ACC General Assembly takes place in Addis Ababa; Benard Wanjala elected President
The 10th African Chess Confederation (ACC) Electoral General Assembly took place today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where delegates from across the continent elected new leadership for the organization. Following a closely contested election for the presidency, the candidates received the following votes: Benard Wanjala (Kenya) – 25 votes Tshepiso Lopang (Botswana) – 24 votes Consequently, Benard Wanjala was elected President of the African Chess Confederation. The newly elected ACC leadership is as follows: President: Benard Wanjala (Kenya) Deputy President: Mohamed Abdulla Mohamed (Somalia) Vice President – Administration: Barthelemy Bongo Akanga Ndjila (Gabon) Vice President – Technical: Andre Lewaks (South Africa) Vice President – Region A: Christiana Naa Merley Ashley (Ghana) Vice President – Region B: Chouari Wajdi (Tunisia) Vice President – Region C: Mario Lourenço (Angola) Secretary General: Otto Nakapunda (Namibia) Treasurer: Kouassi Nguessan Justin Brou (Côte d’Ivoire) “I am deeply humbled and sincerely grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me by electing me as President of the African Chess Confederation. This victory is not mine alone – it belongs to everyone who believes in the growth, unity, and bright future of chess across our great continent. Thank you to every delegate who participated in this democratic process and to everyone who supported, encouraged, and believed in our shared vision,” said Benard Wanjala in his inaugural address. FIDE congratulates Benard Wanjala and the newly elected African Chess Confederation leadership and wishes them every success in advancing chess across the continent. FIDE looks forward to continuing its close cooperation with the ACC to promote the development of chess throughout Africa.
FIDE Chess in Education Commission (EDU) courses July–September 2026
Dear Chess Friends, FIDE’s Chess in Education Commission continues to accelerate its provision of training for Lecturers and Teachers of Educational Chess, offering a series of high-level online and in-person opportunities in summer and autumn 2026. The Preparation of Lecturers (PoL) course leads to the FIDE titles of Lead School Instructor (LSI) and Senior Lead Instructor (SLI). It is intended primarily for those who will train teachers, helping to expand the global community of educators capable of teaching chess in an educational way. The Preparation of Teachers (PoT) course leads to the FIDE title of School Instructor (SI). This 3-day (15-hour) training equips participants with pedagogical methods, digital tools, and practical strategies for teaching chess as an educational tool. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive exclusive lifelong benefits, including: Lifelong access to the Opening Master Premium chess database, featuring over 10 million official over-the-board human games Access to the Chesspertise Platform, integrating database search, analysis, training, and coaching tools in one unified environment The FIDE Teachers Chess Curriculum, a valuable lifelong teaching resource to support and enhance work in chess education The schedule of the FIDE EDU upcoming courses is below: To join, please register via the following links: Preparation of Teachers (POT) online course for the Americas and other Western countries – July 31 – August 2Register: https://cloud.fide.com/s/qrrnyMHRKCaTTgH Preparation of Teachers (POT) online course for Ghana –August 6-9Register: https://shorturl.at/R1i7e Preparation of Teachers (POT) online course in Spanish for women – August 7-9Register: https://cloud.fide.com/s/JqpkeaaPYLPY7rP 40th Preparation of Teachers (POT) online course for the FIDE School Instructor (SI) title – August 14-16 Register: https://cloud.fide.com/s/nYbZzXNwo4E5Wax 41st Preparation of Teachers (POT) online course for the FIDE School Instructor (SI) title – September 4-6 Register: https://cloud.fide.com/f/920847 Our dedicated Chess in Education website has further details: edu.fide.com/
Three Presidential Tickets Submitted to FIDE Office Ahead of 2026 Elections
Today at 18:00 CEST, the nomination period for the 2026 FIDE Presidential Elections officially closed. Before the deadline, the FIDE Office received three presidential tickets (listed in alphabetical order by the presidential candidate): Jan Henric Buettner for President and Mr. Malcolm Pein for Deputy President Wadim Rosenstein for President and Mr. Gordon Tang for Deputy President Timur Turlov for President and Mr. Viswanathan Anand for Deputy President In accordance with Article 21 of the FIDE Electoral Rules (Election of the President and Deputy President), the Electoral Commission (ELC) will now conduct a preliminary examination of the submitted candidacies and approve the list of valid presidential tickets. The approved list will be published on the FIDE website and made available to all Member Federations. As part of this process, the ELC will verify that each application contains all information and declarations required under Article 5.2 of the Electoral Rules and that all eligibility requirements set out in Article 4.1 have been satisfied. The 2026 FIDE Presidential Election will take place on September 26, 2026, during the FIDE General Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Each Member Federation represented at the General Assembly is entitled to one vote.
Winners crowned at 28th Asian Youth Chess Championships in Shenzhen, China
The main competition with classical time control at the 28th Asian Youth Chess Championships delivered a dramatic conclusion in Shenzhen, China, with closely contested titles, decisive tie-breaks, and strong team performances across all 12 sections (9-round Swiss tournaments). Six Boys and two Girls tournaments required tie-breaks to determine the gold medalist. Boys Under 8 Boys Under 10 Boys Under 12 Boys Under 14 Boys Under 16 Boys Under 18 Girls Under 10 Girls Under 16 The frequency of ties reflected the competitive balance throughout the tournament. In several sections, the difference between gold and silver was determined only after all the games of the final round had been completed. Vietnam collected the highest total number of individual medals. Truong Phuc Nhat Nguyen recorded the strongest winning score of 8/9 in the standard competition. The podium finishers in each category were as follows: Boys Under 8 🥇 Truong Phuc Nhat Nguyen (Vietnam) – 8/9 🥈 Zhang Ruike (China) – 8 🥉 Jin Yuxin (China) – 7 Girls Under 8 🥇 Saiaastha Singh (India) – 7/9 🥈 Gasanova, Aiat (FIDE) – 6½ 🥉 Zhu Xianshuo (China) – 6½ Boys Under 10 🥇 Adilbek, Adinur (Kazakhstan) – 7½/9 🥈 Guo Ziming (China) – 7½ 🥉 CM Nematillakhonov, Nurmuhammad (Uzbekistan) – 7 Girls Under 10 🥇 Zhu Jiahe (China) – 7½/9 🥈 Nguyen Vu Bao Chau (Vietnam) – 7½ 🥉 Ly Kha Han (Vietnam) – 6½ Boys Under 12 🥇 CM Tulegen, Ramazan (Kazakhstan) – 7½/9 🥈 CM Le Phan Hoang Quan (Vietnam) – 7½ 🥉 CM Nguyen Quang Anh (Vietnam) – 7½ Girls Under 12 🥇 WFM Yunker, Alisa Genrietta (FIDE) – 7/9 🥈 Peng Jingyi (China) – 6½ 🥉 WCM Filippova, Milana (Kazakhstan) – 6½ Boys Under 14 🥇 FM Kakavand, Ramtin (Iran) – 7/9 🥈 Nguyen Le Nguyen (Vietnam) – 7 🥉 FM Abdsattar, Alisher (Kazakhstan) – 7 Girls Under 14 🥇 WCM Maitreyi Mondal (India) – 7½/9 🥈 WCM Tursunalieva Nurelina (Kyrgyzstan) – 7 🥉 Kalugina, Maria (FIDE) – 7 Boys Under 16 🥇 FM Puzyrevsky, Semyon (FIDE) – 7/9 🥈 CM Alaghehmand, Arshia (Iran) – 7 🥉 IM Dinh Nho Kiet (Vietnam) – 6½ Girls Under 16 🥇 Tong Yiyi (China) – 7½/9 🥈 Ebrahimi, Rashti Asal (Iran) – 7½ 🥉 WFM Iudina, Veronika (FIDE) – 6½ Boys Under 18 🥇 FM Volkov, Maksim (FIDE) – 6½/9 🥈 IM Banh Gia Huy (Vietnam) – 6½ 🥉 Ahmadi, Erfan (Iran) – 6½ Girls Under 18 🥇 WFM Ton Nu Quynh Duong (Vietnam) – 7½/9 🥈 WFM Alavi, Mahsa (Iran) – 6½ 🥉 WIM Nguyen Binh Vy (Vietnam) – 6½ Complete standings and results The competition with classical time control in Shenzhen showcased the depth and growing strength of youth chess across Asia. With eight individual titles decided by tie-breaks, the 2026 championship will be remembered for its narrow margins, intense final-round pressure and an exceptional level of competition across all age categories. Vietnam and China each collected 11 team medals, but Vietnam secured first place through its six gold medals. Together, Vietnam and China occupied 22 of the 36 available team podium positions. Text and photos: 28th Asian Youth Chess Championships Official website: https://aycc2026.chesstournament.org/
Leonardo Costa and Jana Schneider newly crowned German champions
Leonardo Costa and Jana Schneider have emerged as the new German chess champions, both securing their second national titles. The 2026 edition of the German Championship took place in Dresden from July 17 to 25. Both the DEM-Meisterklasse (Open) and the DFEM-Meisterklasse (Women’s) were 10-player round-robins played with classical time control. Although the Open event did not attract all of Germany’s top players – notably, 2025 champion Vincent Keymer opted not to defend his title – the starting field was still impressive, featuring seven Grandmasters. After a draw against Niclas Huschenbeth in the opening round, Costa defeated Luis Engel and Dennis Wagner in the following two rounds to seize the lead. A loss to Alexander Donchenko in round four didn’t throw him off his game. Unfazed, Costa beat Georg Braun and sealed his momentum in the penultimate round with a victory over Bennet Hagner. Despite losing their direct encounter to Costa, Engel bounced back with two consecutive wins and caught up to his main rival heading into the final round. However, a draw against Dmitrij Kollars brought the 18-year-old Costa to six points out of nine rounds, securing the title as his main rival fell to Alexander Donchenko. “I’m very happy. No matter how well you prepare for a tournament, you can never expect a win like this. You always need a bit of luck,” Costa said right after his final game. Final standings – DEM-Meisterklasse The women’s event that developed into a race of Jana Schneider and Diana Wagner was equally exciting, with the champion decided in the final round. Going into Round 9 Schneider and Wagner shared the lead on 6/8 with Lara Schulze and Kateryna Dolzhykova trailing by just a half-point. Schneider recorded a crucial victory over Dolzhykova and clinched the title with an excellent score of 7/9. Meanwhile, Wagner fell to FM Lara Schulze, who overtook her to claim silver. Sarah Papp came in third, and Wagner took fourth place based on tiebreaks. Schneider remained undefeated throughout the entire tournament, achieving five wins and four draws. “It still sounds a bit unreal,” she said a few minutes after her triumph. “I still can’t quite believe it.” Final standings – DFEM-Masterklasse Photo: Finn Engesser and Deutscher Schachbund Official website: https://www.schachbund.de/
Costa Rica to host the American Continental Stage of World Schools Team Championship 2026
San José, Costa Rica – For the first time, Central America takes its place on the world chess map. From 11 to 16 August 2026, San José will welcome the best young minds of a continent as Costa Rica hosts the American Continental Stage of the FIDE-ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 (WSTC). Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari, the championship gathers top school teams from across the Americas: from Mexico to Peru, from Jamaica to Barbados – each competing for a place in the Grand Final against the champions of the other continental stages. It is a historic milestone. Never before has this stage of the World Schools Team Championship been held in Costa Rica or Central America, and its arrival turns San José into a meeting point for youth, education and sport at the highest level. Organised by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the International Schools Chess Federation (ISCF), together with the Costa Rican Chess Federation and the Confederation of Chess for the Americas (CCA), the event takes place within the framework of the Year of Chess in Education 2026, a joint FIDE-ISCF initiative, supported by Freedom Holding Corp., that brings chess into classrooms and national education systems around the world. Chess that lasts beyond the final move The FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 – American Continental Stage brings together the strongest school teams from across the Americas. But the championship is also a meeting point for educators, policymakers, federations, and families who share a common belief: chess has an important role to play in shaping how children learn. Held during the Year of Chess in Education 2026, the event reflects a growing global movement. Around the world, countries are integrating chess into education to strengthen critical thinking, decision-making, resilience, and creativity. The championship creates an opportunity not only to compete, but also to exchange experience, strengthen partnerships, and help successful ideas reach more schools and more children. Smart Moves Americas: Governments That Think Ahead A central part of the championship week is Smart Moves Americas: Governments That Think Ahead, the ministerial conference organised by the International School Chess Federation and the Confederation of Chess for the Americas. Held on 12 August at the Cariari Country Club as a flagship event of the Year of Chess in Education 2026, officially declared by FIDE and ISCF, the conference will bring together ministers, education authorities, curriculum leaders, teacher-training specialists, government representatives, and international partners to exchange proven practices, strengthen regional partnerships, and support the sustainable expansion of Chess in Education across the Americas. The conference focuses on practical experience rather than theory. Participants will explore national case studies, teacher development, curriculum integration, and approaches that have already demonstrated results in different education systems. Delegations are expected from across the region, including representatives from Costa Rica, Barbados, El Salvador, Panama, United States, the Dominican Republic, and other countries of the Americas, creating an unprecedented regional platform for policy dialogue and professional exchange. The conference program includes: Registration & Networking Coffee Opening Ceremony From Vision to National Action a ministerial panel exploring national leadership, policy development and successful government initiatives. Memorandum Signing Ceremony – reinforcing regional cooperation and long-term collaboration in Chess in Education. Launch of the Beacons League School Certification Program – a joint initiative introducing the first certification framework for Costa Rican schools implementing Chess in Education. Chess School Awards – recognising schools demonstrating outstanding leadership and innovation in Chess in Education. Networking Lunch Playing the Long Game: Building Sustainable Chess in Education – exploring the foundations of long-term success in Chess in Education, from policy and partnerships to funding, teacher capacity, localisation and evidence, with perspectives from countries at different stages of implementation. Networking Coffee One Board. Millions of Classrooms – bringing together education experts and curriculum specialists to explore teaching methodologies, interdisciplinary learning, classroom practices, and innovative ways to embed chess across the curriculum. Smart Moves Americas is designed to connect those who shape education policy with those who shape classroom practice. By bringing together decision-makers and education practitioners in the same room, the conference creates a shared space where successful experiences can be exchanged, adapted, and transformed into long-term regional cooperation. Learning beyond competition Throughout the championship, participants will have access to a comprehensive educational program designed for students, teachers, parents, coaches and federation officials. The week includes: Smart Moves: Girls Who Lead, developed in partnership with the Confederation of Chess for America, promoting the participation and empowerment of girls and women in chess through a girls’ masterclass and blitz tournament. Chess in Subject, demonstrating practical ways to integrate chess into classroom teaching across different subjects. ISCF Master Class Series – Raising Champions: From Talent to Title, exploring long-term player development and the role of families, coaches and schools. Simul with a Twist, an interactive simultaneous exhibition where spectators become part of the game through collective decision-making. Kahoot Chess Quiz, bringing together learning and competition in an engaging format. Sustainability and community initiatives, including environmental activities and collaborative sessions developed with international partners. Every activity has been designed with the same objective: helping participants leave with new knowledge, new ideas, and new connections that continue long after the championship has ended. A stage for the continent The championship will be attended by senior officials and distinguished guests from across the Americas, including José Antonio Carrillo Pujol, President of FIDE Americas (CCA); Hon. Chad J. Blackman, M.P., Minister of Educational Transformation of Barbados; Dalila Beatriz Beltrán de Menjívar, National Director of School Coexistence at MINEDUCYT, El Salvador; and Andrea Marshall-Harris, International Director of the Barbados Chess Federation – alongside educators and speakers such as Robert McLellan (National Scholastic Chess Foundation, USA) and WFM Amelia Hernández (USA/Venezuela). For Costa Rica, the tournament is more than a sporting occasion. It is an opportunity to showcase the country’s commitment to youth, education, and international cooperation – and to welcome the continent to a week where every young player, whatever the result, leaves with something that lasts.
Levon Aronian wins Biel Masters on debut
He was one of the very few players from the world’s elite who had never previously competed at the Biel Chess Festival, and now he has won on his first attempt: Levon Aronian. The former world number two claimed the 2026 Masters Triathlon, thanks in particular to outstanding performances in the fast-paced rapid and blitz disciplines. Aydin Süleymanli finished second, ahead of Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus and Lê Quang Liêm. The Generations Challenge was won by Václav Finěk, the youngest player in the competition. The young Czech put in an excellent performance across all three disciplines, leaving Xiao Tong and Marco Materia in second and third place, respectively. The Biel Chess Festival featured the Masters Triathlon, the Generations Challenge, and several side events. Both the Masters and the Challenge were 6-player round-robins that combined three different time controls (blitz, rapid, and classical), with results counting toward a cumulative final score. The top four players from the triathlon then competed in an additional classical single round-robin. Masters Triathlon: Aronian wins ahead of Süleymanli and Erdogmus The situation looked highly favorable for Levon Aronian heading into the final round as the sole leader. Trailing by four points, his closest rival and final-round opponent, Aydin Süleymanli, had to go for a win with the black pieces to overtake him. However, the American played virtually flawlessly, leaving Süleymanli with no winning opportunities, and the game ended in a draw by threefold repetition. Aronian proved to be rock-solid in classical chess, drawing all eight of his classical games. Combined with his outstanding performances in rapid (9/10 points) and blitz (8½/10 points), he finished with a total of 29½ points, thereby clinching the 2026 Biel Masters Triathlon. With his victory in Biel, Levon Aronian – the 43-year-old Armenian-born player who has represented the USA since 2021 – adds yet another title to his impressive resume. Once ranked number two in the world, he achieved the fourth-highest Elo rating of all time in 2014 with 2830. He has now been playing at the very highest international level for over 20 years, and with Aronian, the Biel Chess Festival has a highly worthy winner for 2026. Aydin Süleymanli finished in second place. Had the Azerbaijani won his final-round game, he could have even secured the tournament title. He would have finished level on points with Aronian and would have claimed the trophy thanks to a superior performance in the ACCENTUS Chess960 tiebreak. Still, second place remains a major success for Süleymanli. According to his pre-tournament Elo rating, he was ranked only fifth out of the six players. Above all, he was called up at short notice to replace Yakubboev, who was unable to participate, meaning he could not prepare as thoroughly as his rivals. The other two players, Lê Quang Liêm and Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, also had a chance of finishing second; a win would have given either of them the opportunity to overtake Süleymanli. Lê could well have managed this: his b-pawn advanced all the way to the seventh rank, and with flawless play, he could have converted this advantage into a win. However, it was not to be, as Erdogmus escaped with a draw by repetition. As a result, the two tied on points for third and fourth place, with Erdogmus taking the final podium spot thanks to a better ACCENTUS Chess960 score. Finěk Captures the Generations Challenge Václav Finěk celebrated a start-to-finish victory in the Generations Challenge. He seized the lead on the very first day in the rapid discipline and never relinquished it. Hot on his heels was Xiao Tong, against whom Finěk had to defend his lead in the final round. As in the Masters, the closest challenger needed a final-round win to catch the leader. However, Xiao could only manage a draw, meaning that Finěk – at sixteen, the youngest player in the Generations Challenge – secured the victory. Finěk performed strongly across all three disciplines of the triathlon, finishing first in classical and rapid chess and just a half-point behind Xiao (who was the best in that discipline) in the blitz portion. With this victory, the Generations Challenge crowns a winner who has not yet been awarded the Grandmaster title. Currently ranked as an International Master (IM), Finěk is highly likely to earn his GM title very soon. Xiao Tong finished in second place behind Finěk. The young Chinese player had already competed in the open Masters tournament in Biel two years ago at the age of 15. On his return this year, he too put in a strong performance, confirming his status as the field’s highest-ranked player. Behind him, Marco Materia rounded out the podium. He, too, has competed in the Biel Masters tournament three times in recent years and has now had the chance to prove himself at this level. The long-established Open Masters Tournament has crowned Christian Glöckler, aged just 14, as its winner. In the Amateur Tournament, meanwhile, Dimitrios Alexakis came out on top. During the closing ceremony on Friday morning in the lobby of the Biel Congress Centre, the four most prestigious sets of medals from the Biel Chess Festival were awarded: those from the Masters and Generations Challenge of the Grandmaster Triathlons, as well as those from the two open tournaments – one lasting ten days and the other nine – the Masters Open Tournament MTO and the Amateur Tournament ATO. In his opening remarks, Organising Committee President Peter Bohnenblust looked back on a successful 59th edition of the Biel Chess Festival, thanking the festival’s partners for their support and the participants for their performances at the board. Speaking on behalf of the City of Biel, Municipal Councillor Lena Frank emphasised the festival’s importance as an event that brings people from all over the world together in Biel. Prabitha Urwyler, a member of the Central Board of the Swiss Chess Federation, highlighted the festival’s outstanding importance within the Swiss chess scene. Winner Levon Aronian also took the opportunity to address those present from the podium
6th Intercontinental Chess Championship for Prisoners and Chess for Freedom Conference: Registration now open
FIDE and the Chess for Freedom initiative are pleased to announce that registration is now open for two major upcoming events aimed at promoting rehabilitation, education and international cooperation through chess: the 6th Intercontinental Chess Championship for Prisoners and the Chess for Freedom Conference. 6th Intercontinental Chess Championship for Prisoners The 6th Intercontinental Chess Championship for Prisoners will take place 15– 17 October 2026, bringing together correctional institutions from around the world for one of the largest international sporting events held inside prisons. Since its launch in 2021, the championship has united thousands of incarcerated players representing dozens of countries, demonstrating the unique power of chess to foster critical thinking, discipline, communication and hope. The event has become a cornerstone of the Chess for Freedom programme, highlighting the positive role that chess can play in rehabilitation and personal development. In 2025, the 5th edition of the FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners has set a new participation record, with 135 teams from 57 countries. Teams and composition Teams from correctional facilities across the globe are invited to participate, with each country able to register up to three teams: one representing male inmates, one for female inmates, and one for juveniles under 20 years old. Countries that hold national prison chess tournaments may be granted additional teams. In cases where needed, teams can include players from multiple facilities. Each team is composed of four players with an unlimited number of substitutes, all of whom must be incarcerated individuals. Their names and identities will remain protected unless disclosure is permitted by local laws for media purposes. Format The event will take place on Chess.com using a time control of 10 minutes plus a 5-second increment per move. On October 15, teams will compete in round-robin groups of up to eight teams, grouped by time zone to ensure fair play conditions. No two teams from the same country will be placed in the same group. The top two teams from each group will move on to the Championship Round on October 16. On October 17, the best teams from each category, men’s, women’s, and youth, will battle for the championship title, while the next two will fight for the third-place spot. Correctional institutions wishing to participate in the 2026 event are invited to complete the registration form. Registration for the 6th Intercontinental Chess Championship for Prisoners: 6th Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners October 13-15, 2026 – Google Forms The deadline for registration and additional technical information will be communicated directly to registered participants. Chess for Freedom Conference 2027 Registration is also open for the next Chess for Freedom Conference, which will be held in Chicago, USA, from 17–19 March 2027. The conference will bring together representatives of prison administrations, policymakers, academics, chess federations, researchers and practitioners from around the world to exchange experiences and discuss best practices in implementing chess-based educational and rehabilitation programmes in correctional facilities. Participants will have the opportunity to attend presentations, panel discussions and workshops dedicated to the social impact of chess, rehabilitation initiatives and international cooperation. Conference registration: Chess for Freedom Conference Registration Form March 17-19, 2027 – Google Forms Upon receiving the completed registration form, the organizers will issue invitation letters for participants who require visas to travel to the United States. About Chess for Freedom The Chess for Freedom programme is a joint initiative of FIDE and Cook County (Chicago, USA) Department of Corrections under Sheriff Thomas Dart, launched to promote chess as an educational and rehabilitative tool in correctional facilities worldwide. Through international competitions, conferences and educational activities, the programme continues to expand its global reach, encouraging cooperation between prison systems while demonstrating how chess can contribute to personal growth, learning and successful reintegration into society. FIDE invites prison administrations, national chess federations and partner organizations to take part in these landmark events and continue strengthening the global Chess for Freedom community. Official website: https://chessforfreedom.fide.com/
Statement by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich
Today, the EU decision to include my name in the 21st sanctions list was published. I want to state unequivocally that I consider this decision unlawful and unfair, and this decision will be immediately challenged by all possible means. I am confident that justice will prevail. However, given that until a formal court decision is rendered and/or such decision is cancelled or amended, these sanctions could hinder the stable functioning of FIDE, I have decided to voluntarily suspend the exercise of my powers and duties as FIDE President with immediate effect and for as long as I remain subject to sanctions under the EU and Swiss laws and regulations. In accordance with the FIDE Charter, the duties of the President will be assumed by the FIDE Deputy President, the 15th World Champion, Viswanathan Anand. I would like to emphasize that I believe in the FIDE Council and I am confident that the FIDE Council and administration will overcome all challenges and do the utmost to safeguard the continuous work of FIDE, its events and social programs. Taking into account the statement above, the FIDE Council has decided the following: The FIDE Council accepts and ratifies the decision of Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich to suspend the exercise of his rights, duties and prerogatives as President of the FIDE. Accordingly, Mr. Dvorkovich will not exercise the responsibilities, duties, rights and prerogatives provided by the FIDE Charter, particularly article 18 of the FIDE Charter, and other regulations as long as the measures provided by the “Ordonnance instituant des mesures en lien avec la situation en Ukraine” and the EU Regulations No 269/2014, are in force. Specifically, Mr. Dvorkovich shall not act in the capacity of “détenteur de contrôle” (“owner, holder or controller”) of FIDE or its assets. In accordance with article 19.2 of the FIDE Charter, Mr. Anand Viswanathan, Deputy President of FIDE, shall act as Interim President as long as Mr. Dvorkovich is subject to the restrictive measures provided by the Swiss and EU laws and regulations in force.
Alireza Firouzja wins Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2026
Alireza Firouzja emerged as the winner of the fourth edition of the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters. The Iran-born Frenchman scored 4.5/7 and finished a half-point ahead of Dmitry Andreikin and Arjun Erigaisi. The fourth edition of the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters, India’s strongest classical chess tournament, featured a highly competitive field of closely rated players. Firouzja seized an early lead with victories over Pranesh M and World Champion Gukesh D, and never relinquished this position, despite drawing the rest of his games. Heading into the final round a half-point ahead of Erigaisi and Nodirbek Abdusattorov, he faced Erigaisi with the white pieces, while Abdusattorov took on Andreikin with Black. Firouzja confidently steered the game toward a draw and secured the title. Meanwhile, Andreikin, who had drawn his first six games, prevailed over Abdusattorov in a topsy-turvy encounter to catch up with Erigaisi for shared second place. Thanks to a slightly better tiebreak, Andreikin claimed second position in the final standings. Abdusattorov, Pranesh, and Nihal Sarin finished with a 50% score of 3½/7. Notably, the winner and the runner-up completed the tournament undefeated. Final standings: 1 Firouzja, Alireza FRA 2749 4½ 2 Andreikin, Dmitry FIDE 2710 4 3 Erigaisi, Arjun IND 2757 4 4 Abdusattorov, Nodirbek UZB 2766 3½ 5 Pranesh, M IND 2666 3½ 6 Nihal, Sarin IND 2717 3½ 7 Niemann, Hans Moke USA 2730 3 8 Gukesh, D IND 2717 2 Photo: Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters Official website: https://chennaigrandmasters.com/