Istanbul to host FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships 2026
Istanbul, Türkiye, will welcome the world’s elite chess players this December as the host city of the 2026 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships, one of the most anticipated events on the international chess calendar. Freedom Holding Corp., FIDE’s strategic partner since 2023, has become the general sponsor of the event. As part of the 2026 cooperation agreement, Freedom supports not only major FIDE events like Candidates and World Championship match, but also chess training centres, school programmes, and talent scouting initiatives worldwide. The championships, traditionally held during the final week of the year from 25 (arrivals) to 30 December, will bring together hundreds of players from across the globe to compete for four world titles in the Open and Women’s Rapid and Blitz events. The return of a major FIDE world championship to Türkiye highlights the country’s longstanding commitment to the development of chess. Over the past two decades, Türkiye has established itself as one of the most active chess nations in the world, combining a strong tradition of event organisation with ambitious grassroots programmes. Through extensive cooperation between the Turkish Chess Federation and educational institutions, chess has become a familiar presence in schools across the country. Today, Türkiye boasts one of the strongest emerging generations in chess, with young stars such as Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş or Ediz Gürel leading the way. In 2012, the city hosted the 40th Chess Olympiad, the biggest chess event in the calendar. Just recently, at the end of 2025, it successfully staged FIDE World Youth Blitz and Rapid Chess Championships. Beyond its chess credentials, Istanbul offers an ideal setting for a world championship. The city serves as one of the world’s leading transport hubs, connecting Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas through extensive flight networks. Its unique blend of history and modern infrastructure makes it a great meeting point for the global chess community. FIDE President Timur Turlov: “We are delighted to bring the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships to Istanbul. Türkiye has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to organise world-class chess events while making an outstanding contribution to the growth of our game at every level. I would like to thank the Turkish Chess Federation and its partners for their commitment and cooperation. We look forward to celebrating the end of the chess year together in one of the world’s most dynamic and welcoming cities.” The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships are among the most prestigious annual events in chess, regularly attracting top grandmasters and rising stars in a battle for some of the most coveted titles. The defending champions are world’s number one rated player Magnus Carlsen, who won both rapid and blitz titles in 2025, Aleksandra Goryachkina (rapid, women) and Bibisara Assaubayeva (blitz, women). Additional information, including the official venue, tournament regulations, and registration details, will be published shortly.
FIDE announces new appointments to the President’s Office
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) announces the appointment of advisers and representatives of the President as part of the Federation’s new organisational structure, presented on 26 October 2026. The FIDE President’s Office, headed by Adil Kozhikhov, will focus on implementing the Federation’s strategic priorities and strengthening international cooperation. Its responsibilities will also include working with partners and national chess federations, as well as coordinating specific projects and initiatives. The following appointments will be made within the President’s Office, with each official responsible for specific areas of FIDE’s activities. Special Representatives of the President Emil Sutovsky – Chief Executive Adviser He will be responsible for managing relations with FIDE’s key strategic partners, developing major partnership initiatives and facilitating cooperation on projects of particular importance to the Federation. He will also carry out specific assignments from the President. Victor Bologan – Special Representative of the President for Global Development His main responsibilities will include promoting chess development and strengthening relations with national chess federations, including matters related to the FIDE Development Fund. He will also be involved in major digitalisation projects aimed at modernising FIDE’s operations and services. Particular attention will be given to supporting federations and implementing chess development initiatives in different regions of the world. Dana Reizniece – Special Representative of the President for Social Development She will oversee FIDE’s social development agenda, including the design and implementation of social projects in cooperation with national federations and partners. Her work will focus on expanding access to chess and supporting initiatives that use chess as a tool for social inclusion and community development. Representatives of the President Mohamed Al-Mudahka – Representative for International Relations He will contribute to strengthening FIDE’s international relations. Akaki Iashvili – Representative for Special Projects He will coordinate and implement special FIDE projects that require dedicated support and cooperation with members of the chess community. Willy Iclicki – Representative for Chess Participation He will focus on broadening participation in chess, with particular attention to amateur players, seniors and chess communities in Small Nations. Zhu Chen – Head of FIDE Shenzhen Office She will lead the FIDE Shenzhen Office and support the implementation of the Federation’s projects in the region. A new stage of FIDE’s development These appointments are part of the establishment of FIDE’s new management structure, designed to ensure a clearer distribution of responsibilities and more effective implementation of the Federation’s projects. The new model envisages an active role for the President’s representatives in advancing FIDE’s priority areas, drawing on their professional experience and international networks. FIDE believes that combining the experience of professionals who have worked in international chess for many years with new management approaches will help strengthen cooperation with national federations and partners around the world.
International conference “Chess in Education” to be held in Almaty
On November 12–13, Almaty will host the 4th International Scientific and Practical Conference “Chess in Education” at Narxoz University. The event is a part of the Comprehensive Plan for the Development of Chess in the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2023–2027, approved by the Government on the instructions of the President of Kazakhstan. The main goal of the conference is to expand the school chess movement, improve teacher training in chess education methodology, and systematically integrate chess into the country’s education system. The conference will be attended by Timur Turlov, President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, as well as leading international experts. Speakers include Anzel Laubscher, a member of the FIDE Chess in Education Commission and a senior chess-in-education instructor in South Africa; Dr. Jonathon Quest, visiting associate professor at Webster University; Ali Abbas, President of the Syrian Chess Federation and a FIDE lecturer in chess education; and Ramon Chalmeta Ugas, President of the Catalan Chess Federation and an expert in chess education. The participants will focus on examining the role of chess as an effective tool for developing students’ cognitive skills, critical thinking, and mathematical abilities, as well as practical issues regarding the training of thousands of educators and the integration of chess programs into school curricula. Special emphasis will be placed on popularizing chess among women and introducing modern digital technologies into the educational process. The two-day conference program will feature panel discussions, presentations of modern educational programs, and hands-on workshops led by leading specialists. Representatives of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Education, international experts, education methodologists, and members of the teaching community will discuss the interim results of introducing chess into Kazakhstani schools and identify directions for further development. The upcoming event will mark an important step toward strengthening interdepartmental and international cooperation in children’s and youth education, as well as promoting mind sports in Kazakhstan. Date: November 12–13, 2026 Opening time: 10:00 AM Venue: Narxoz University, 55 Zhandosov Street, Almaty Media accreditation contact: +7 777 998 8820 (Alla, Kazakhstan Chess Federation Press Office) Registration: https://conf.kazchess.kz/
Invitation: FIDE Extraordinary General Assembly 2026
Dear chess friends, Earlier this year, I publicly committed to holding another FIDE General Assembly before the end of 2026. I believe it is important to honour this commitment and provide our member federations with an opportunity to address the matters that remain outstanding following our meeting in Samarkand. In accordance with the decision of the FIDE Council, I am pleased to invite the delegates, representatives of the Affiliated Organisations, Honourable Dignitaries, members of the Zonal Council, Commission Chairs, the current FIDE World Champion and Women’s World Champion, members of the Management and Advisory Boards, and other FIDE officials to participate in the FIDE Extraordinary General Assembly, which will be held online on December 27, 2026, at 14:30 CET. The Assembly will allow us to complete the work initiated in Samarkand and take the necessary decisions to ensure the continued functioning and development of FIDE. The complete agenda and relevant documents will be circulated by November 27, 2026. The access link and technical instructions for participation will be provided in advance. I appreciate your continued commitment to FIDE and look forward to a constructive meeting and our continued work together. Warm regards, Timur Turlov FIDE President Invitation: FIDE Extraordinary General Assembly 2026 (PDF)
FIDE: The Next Stage of Development
Timur Turlov, President of the International Chess Federation When I announced my candidacy for FIDE President, I spoke about the need to take our organization to a new level. Today, I would like to present one of the first important steps in that direction – FIDE’s new organizational structure. Throughout its more than 100-year history, FIDE has gone through several stages of development. Each generation of leaders has addressed the challenges of its time. The Federation has expanded its international presence and improved its governance system. Many decisions made over the years remain relevant, but changing circumstances call for further development. The world is changing rapidly. Technology is creating new opportunities, while approaches to governance and expectations of international organizations are evolving. Chess is also undergoing significant changes. Its audience is growing, and new ways of engaging with the chess community are emerging. I believe FIDE has reached the next stage of its development. I envision FIDE as a strong international institution capable of shaping a long-term strategy for the development of chess and consistently implementing it in the interests of the entire chess community. Strengthening FIDE as an institution is a fundamental priority for me. FIDE brings together national federations with different interests and resources. The stability of such an organization depends on the effectiveness of its governance system. We need clearly defined responsibilities and transparent decision-making processes. Strong institutions must ensure strategic continuity regardless of changes in leadership. FIDE’s role is also expanding. Alongside organizing international competitions, the Federation should take a more active role in developing chess worldwide. We intend to increase support for national federations, expand chess education, and attract new international partners. Modern technology offers significant opportunities to make this work more effective. To achieve these goals, we have developed a new organizational structure for FIDE. Full size document (PPTX) The new structure establishes a clearer division of responsibilities between FIDE’s governing bodies and its administrative units. The General Assembly remains FIDE’s supreme governing body. We intend to strengthen the role of the FIDE Council by encouraging its members to take a more active part in setting strategic priorities and overseeing their implementation. A dedicated Governance Secretariat will support the work of the governing bodies and FIDE commissions. The President’s Office will focus on strategic priorities and major international projects. It will include Special Representatives of the President responsible for specific areas of activity. Adil Kozhikhov, who has served as my adviser for many years, has been appointed Head of the President’s Office. Another new element will be the Advisory Board, which we plan to bring together from professionals with international experience across various fields. Their expertise will help us develop our long-term strategy and evaluate new initiatives. The Advisory Board will serve in a consultative capacity within FIDE’s existing governance framework. Darmen Sadvakasov, a well-known grandmaster from Kazakhstan and a respected figure in the chess community, has been appointed Chair of the Advisory Board. FIDE’s day-to-day operations will be managed by the administration under the leadership of the Secretary General. A clearer allocation of responsibilities among its departments will help improve operational efficiency. Alina Dvoretskaya, who previously served as Director General of the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), has been appointed Secretary General. Our goal is to establish a coherent governance system in which every part of the organization works toward implementing a shared FIDE strategy. I attach particular importance to building the team that will carry these changes forward. During my election campaign, I promised to bring new people into FIDE’s leadership. We are steadily fulfilling that commitment. Professionals from different backgrounds are joining the Federation, bringing fresh ideas and new energy. FIDE already has many experienced professionals who understand the chess world and how the Federation operates. We want their knowledge and expertise to continue contributing to the organization’s development. I want us to build a united, cohesive team in which newcomers work alongside experienced colleagues. Everyone should understand their role and take responsibility for our shared results. Such a team will be essential to delivering on our plans. I like the idea of a “New FIDE.” To me, it represents a new stage in the Federation’s institutional development, reflecting the demands of today’s world. We want to build a sustainable governance system that can support the development of chess for many years to come. The new organizational structure lays the foundation for this work. Its success will be measured by tangible results for national federations and the wider chess community.
European Chess Club Cup winners crowned in Budva, Montenegro
The 41st European Chess Club Cup and the 30th edition of the European Women’s Chess Club Cup concluded yesterday in Budva, Montenegro. Bayegan Pendik Sports Chess Club (Turkey) emerged as the winner of the Open section, while Cercle d’Échecs de Monte-Carlo successfully defended its title in the Women’s event. The competition took place at the Hotel Slovenska Plaza from October 17 to 23. Both the European Chess Club Cup and the European Women’s Chess Club Cup were 7-round Swiss tournaments. The time control was 90 minutes for 40 moves, plus 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment per move starting from move one. With 130 registered teams – 108 in the Open section and 22 in the Women’s section – the event broke the participation record previously set in Rhodes in 2025, where 122 teams competed. Heading into the final round of the Open section, three teams shared the top position: Bayegan Pendik Sports Chess Club (Turkey), SuperChess (Romania), and Novy Bor Chess Club (Czech Republic). The final round featured a top-board clash between Bayegan Pendik and SuperChess, while Novy Bor Chess Club faced Elektroprivreda (Montenegro). After long and intense games, Bayegan Pendik Sports Chess Club prevailed over SuperChess by a narrow score of 3.5–2.5, with victories by GM Anish Giri and GM Amin Tabatabaei against GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov and GM Haik Martirosyan, respectively. GM Jorden van Foreest scored for SuperChess after defeating GM Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, but the other three games were drawn, securing the match win for the Turkish club. Novy Bor Chess Club defeated Elektroprivreda thanks to victories by GMs Nihal Sarin, Pentala Harikrishna, and David Navara, while the other three games were drawn. Scoring 13 match points each, Bayegan Pendik Sports Chess Club and Novy Bor Chess Club tied at the top. However, Bayegan Pendik won on tiebreaks to clinch the title, while Novy Bor Chess Club settled for silver. Rishon LeZion A (Israel) won the bronze medal with 12 match points. Six teams scored 11 match points each, tying for fourth place – a crucial position that guarantees a qualification spot for the inaugural European Super League. Thanks to the best tiebreaks, SuperChess (Romania) finished fourth. Final standings: Open Ahead of the final round of the Women’s event, three teams were tied for the top: Cercle d’Echecs de Mone-Carlo (Monaco), CE Gambit Bonnevoie (Luxembourg), and Odlar Yurdu (Azerbaijan). Cercle d’Échecs de Monte-Carlo swept the Georgian team to conclude the event with 12 match points. CE Gambit Bonnevoie scored a narrow 2.5–1.5 win over Crvena Zvezda (Serbia) as GM Anna Ushenina and IM Aleksandra Maltsevskaya won their games, while GM Elina Danielian lost to WIM Adela Velikic. The game on board two ended in a draw, bringing CE Gambit Bonnevoie’s final score to 12 match points and a tie for first place. Odlar Yurdu suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Sirmium Sremska Mitrovica (Serbia) as the Serbian team scored a convincing 3.5–0.5 victory, with their only draw coming on board three. Following the results, Cercle d’Échecs de Monte-Carlo and CE Gambit Bonnevoie tied for first place, but Cercle d’Échecs de Monte-Carlo won on tiebreaks to defend its title and claim the gold medal. Sirmium Sremska Mitrovica and Odlar Yurdu tied for the bronze medal after scoring 10 match points each. With superior tiebreaks, Sirmium Sremska Mitrovica completed the podium. Final standings: Women The best individual players in both sections were awarded according to their tournament performances on each board. Best players by boards (Open Section): Board 1: 1. GM Marc-Andria Maurizzi; 2. GM Vaclav Finek; 3. GM Aydin Suleymanli (pictured below) Board 2: 1. GM Nihal Sarin; 2. GM Wei Yi; 3. GM Murali Karthikeyan Board 3: 1. FM Lennert Lenaerts; 2. GM Pentala Harikrishna; 3. GM Mahel Boyer Board 4: 1. GM Benjamin Gledura; 2. GM Alexey Sarana; 3. GM Richard Rapport Board 5: 1. GM Ihor Samunenkov; 2. GM Bogdan-Daniel Deac; 3. GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov Board 6: 1. GM Volodar Murzin; 2. GM Ediz Gurel; 3. GM Velimir Ivic Best players by boards (Women’s Section): Board 1: 1. GM Aleksandra Goryachkina; 2. GM Nino Batsiashvili; 3. IM Polina Shuvalova Board 2: 1. GM Humpy Koneru; 2. IM Leya Garifullina; 3. IM Klaudia Kulon (pictured below) Board 3: 1. IM Nurgyul Salimova; 2. GM Elina Danielian; 3. IM Stavroula Tsolakidou Board 4: 1. IM Gulnar Mammadova; 2. GM Elisabeth Paehtz; 3. IM Aleksandra Maltsevskaya The closing ceremony was held last night at the Hotel Slovenska Plaza complex, attended by ECU President Zurab Azmaiparashvili, Montenegro Chess Federation President Jovan Milovic, ECU Vice Presidents Lasse Ostebø Lovik, Ingrid Lauterbach, Jean-Michel Rapaire, Sarkhan Gashimov, and Roman Muzik, ECU Treasurer Prabitha Urwyler, ECU Honorary Vice Presidents Veselin Draskovic, Malcolm Pein, Moshe Slav, and Volodymyr Kovalchuk, ECU Secretary General Theodoros Tsorbatzoglou, and other distinguished guests. After the awards ceremony, ECU President Zurab Azmaiparashvili addressed the guests, players, and captains and officially declared the event closed. Text: European Chess Union Photos by ECU/ Mark Livshitz
2026 U.S. Championship: Wesley So and Rachael Li claim titles
GM Wesley So and WIM Rachael Li are the new U.S. chess champions. So captured his fourth American chess crown, while Li became the youngest player to win the title on her debut. The 2026 U.S. Chess Championship and the 2026 U.S. Women’s Chess Championship were 12-player, single round-robin tournaments with classical time controls, held from October 9 to 22 in Saint Louis. The Saint Louis Chess Club has long been the driving force behind the U.S. Chess Championships, hosting the nation’s most prestigious chess events and showcasing the country’s top talent. The 2026 edition brought everything under one roof, uniting U.S. Chess with the Saint Louis Chess Club to create a seamless experience for players, fans, and the broader chess community. The Open event featured a $250,000 prize fund, including $55,000 for first place, while the Women’s event offered $152,000, with $35,000 for first. In the Open event, top seeds and rating favorites defending champion Fabiano Caruana and So got off to a strong start, sharing the lead after Round 4 with 3/4 points. In Round 5, Caruana suffered a defeat at the hands of Andy Woodward but struck back in the next round to catch up with So. However, after So made a decisive push in Rounds 7 and 8, defeating Ray Robson and Woodward, the fate of the title appeared sealed. Heading into the final round a full point ahead of Caruana and Grigory Oparin, So needed only a draw against Sam Sevian to win outright, but his opponent had a different agenda. After Caruana did his part, defeating Awonder Liang with a crushing attack, and Oparin drew with Robson, all eyes were on the Sevian–So game, in which Sevian (White) emerged with an extra pawn in a rook endgame. So put up a stubborn defense and had a chance to escape with a draw on move 48, but he missed this opportunity and ended up in a lost position. The rest was smooth sailing for Sevian, who scored a full point, inflicting the only defeat on So in the tournament. With this result, Caruana and So tied for first place with 7/11 points each. To determine the champion, a tiebreak consisting of two rapid games and two blitz games (if necessary) was played the following day. In the first topsy-turvy rapid game, So, playing with the black pieces, had every chance but let his advantage slip away, and the game ended in a draw. With the colors reversed, So grabbed the initiative early on and converted his advantage convincingly to secure the title. The Women’s event turned into an exciting race between Alice Lee and Rachael Li. Lee started right out of the gate with four straight victories in Rounds 2–5 and appeared to be on her way to the title. However, Li defeated Lee with the black pieces in a Queen’s Indian Defense, catching up to her in the standings. Their paths diverged in Round 9 when Lee suffered another defeat at the hands of Irina Krush, while Li ground down Nazi Paikidze in a drawish knight endgame. Going into the final round a full point ahead of her main competitor, Li secured a comfortable draw in her game against Anna Zatonskih to clinch the title. Lee won her final-round game against Anna Sargsyan and finished a half-point behind the champion, while Krush took third place to complete the podium. Photos: Saint Louis Chess Club / Crystal Fuller and Lennart Ootes
FIDE extends fee waiver for Rapid and Blitz through 2027
The FIDE Council has announced the extension of its rating fee waiver for all Rapid and Blitz tournaments through 2027. The FIDE Council stated that the decision aims to expand player participation and promote chess. These rating fees, covered by federations, are outlined in the Financial Regulations of the FIDE Handbook. According to the regulations, “All rated tournaments are subject to rating fees. The FIDE Council, at its sole discretion, may waive or reduce rating fees for Rapid and Blitz tournaments for a given year.” The fee waiver was first introduced for the 2021–2024 period. Since then, the total waived fees have approached €2 million. While rating fees are a source of revenue for FIDE, this waiver is widely welcomed by national federations, as it supports both organizers and players. This initiative eases financial pressures on organizers and federations while encouraging more Rapid and Blitz events. Such support is crucial for the growth of chess, especially in regions with limited resources. The decision has been added to the FIDE Handbook and takes effect immediately.
Moving forward: The global impact of the Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners
The 6th Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners took place from October 13 to 15, bringing together incarcerated players from around the world for three days of international online competition. This year’s championship established a new participation record, with 140 teams from 56 countries competing. The event was held across men’s, women’s, and youth sections, with teams competing in multiple groups and time zones. Organized by FIDE and the Cook County (Chicago, IL, USA) Sheriff’s Office, the championship demonstrated how chess can be used as an educational and social tool in correctional facilities. Since the first Intercontinental Championship in 2021, the initiative has expanded across six continents, promoting critical thinking, emotional control, teamwork, and skills that support reintegration into society. Let’s take a look at how the “Chess for Freedom” initiative and the recently concluded championship have impacted correctional facilities across the globe. Argentina: A decade of chess Programs in Corrientes correctional facilities For more than ten years, chess programs have been developed in five correctional facilities in the province of Corrientes, Argentina, promoting chess education, training, and competitive opportunities for incarcerated individuals. The strongest players have the opportunity to compete in the tournaments organized inside the prison walls. In addition, some participants who demonstrate a good level of play and good behavior may be allowed to compete in tournaments outside the correctional facilities, provided they receive the necessary judicial and institutional authorizations and appropriate security arrangements are in place. Inmates have access to the internet in the library and to computers for training and competition, with scheduled times to facilitate their participation. This work is part of *Taragüi Koe*, an educational program that provides young people and adults in correctional settings with opportunities to learn and develop skills in different areas. Within this framework, Professor Franco Penelli and I, Samuel Gogna, a physical education teacher and chess coach, focus on teaching and promoting chess. Over the years, several students have achieved a strong competitive level. Many who have been released continue to participate in tournaments outside the correctional system. The program coordinators maintain contact with them, share information about upcoming competitions, and encourage them to remain connected to the chess community. Romania: A staple of the Online Chess Championship for Prisoners The Romanian penitentiary system participated in the Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners for the fifth consecutive time. Romania was represented by two men’s teams, one women’s team and one youth team, comprising prisoners from 14 penitentiary institutions across the country. The Romanian teams demonstrated a strong competitive spirit and achieved noteworthy results throughout the championship. Beyond sporting performance, participation in this international event provided an opportunity to promote important values such as discipline, strategic thinking, patience, and respect for rules and fair play. The experience gained through successive participations in the Intercontinental Championship also inspired the Romanian National Administration of Penitentiaries to develop its own national online chess competition for prisoners. In 2026, this initiative reached its second edition, reflecting a growing commitment to promoting chess as an educational and recreational activity within the penitentiary system. The national competition provides prisoners from different penitentiary institutions with the opportunity to test their skills, develop their abilities and engage in constructive competition, while also encouraging greater participation in future international events. Through these initiatives, the Romanian National Administration of Penitentiaries continues to promote chess not only as a competitive sport but also as a valuable tool for personal development, social interaction and preparation for reintegration into society. Ghana: Expanding the “Chess for Freedom” initiative in prisons Following the success of the Chess for Freedom initiative with Ghana’s Youth at the Senior Correctional Centre in Accra, Mentors Chess Academy, in partnership with the Ghana Prisons Service, expanded the programme to Nsawam Male Prison and Nsawam Female Prison in 2025. Over the past year, the initiative has used chess to promote discipline, patience, critical thinking, confidence and positive personal development among inmates in both facilities. Earlier this year, the male and female teams participated in the African Continental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners, gaining valuable competitive experience and representing Ghana in the continental event. Through regular chess sessions, participants are developing their skills, building connections and discovering new opportunities for personal growth. The encouraging response from inmates and prison officers reinforces our belief that chess can play a valuable role in rehabilitation and support the reintegration of inmates into society. Australia: Karnet Prison Farm, WA, makes its meaningful debut A team from Karnet Prison Farm, WA, Australia, debuted in the 6th Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners. While the team did not manage to advance to the semifinals, the outcomes demonstrate the considerable potential of chess as a rehabilitative, educational and reintegration tool across our correctional facilities. Over the two months preceding the tournament, eight prisoners from various accommodation units at Karnet committed to preparing for the tournament, participating in twice-weekly chess sessions. The participants were selected by a prisoner who had taken a leadership role in coordinating the group, ensuring that each man had the opportunity to contribute and develop his skills. On the first group stage, Karnet secured eight victories from its 28 games against Philippines, India, Mongolia, United Arab Emirates and Singapore – a commendable achievement for our first international competition. What unfolded over the four and a half hours on the group stage was far more significant than a chess tournament. As the first games commenced, the silence in the room was extraordinary. You could quite literally have heard a pin drop. Eight men from different units, with different backgrounds, experiences and offending histories, sat together with a common purpose. There was no competition for attention, no unnecessary conversation, and no frustration when a game did not go their way. Instead, there was concentration, encouragement, cooperation, and an unmistakable sense of shared achievement. The men patiently awaited their turns, supported one another, discussed strategies when appropriate, and demonstrated genuine respect for everyone’s opportunity to compete. Those not actively playing remained engaged, observing the games and encouraging
Kazakhstan dominates World U7–U17 Championships in Roquetas de Mar
With an outstanding medal haul across the age categories, Kazakhstan emerged as one of the leading forces at the 2026 World Youth Championships, showcasing the strength of its next generation of chess talent. The 2026 World U7–U17 Chess Championships came to a close in Roquetas de Mar, Spain, with a festive closing ceremony celebrating the achievements of hundreds of young players from around the world. After 11 rounds of competition, the event reached its climax as the newly crowned world champions and medallists received their awards, marking the culmination of an intense championship filled with ambition, determination, and memorable battles over the board. Hosted at the Evenia Zoraida Hotel Resort, the championship welcomed 721 players representing 82 countries. Beyond the results and medals, the event provided a meeting point for young chess talents from across the globe, united by their passion for the game. The ceremony brought together players, families, coaches, officials and representatives of the international chess community to celebrate the accomplishments of the participants across all 12 age and gender categories. Music and dance The evening opened with a vibrant music and dance performance by the Duende Andaluz flamenco group, which was warmly received by the more than 1,000 players and accompanying guests in attendance. Authorities, speeches and anthems Following the presentation of the attending authorities, Javier Ochoa de Echagüen, President of the Spanish Chess Federation, delivered a welcome address. He reminded the audience that Roquetas de Mar will remain an important destination on the international chess calendar, hosting the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in 2027, after Easter Week, as well as the World U7–U11 Championships in November. Ozgur Solakoğlu, FIDE Technical Delegate, also addressed the audience, congratulating all the young players on their achievements and commending their participation in the championship. Other distinguished guests taking part in the prize-giving ceremony included Dominic Cross, President of the Portuguese Chess Federation; Javier Rubio Doblas, President of the Andalusian Chess Federation; Miguel Álvarez Morales, Tournament Director; José Molina Guijarro, Director of the Evenia Zoraida Resort; and IA Takis Nikolopoulos, Main Arbiter. The ceremony also paid tribute to Spain and FIDE with the playing of their respective national and organisational anthems, adding a solemn and memorable touch to the celebrations. Prize-winners The Girls U7 category was dominated by Kazakhstan, with Leila Aldazharova claiming the gold medal with 9/11 and compatriot Alima Akimkhan taking silver with 8.5/11. Canada’s Echo Heming Fang also scored 8.5/11 to secure the bronze medal among the 28 participants. The title race went down to the final round, with Aldazharova and Fang both on 8/10. Aldazharova’s decisive victory over Chen Yi Estelle Yap proved crucial, while Fang could only manage a draw, allowing the Kazakh player to claim gold outright. The Open U7 category delivered an exciting finale, with decisive results on the top ten boards keeping the medal race alive until the very end. Kazakhstan’s Makar Chernyshov won his final-round game to secure the gold medal with an impressive 9/11. Poland’s Ignacy Mongay Miland and Daniil Aslanov, competing under the FIDE flag, both finished on 8.5/11, with Mongay Miland edging out his rival to claim silver, leaving Aslanov with bronze. The section featured 53 players, and Egypt’s Mohab Ahmed Assem endured a particularly disappointing final round. Starting the day among the leaders on 8/10, he suffered a defeat that pushed him down to fourth place, just outside the podium. Still, he could take some consolation in a strong tournament performance – and perhaps a few extra rating points for his digital chess résumé! The Girls U9 category, which featured 40 players, produced a closely contested finish, with three players tied on 8.5/11 after eleven rounds. Amaliya Yedresheva of Kazakhstan, Varvara Volkova competing under the FIDE flag, and Stella Zhu representing Finland shared the top score. The tiebreak criteria confirmed the final ranking, awarding the gold medal to Yedresheva, who had started the tournament as the 18th seed. Her victory added another gold medal to Kazakhstan’s growing tally at the championship, while Volkova took silver and Zhu claimed bronze. The Open U9 section, which brought together 82 players, saw Ukraine’s Myron Netrebka claim the gold medal with an outstanding 9.5/11. Uzbekistan’s Sayfuddin Erkinboev finished a half-point behind on 9/11 to take silver, while Poland’s Wiktor Stankowski secured bronze with 8.5/11. The final round proved decisive in shaping the podium. Stankowski, playing Black, defeated Erkinboev in a must-win encounter, while Netrebka converted his opportunity on the second board into a victory. The Ukrainian’s win allowed him to finish clear of the field and secure the title outright. The Girls U11 category witnessed a remarkable performance by top seed WCM Milana Filippova of Kazakhstan, who swept the field with a perfect 11/11, winning every game to claim the gold medal in emphatic fashion. Among the 47 participants, Filippova left her rivals trailing by a substantial margin. Alexandra Aymerich Sazonova, playing under the FIDE flag and seeded 20th, produced an impressive performance to secure silver with 8/11. Uzbekistan’s WFM Husnorakhon Khusnitdinova also scored 8/11 to take bronze. Filippova’s achievement was all the more remarkable given that she defeated both of her fellow medallists, who had started the tournament as the fourth and fifth seeds, respectively. A perfect score of 11 points from 11 games made her one of the standout performers of the entire championship. The Open U11 category saw a thrilling battle for the gold medal between CM Amirzhan Anetov of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan’s Akbar Mustafakulov. With the title race finely balanced, Anetov delivered a decisive late surge, winning his final four games in a row, including a crucial victory over Mustafakulov, to secure the gold medal. Kazakhstan celebrated another podium finish as Rauan Bakhyt claimed bronze, completing a strong showing for the Central Asian chess powerhouse in a section featuring 99 players. The Girls U13 category brought together 43 players for eleven hard-fought rounds, with Uzbekistan claiming both gold and silver. WCM Lazizabonu Komiljonova emerged victorious with 8.5/11, finishing half a point ahead of compatriot WFM Sarvinoz