Since 2025, he has served as President of the International School Chess Federation, promoting chess education and youth participation worldwide. He has also been the President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation since 2023, supporting the rapid growth of chess infrastructure, scholastic programmes and international events in Kazakhstan. Turlov focuses on integrating chess into education and public life, advocating for broader access to the game among children and young people. Under his leadership, Kazakhstan has strengthened its position as an emerging global chess hub, hosting major international tournaments and expanding support for elite, women’s, and youth chess. He also promotes partnerships
Geneva to host FIDE World Championship Match 2026
The FIDE World Championship Match 2026 between reigning World Champion Gukesh D and Challenger Javokhir Sindarov will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from November 25 to December 15. Both Gukesh, representing India, and Sindarov, representing Uzbekistan, will be 20 years old when the event begins, making it the youngest World Championship contest in history. FIDE Interim President Viswanathan Anand welcomed the announcement: “Several countries expressed a strong interest in hosting the FIDE World Championship Match, including India, the United States and Cyprus. After carefully considering all the proposals, FIDE has decided to stage the match on neutral soil and bring it to Geneva, a city with a historic tradition of bringing nations and cultures together. We look forward to welcoming the global chess community to Switzerland. The local chess fans will have the opportunity to experience world-class chess in person, while millions of fans around the globe can follow the battle online as the duel for the highest title in chess unfolds.” “This is a truly special day for Swiss chess,” says André Vögtlin, President of the Swiss Chess Federation (SSB), commenting on the selection of Geneva as host city for the World Championship. “Twenty-two years after Brissago, an event of global chess significance is returning to Switzerland. For us, this is far more than wonderful news – it’s a defining moment for chess in our country, one that fills us with both joy and motivation.” Hosting an event of this magnitude is, according to Vögtlin, a great honour – but not only that. “It’s also a unique opportunity to raise the public profile of chess in Switzerland even further and to inspire new players to take up our sport. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing regular updates on how we’re using this mega-event to boost the popularity of the ‘royal game’ in our country,” he added. About the Match The FIDE World Championship Match is the pinnacle of the FIDE World Championship Cycle, bringing together the reigning World Champion and the challenger who has earned the right to compete for the crown. As reigning champion, Gukesh will defend the crown he won in Singapore in December 2024. At the age of 18, he defeated China’s Ding Liren, securing victory in the fourteenth and final classical game to become the 18th World Champion and the youngest player ever to hold the title. Sindarov earned his opportunity to challenge for the crown by winning the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 in Cyprus. The Uzbek grandmaster secured first place with a round to spare, adding another major achievement to his victory at the 2025 FIDE World Cup. Their match in Geneva will place two of the defining players of chess’s new generation opposite one another, with the World Championship title at stake. Match format The FIDE World Championship Match will consist of 14 classical games. The first player to score 7½ points will win the match, with no further games played once that score has been reached. Should the score be tied after all 14 classical games, the World Champion will be decided through tiebreaks. Further information concerning match regulations, detailed schedule, tickets, spectator access, media accreditation and accompanying events will be announced in due course.
FIDE Capacity Building Seminar Supports African Federations
In the framework of the African Chess Confederation (ACC) General Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, FIDE organised a Capacity Building Seminar for national chess federations across the continent. The seminar brought together FIDE officials, Commission Chairs and Secretaries, representatives of affiliated organisations, ACC delegates, federation presidents and national federation officials to exchange knowledge and best practices on strengthening chess administration and development. The programme covered a broad range of topics, including federation governance, strategic planning, access to FIDE development funding, Chess in Education, training of arbiters and chess managers, women’s empowerment, and other initiatives aimed at strengthening national chess ecosystems. The Capacity Building Seminar is designed to provide federation leaders with practical tools and proven approaches that can be adapted to their local needs. FIDE’s commitment to developing national federations Dana Reizniece, Acting Chair of the FIDE Management Board, presented the federation’s global development programmes, including the Development Fund, capacity-building initiatives, and social and educational projects. “In 2026, FIDE has 204 national chess federations as its members, 135 of which belong to Levels 3 to 5 – the developing federations. To ensure the global growth of chess, FIDE provides services and support to federations, professionals and the worldwide chess community, helping to develop chess at every level through funding, education, capacity building and social initiatives.” She emphasized that the overarching objective of FIDE’s development work is to build stronger federations, empower chess professionals and grow the global chess community. Between 2019 and 2025, the FIDE Development Fund invested €9.39 million in continental and zonal events, chess equipment, educational initiatives, social programmes, training and other projects designed to strengthen chess structures around the world. Reizniece also highlighted FIDE’s extensive Olympiad Support Programmes. Since 2022, travel subsidies for the Chess Olympiads and Chess Olympiads for People with Disabilities have exceeded €8 million, helping developing federations participate in FIDE’s flagship events. Other initiatives include: Olympiad Trainers Support Programme, offering free online and on-site coaching; ChessMoms, supporting players competing with young children; the Queens’ Gambit Challenge, which has provided free training for 480 female players from 50 countries to help establish and strengthen new women’s national teams, and others. Kazakhstan as a model for chess development Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and President of the International School Chess Federation, presented Kazakhstan’s experience as an example of a successful national development strategy. “The experience of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation shows what is possible when there is a clear vision and consistent execution. This is a practical model that can be adapted and scaled globally. We can offer a proven, measurable and replicable approach that empowers every federation to grow.” He highlighted Kazakhstan’s remarkable progress in recent years. Since 2023, the country has become home to one of the world’s strongest youth national teams and has achieved a series of historic sporting successes, including: Women’s Chess Olympiad silver medallists at Budapest 2024 World Junior Champion (Open Under-20) Three Women’s World Blitz Championship titles Silver medals at the World Rapid & Blitz Team Championship Expanding Chess in Education Another key presentation focused on introducing chess into national education systems. Anzel Laubscher, Senior Lead Instructor for FIDE’s Chess in Education programme, outlined a practical roadmap for federations wishing to launch Chess in Schools initiatives. Her presentation covered cooperation with governments, engagement with ministries of education, pilot projects, long-term implementation strategies and the educational resources available through FIDE. “The FIDE Education Commission provides guidance, internationally recognised training pathways, and educational resources to support implementation. Working within the FIDE framework allows countries to benefit from years of international experience while adapting programmes to local needs.” Professional development, fair play and women’s empowerment The seminar also featured presentations on professional development for arbiters and initiatives aimed at making chess more inclusive across Africa. Ivan Syrovy, Chair of the FIDE Arbiters’ Commission, delivered a presentation on the principles of FIDE nominations for arbiters and shared practical advice on building a successful career as a professional arbiter. He highlighted the current strength of the African arbiters’ community, which includes 1,982 registered arbiters: 234 International Arbiters (including 23 Women International Arbiters) and 427 FIDE Arbiters (including 84 Women FIDE Arbiters). Syrovy outlined the professional development pathways available for arbiters and Fair Play officials, explained the requirements for appointments to FIDE World events, and discussed the technical expertise, integrity and organisational skills required for these important roles. Another presentation was delivered by Erick Takawira, Councillor of the FIDE Social Commission, who focused on women’s empowerment and social development through chess in Africa. “Chess can build skills and a strong sense of belonging. The issue is not talent – it is access and opportunity. Women and girls need safe places where they can play, grow and lead; coaching that keeps them engaged; and clear pathways into training, arbitration and leadership.” Takawira presented a number of initiatives implemented by the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess to expand opportunities for women. These include free courses and seminars for female players, arbiters, coaches and organisers, structured training programmes for national women’s Olympiad teams, community projects combining chess with life and leadership skills, and support for mothers who wish to continue competing while raising young children. These presentations reinforced FIDE’s commitment to developing skilled chess professionals and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in and contribute to the growth of the game. Supporting federations worldwide Throughout the seminar, participants learned about the wide range of support available to FIDE member federations, including: Development Funding Federation Capacity Building Olympiad Support Programmes Professional Training Courses Open Tournament Grants Women’s Development Programmes Chess in Education Social and Inclusion Programmes The Capacity Building Seminar reaffirmed FIDE’s commitment to supporting national federations with practical expertise, financial assistance and educational resources, enabling them to strengthen their organisations and expand the reach of chess in their respective countries.