Judit Polgar turns 50: Celebrating a chess legend
Today, we celebrate a true icon, a revolutionary, and unequivocally the greatest female chess player of all time. For decades, Judit Polgar didn’t just compete at the highest levels of chess – she redefined what was thought possible. A prodigy from Budapest, she became a grandmaster at just 15 years and 4 months, breaking Bobby Fischer’s record and announcing a new era at the top of world chess. Her peak rating of 2735 and world No. 8 ranking placed her firmly among the very best players of her generation, regardless of gender – a position no other woman has reached before or since. Choosing to play exclusively in open events, she shattered gender barriers and inspired generations of players worldwide. Yet numbers alone cannot capture what Judit represents. She became the only woman to defeat the world’s elite, holding victories over World Champions including Garry Kasparov, Anatoly Karpov, Viswanathan Anand, Boris Spassky, and Magnus Carlsen. Her playing style was sharp, dynamic, and relentlessly aggressive, always seeking the initiative, always pushing for a win. Fifty years after her birth and more than a decade after her retirement, Judit Polgar’s influence is everywhere. It lives in her brilliant commentary on the most important chess events, and in the Global Educational Chess Festival she inspired – an event that has united players, educators, and visionaries every year to celebrate the game’s power to connect cultures. Today, the chess community does more than wish a happy birthday to the greatest female player in history. It celebrates a pioneer who changed what we believe is possible, a role model, and an ambassador who continues to give back to the game she mastered. Happy 50th birthday, Judit. Thank you for the brilliant games, the inspiration, and the path you have carved for generations to come.
FIDE Council lifts restrictions on the Belarus Chess Federation
The FIDE Council has resolved to lift all existing restrictions previously imposed on the Belarus Chess Federation, effective immediately. The decision follows the recommendation of the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), adopted at its meeting of 6–7 May 2026, which states that it no longer recommends any restrictions on the participation of Belarusian athletes, including teams, in competitions governed by International Federations and international sports event organisers. The IOC reaffirmed its position that athletes’ participation in international sport should not be limited by the actions of their governments. In line with this recommendation, the FIDE Council resolved that all limitations previously applied to the Belarus Chess Federation are hereby removed. As a result, Belarusian players and official teams will participate in FIDE competitions under the national flag of Belarus. The first major FIDE world events at which Belarus will compete under its national flag will be the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities 2026 and the FIDE Chess Olympiad 2026, both scheduled to take place in September in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Where chess history meets its future: Budapest to launch a new era in chess with Total Chess World Championship Tour Pilot
A new era in elite chess begins this November as Budapest hosts the official pilot of the FIDE-approved Total Chess World Championship Tour, a ground-breaking global championship created by Norway Chess that aims to redefine how the world’s best players compete—and how fans experience the sport. From 10–21 November 2026, the world’s elite men and women including World No.1 Magnus Carlsen will battle at Budapest’s iconic Anantara New York Palace Hotel across Blitz, Rapid and Fast Classic to determine chess’s most complete player. Unlike traditional tournaments that focus on a single time control, the Total Chess World Championship Tour rewards versatility, consistency and adaptability. Players will be tested across the explosive pace of Blitz, the tactical intensity of Rapid and the strategic depth of Fast Classic, with cumulative performances determining the overall champion. The format is designed to showcase every dimension of elite chess while creating a more dynamic and engaging competition for players, spectators and broadcasters alike. The Budapest event will serve as the official pilot of the Total Chess World Championship Tour, delivering the same championship format, regulations and prize structure that will define the inaugural global season beginning in March 2027, when multiple tournaments across international host cities will culminate in the crowning of the FIDE World Combined Champion. Kjell Madland, CEO, Total Chess, said: “The Total Chess World Championship Tour is built on a simple belief—that the world’s best chess player should be able to excel across every format of the game. By bringing together Fast Classic, Rapid and Blitz under one championship, we’re creating a more complete sporting test while making elite chess more exciting and accessible for fans around the world. Budapest is the perfect city to launch this journey. As the official pilot of the Tour, this event will set the benchmark for the global championship that begins in March 2027. Chess heritage runs deep here, making it the ideal place to write the next chapter before the Tour travels to cities around the world.” Highlighting the tour’s potential to expand the global reach of chess and attract new audiences, Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE, said: “As chess continues to evolve, FIDE’s role is to embrace innovation that strengthens our sport while respecting its rich tradition. The Total Chess World Champion Tour is a natural evolution of the elite competitions we already have and celebrates the complete player by combining excellence in Fast Classic, Rapid and Blitz formats. We are convinced that the tour will attract new audiences, commercial partners and greater media interest, helping us expand chess globally. FIDE is proud to be working closely with Norway Chess, and we are grateful to our Hungarian friends for hosting the first official pilot event. We look forward to seeing this new chapter begin in one of Europe’s great chess capitals. Set in the heart of the Hungarian capital, the Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel provides a fitting backdrop for the launch of a competition built on intellect, excellence and innovation. Renowned for its Belle Époque architecture, grand marble interiors, frescoes and chandeliers, the historic landmark has long been a meeting place for writers, artists and intellectuals. Home to the legendary New York Café—one of Europe’s most celebrated literary cafés since 1894—the venue embodies the rich cultural heritage that now intersects with chess’s next chapter. Dr. Zoltán Polyánszky, President, Hungarian Chess Federation, said: “It is an absolute honour for Budapest to host the Total Chess World Championship Tour pilot and welcome so many of the world’s finest players. Having served as Chief Organiser of the 2024 Budapest Chess Olympiad, I understand the value that events of this calibre bring to the global chess community. We are proud that Budapest has once again been chosen as the stage for a landmark moment in the sport.” Budapest’s selection as the host city carries special significance. Hungary has played a defining role in the history of chess, producing generations of world-class players and Olympiad success, while producing one of the sport’s greatest icons in Judit Polgár, widely regarded as the strongest female chess player in history. This November, the city will once again take centre stage—this time as the launchpad for a new global vision for the sport. The Total Chess World Championship Tour has already attracted significant international investment and commercial backing. Among its backers are football superstar Erling Haaland and Norwegian investor Morten Borge through Chess Mates, alongside a group of high-profile investors that includes Olympic cross-country skiing champion Johannes Høsflot Klæbo. Their support reflects growing confidence in chess’s commercial potential and the Tour’s ambition to elevate the sport’s global profile. Global football star Erling Haaland, his business partner Morten Borge from Chess Mates with Kjell Madland, CEO, Total Chess and Benedicte Westre Skog, Co-owner and COO of Norway Chess. Photo Credit: @Total Chess / Jonathan Turton Developed by Norway Chess and approved by FIDE, the Total Chess World Championship Tour establishes a new benchmark for elite competition by combining sporting excellence with a modern, fan-first presentation. By bringing together three formats under one championship, the Tour offers a comprehensive test of skill while making top-level chess more accessible, compelling and engaging for audiences worldwide. More than a pilot tournament, Budapest marks the official beginning of a new global championship that will reshape elite chess. It is where a new competitive format takes its first move—one that celebrates the complete chess player while bringing the sport closer than ever to fans around the world. Three disciplines. One champion. One global tour. The journey begins in Budapest. For more information, visit: https://www.totalchess.com/ About Total Chess Total Chess is a global championship platform established to redefine elite competitive chess for the modern era. Developed by Norway Chess and approved by FIDE, the Total Chess World Championship Tour introduces a unified format that crowns the world’s ultimate champion by testing excellence across three disciplines: Fast Classical, Rapid and Blitz. The Tour will bring together the world’s top 24 men and women players to compete across four premier international
“What is the real magic of social chess?” FIDE panel shares stories of change
On 20 July, International Chess Day and the anniversary of FIDE’s founding in Paris in 1924, the FIDE Social Commission marked the occasion with Chess as Social Value, an online panel discussion bringing together the people behind FIDE’s flagship social projects. Moderated by André Vögtlin, Chair of the FIDE Social Commission, the one-hour session gathered voices from prisons, refugee camps, classrooms and community programmes across four continents around a single question: what is the real magic of social chess? FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich opened the discussion with congratulations on International Chess Day, celebrated across the world from the United Nations headquarters to member federations. He reflected on how FIDE has acquired a second mission alongside competitive chess. While social initiatives have existed throughout FIDE’s history, the last three years have brought a clear focus on bringing chess to communities that elite competition rarely reaches, from children on the autism spectrum to refugee camps, prisons and the elderly. “The people who do it are the highest value that we have, whether it is teachers, instructors, or just volunteers and enthusiasts that are helping,” he said. The moments that changed everything Asked for the moment they truly understood that social chess makes a difference, the panelists answered with personal stories rather than statistics. For Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, the idea began when she first joined FIDE and considered what she could contribute to an already established international organisation. Her answer was social chess: making FIDE more human and accessible, while expanding the game beyond the boundaries of elite sport. “I was so happy to see so many like-minded people, both in FIDE and outside of it, that were ready to jump on it and develop so many beautiful projects that we can celebrate today,” she said. Mikhail Korenman, leader of the Chess for Freedom project, identified several defining moments. One was the story of Hector, a man in Chicago who used chess while serving a prison sentence and went on to build a successful life after his release. The most emotional came during a visit to Mongolia this January, where Korenman met five women who had been released from prison in connection with their participation in the chess programme, all five now in employment. “They were full of life, and that is, I believe, the direct result of our program,” he said. Lāsma Kokoreviča, formerly Secretary of the Social Commission and now working within the Latvian prison administration, saw the change not only amongst prisoners, but also amongst the correctional staff around them. “The moment came when I saw my colleagues on the ground turn from sceptics into real supporters and true believers,” she said. “They began rooting for our teams. That was when I realised that chess has this power.” Anastasia Sorokina, leader of the FIDE Chess for Protection project, traced the Infinite Chess project from its origins to its adoption as a FIDE project in 2021, remembering a girl on the autism spectrum who, after half a year in the programme, began smiling and naming the pieces. She also spoke about her own experience of displacement in 2022, and how the chess community became a source of what she called social security as well as social chess. “Through social chess, we give hope and we give support to people who are in a difficult situation,” she said. She also spoke about her own experience of displacement in 2022, and how the chess community became a source of what she called social security as well as social chess. “Through social chess, we give hope and we give support to people who are in a difficult situation,” she said. Anastasiya Karlovich, who runs the girls’ clubs in the Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps in Kenya alongside Salome Melia, described the Saturday lessons the pair deliver by video call to four schools of girls, a project now in its fourth year that teaches life skills and a sense of belonging alongside the game itself. “Chess is an international language, and those who started to play immediately felt different and welcomed in our chess community,” she said. Susan Namangale, Global Director of The Gift of Chess, pointed to the first Chess for Freedom conference in Chicago as the moment the scale of the movement became clear to her, the beginning of connections that have since carried chess sets into communities across Africa. “A single chess set can change a life,” she said. She also recalled a former inmate from Malawi who travelled to India to speak at a Chess for Freedom event, a story that made national news and deepened the Malawi Prison Service’s engagement with the programme. Antonio Porter, Director of Programs at the Cook County Department of Corrections in Chicago, pointed to Checkmate for Kids, an event where participants in custody teach their own children to play. “Seeing that happen was the moment for me, and why we continue to have chess expand across our jail,” he said. How do you explain the social value of chess to someone who has no interest in the game? Vögtlin next asked how the value of social chess could be communicated to people outside the chess world, including governments, institutions and potential partners. Reizniece began by rejecting the idea that social chess is an optional extra. “Some would say that social chess is a cherry on the top of the cake,” she said. “But over these years, it has grown into something much more. I think it is the most delicious part of the birthday cake of FIDE.” Citing figures from the United Nations, UNESCO and the World Bank, she noted that more than 120 million people are currently forcibly displaced by conflict and persecution, more than 250 million children and young people remain out of school, and nearly 700 million people still live in extreme poverty. International sports organisations, she argued, are amongst those with an obligation to care for global welfare, precisely because of their global reach. Chess
The world celebrates International Chess Day 2026
Every year on July 20, the global chess community comes together to celebrate International Chess Day, marking the founding of FIDE in 1924. More than a commemoration of the game’s history, the day is a celebration of chess’s unique ability to connect people across countries, cultures and generations. This year, FIDE invited players, federations, clubs, schools, organisers and chess enthusiasts around the world to celebrate by taking chess beyond the traditional playing hall. The challenge was simple: stage a game in the most unusual, meaningful or symbolic place imaginable – whether on a mountaintop, beside a famous landmark, underwater or anywhere else that captures the imagination. The response was inspiring. From historic monuments and tropical beaches to schools, village squares and community centers, people from every corner of the world demonstrated that no event is too large or too small to celebrate the game. Every chessboard setup, every new player welcomed and every story shared reinforced chess’s power to unite, inspire and create positive change. Chess has no age – Sri Lanka One of the most touching submissions came from Sri Lanka, where FIDE Arbiter and photographer Navod Nethsara created a photo series entitled Chess Has No Age. Set in a rural Sri Lankan village, the story begins with a young child playing chess against an elderly woman. As the game progresses, more children gather around the board, gradually becoming part of the experience. The photographs beautifully illustrate how chess transcends generations, bringing together young and old through a shared passion for the game. Celebrating tradition on the shores of the Maldives The Maldives showcased Raazuvaa, the country’s traditional counterpart to modern chess. Played with culturally distinctive pieces, the centuries-old game reflects the rich heritage of the islands while sharing the same spirit of strategy and intellectual challenge. Against the stunning backdrop of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, the photographs also celebrated another important story: the growing success of women in Maldivian chess. While the country’s chess community continues to develop, female players are leading the way, breaking barriers and achieving remarkable results. Chess among centuries of history – Pakistan In Pakistan, players gathered at the magnificent Qila Kohna Qasim Bagh in Multan, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Surrounded by centuries of history, participants demonstrated strategy, patience and creativity while celebrating the timeless appeal of chess. The event also encouraged young people to embrace the game as a pathway to critical thinking and lifelong learning. Inspiring the next generation – IndiaAcross India, International Chess Day became a celebration of learning.In West Bengal, Filix School of Education and the Purulia Chess Association marked the occasion by launching the Filix Chess Club, providing young players with new opportunities to develop analytical thinking, concentration and sportsmanship. Meanwhile, at EuroKids Balurghat School, even the youngest children joined the celebration. Through playful activities, they discovered how knights move, how pawns become powerful and how every game develops patience, focus and imagination. As the school proudly joked, “Watch out, Magnus Carlsen – the next generation of genius is on its way.” On the occasion of International Chess Day, Lucknow Metro in Uttar Pradesh hosted the Chess on Wheels event, where young chess enthusiasts participated in an exciting speed chess tournament while traveling from Munshipulia to Hazratganj Metro Station. Building stronger communities – United Kingdom The town of Rugby in the United Kingdom hosted an inclusive International Chess Day celebration that brought together school champions from across the Midlands. Supported by Chess in Schools and Communities coach Anthony Mathurin, the event highlighted chess as a universal language that transcends age, language and physical ability. Mayor Nooria Sayani connected the celebration with her annual theme of community, compassion and cohesion, emphasising how chess encourages critical thinking, resilience and meaningful connections between people in an increasingly technological world. The festivities even showcased the growing popularity of chess boxing in Rugby – a unique discipline combining mental strategy with physical endurance. Changing lives through chess – South Africa At Kagisono Combined School in Soutpan, South Africa, educator and coach Thato Lempe shared how chess has become a powerful educational tool. Recognising that not every learner thrives in traditional classroom settings or physical sports, he introduced chess to help develop focus, discipline and resilience. His vision extends far beyond competition: he hopes to create a school where chess achievements are celebrated alongside sporting success, empowering learners to become confident thinkers, leaders and problem-solvers. Festivals, public squares and historic churches International Chess Day was also celebrated in many other remarkable locations.In Ireland, the Sligo Chess and Culture Festival transformed Queen Maeve Square into a vibrant meeting place for chess and culture. In Spain, chess found a unique setting inside the beautiful Romanesque Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Duratón, where history, architecture and the game came together in an unforgettable atmosphere. The Mongolian chess family and chess enthusiasts celebrated International Chess Day at the iconic Sükhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar. Initiated by Gombojav Zandanshatar, President of the Mongolian Chess Federation, the festivities brought together players of all ages and backgrounds, showcasing chess as a game that unites communities, inspires future generations, and promotes friendship and mutual understanding. Chess belongs everywhere These are just a few of the many stories received by FIDE this year. Together, they demonstrate that chess belongs everywhere – to schools and city squares, beaches and villages, historic landmarks and places of worship. Most importantly, it belongs to everyone.FIDE thanks every federation, club, organiser, volunteer, teacher, parent and player who helped make International Chess Day 2026 a truly global celebration. If you have not yet celebrated, there is still time to join. Set up a board in your favourite place, introduce someone to the game, organise an event in your community, or simply share your chess story with the world. Every celebration – big or small – helps show how chess continues to bring people together across borders, generations and cultures. Happy International Chess Day!
Laâyoune International Chess Festival 2026 successfully concludes in Morocco
The Laâyoune International Chess Festival 2026, organized by the Laâyoune City Chess Club, concluded successfully after six days of high-level competition held from July 13 to 18, 2026, in Laâyoune, Morocco. The festival featured three FIDE-rated tournaments: Classical, Rapid, and Blitz, bringing together chess players from Morocco and several other countries in an atmosphere of sportsmanship, friendship, and cultural exchange. The event was officially registered with FIDE, and all tournaments were submitted for international rating. The Classical Championship attracted 104 players, including titled players and several titled women players, making it one of the strongest international chess events organized in the southern regions of Morocco. The high level of participation reflected the growing international reputation of the festival. Moroccan CM Yasser El Haj El Khelti (pictured below) delivered an outstanding performance by winning both the Classical and Rapid Championships, confirming his excellent form throughout the festival. Meanwhile, FM Abdelrahim Taleb Mohamed of Mauritania captured the Blitz Championship title after an impressive performance against a strong field of competitors. Beyond the competitions, the festival offered live broadcasts of the top boards as well as educational and promotional activities. The closing ceremony honored champions, arbiters, volunteers, and partners whose efforts contributed to the success of the event. The Organizing Committee extends its sincere gratitude to all players, arbiters, officials, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and media representatives who contributed to the success of this international festival. Special thanks are also extended to the International Chess Federation (FIDE) for its continued support in promoting chess worldwide. The Laâyoune City Chess Club remains committed to developing international chess in Morocco and looks forward to welcoming an even larger and stronger field of participants in future editions of the Laâyoune International Chess Festival. Classical Championship complete results: https://s3.chess-results.com/tnr1448534.aspx?lan=20&SNode=S0 Rapid Championship complete results: https://s3.chess-results.com/tnr1454863.aspx?lan=20&SNode=S0 Blitz Championship complete results: https://s3.chess-results.com/tnr1454862.aspx?lan=20&SNode=S0 Official website: https://laayoune-citychess.com
FIDE School Awards 2026: 20 schools recognized for educational excellence
The 4th cycle of the FIDE School Award is now complete. In total, 20 applicants qualified for an award. This award recognizes schools that prioritize chess as an educational tool to enhance learning and build community. For these schools, chess has a profound impact on both children and school culture, which is reflected in their teaching methods, tools, and the ways in which they connect with their surrounding communities through their chess programs. The FIDE School Award (FSA) also seeks to connect FSA-winning schools from around the world, enabling them to share ideas and educational resources that promote the value of educational chess and community engagement globally. Programs are evaluated on 11 different criteria, which include social impact, community involvement, innovation in teaching, chess educators, student involvement and more. To read more on the criteria and the FIDE School Award, click HERE. Congratulations to all the award winners of the 4th cycle! Gold School Award: Citrus Grove K-8 Center, Miami, Florida, USA Nord Anglia School Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Irving and Beatrice Peskoe K-8 Center, Homestead, Florida, USA Ruben Dario Middle School, Miami, Florida, USA North Miami Senior High School, North Miami, Florida, USA Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary, Miami, Florida, USA Sharjah American International School, United Arab Emirates Colegio Obradoiro International School, A Coruna, Spain Hialeah Gardens Middle School, Hialeah Gardens, Florida, USA Harrow International School Shanghai, Shanghai, China Howard D. McMillan Middle School, Miami, Florida, USA Silver School Award Cayman Prep and High School, Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands) Riyadh Schools Al Malqa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Riyadh Hebrew Language Academy 2, Brooklyn, New York Zhangir Khan School, Khan Ordassy Village, Kazakhstan Addis Abada #2 Primary and Middle School, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Dalton E. Tucker Primary School, Southampton, Bermuda Bronze School Award Dominican Convent School, Zimbabwe Eden School, Veyrier, Switzerland Lakeland Elementary Middle School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA To learn more about the FIDE School Award and to see past recipients, click HERE.
ECU General Assembly underway in Bucharest; Zurab Azmaiparashvili re-elected as President
The European Chess Union (ECU) General Assembly 2026 is underway in Bucharest, Romania, bringing together delegates from across Europe to discuss the future of chess on the continent. The Assembly is being held at the headquarters of the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee, underscoring the close cooperation between the chess movement and the Olympic family. The opening ceremony welcomed distinguished guests, including Nadia Elena Comăneci, the legendary five-time Olympic gymnastics champion; and Mihai Claudiu Covaliu, President of the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee and Olympic fencing champion. The venue and the presence of two Olympic champions carry a message that extends beyond the chessboard. With the support of Olympic Committees, the European chess community stands united in its call for chess to be recognised as an Olympic sport – a step that would bring millions of players and fans into the heart of the Olympic movement. The opening ceremony highlighted the shared values of excellence, education, fair play and international cooperation that unite chess with the Olympic family. One of the key items on the agenda was the election of the European Chess Union leadership for the next term. Delegates re-elected Zurab Azmaiparashvili as ECU President, with his ticket receiving 35 votes out of 53 cast. The newly elected ECU leadership consists of: • President: Zurab Azmaiparashvili• Deputy President: Vlad Ardeleanu• Vice President: Ingrid Lauterbach• Vice President: Lasse Østebø Løvik• Secretary General: Theodoros Tsorbatzoglou• Treasurer: Prabitha Urwyler The other candidates received the following support:• Łukasz Turlej – 11 votes• Bachar Kouatly – 7 votes Congratulating the newly elected leadership, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich praised both the democratic spirit of the Assembly and the quality of the election campaign. “The European Chess Union General Assembly is a great example of how democratic processes should work in sport. We have seen strong competition, thoughtful programmes and excellent ideas presented by all candidates. This is exactly how our chess family should operate – through open discussion, fair elections and cooperation afterwards. The best ideas should be taken forward for the benefit of the entire chess community. I congratulate Zurab Azmaiparashvili and his team on their election and look forward to continuing and strengthening the collaboration between FIDE and the European Chess Union. Together, we can do much more for chess.” Alongside the presidential election, delegates are considering a broad range of strategic matters affecting European chess. The agenda includes reports from the ECU President, Secretary General, and Treasurer; financial statements and the 2027 budget; amendments to the ECU Statutes; reports from the ECU Commissions; membership matters; the calendar of future European events; and discussions on the continued development of chess across the continent. FIDE congratulates Zurab Azmaiparashvili and the newly elected ECU Board and wishes them every success in their work for the continued growth of chess in Europe. Photos: European Chess Union ECU official website: https://www.europechess.org/
Rapid Champions crowned at Asian Youth Chess Championships 2026
The Rapid Chess Championship of the 28th Asian Youth Chess Championships concluded on July 16, 2026, at the COLI Hotel in Shenzhen, China. The event brought together nearly 900 young players from 30 Asian federations for a day of exciting and highly competitive chess. The championship featured competitions across six age categories (Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18, Boys and Girls), with players demonstrating outstanding fighting spirit, excellent sportsmanship, and impressive technical skills throughout the tournament. The participating federations were: Australia, Bangladesh, China, Fiji, Guam, Hong Kong China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. China emerged as the dominant force in the medal standings, finishing with the biggest haul of the tournament. The Chinese contingent claimed four gold medals, four silver, and three bronze. Vietnam also enjoyed a strong campaign, securing two gold, four silver, and two bronze medals, while Kazakhstan rounded out the team podium, taking home two gold and two bronze medals. The podium finishers in each category were as follows: Boys Under-8🥇 He Siyuan (CHN)🥈 Jin Yuxin (CHN)🥉 Mikhail Markov (FIDE) Boys Under-10 🥇 Adinur Adilbek (KAZ)🥈 Xu Bofang (CHN)🥉 CM Nurmuhammad Nematillakhonov (UZB) Boys Under-12 🥇 FM Chakrabarty Reyaansh (AUS)🥈 CM Le Phan Hoang Quan (VIE)🥉 CM Nguyen Luong Vu (VIE) Boys Under-14 🥇 Maksat Baisalbekov (KAZ)🥈 Zhu Harvey (Hanchen) (AUS)🥉 FM Alisher Abdsattar (KAZ) Boys Under-16 🥇 FM Semyon Puzyrevsky (FIDE)🥈 IM Dau Khuong Duy (VIE)🥉 Kodiri Pairavi (IND) Boys Under-18 🥇 IM Pham Tran Gia Phuc (VIE)🥈 FM Dang Anh Minh (VIE)🥉 Xie Jiaxiang (CHN) Girls Under-8 🥇 Yang Peilin (CHN)🥈 Yao Jingya (CHN)🥉 Zhu Xianshuo (CHN) Girls Under-10 🥇 Nguyen Vu Bao Chau (VIE)🥈 WCM Nakshatra Gumudavelly (IND)🥉 Amaliya Yedresheva (KAZ) Girls Under-12 🥇 Liu Yuanjia (CHN)🥈 Ding Yanwen (CHN)🥉 WCM Ider Tselmuun (MGL) Girls Under-14 🥇 Pavithra R V (IND)🥈 WCM Maitreyi Mondal (IND)🥉 WFM Tran Le Vy (VIE) Girls Under-16 🥇 Tong Yiyi (CHN)🥈 Vu Nguyen Bao Linh (VIE)🥉 WFM Mu Wangxueyao (CHN) Girls Under-18🥇 WFM Evgeniia Satanovskaia (FIDE)🥈 WFM Mahsa Alavi (IRI)🥉 WFM Rukiya Olimova (UZB) The Asian Chess Federation congratulates all the medalists and participants for their excellent performances and thanks the Chinese Chess Association, the Organizing Committee, officials, arbiters, volunteers, and all participating federations for making the Rapid Championship a memorable success. Complete standings and results Official website: aycc2026.chesstournament.org
FIDE Excellence Awards shortlists announced
FIDE has announced the official shortlists for the inaugural FIDE Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding achievements, individuals, events, teams, federations and initiatives from across the global chess community. Established in 2026, the biennial awards celebrate excellence across a two-year cycle. Following the public nomination period held throughout June, the verification and shortlisting process has now been completed. Each of the eleven award categories, comprising six regular categories and five discretionary categories, features ten nominees selected by the FIDE Excellence Awards Jury. The Jury was appointed by the FIDE President in consultation with the FIDE Management Board and the FIDE Excellence Awards Working Group. The inaugural awards cover achievements from September 2024 to August 2026. The official shortlists are: Best Chess Player (Male) Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Fabiano Caruana, Magnus Carlsen, Arjun Erigaisi, Alireza Firouzja, Anish Giri, Gukesh Dommaraju, Vincent Keymer, R Praggnanandhaa, Javokhir Sindarov Best Chess Player (Female) Bibisara Assaubayeva, Divya Deshmukh, Aleksandra Goryachkina, Koneru Humpy, Lei Tingjie, Anna Muzychuk, Tan Zhongyi, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Ju Wenjun, Zhu Jiner Best Tournament (Open) Abu Dhabi Chess Festival, Aeroflot Open, Dubai Open, Grenke Freestyle Chess Open, Open Chess Menorca, Prague International Chess Festival Open, Qatar Masters Open, Reykjavik Open, Sharjah Masters, U.S. Open Chess Championship Best Tournament (Round-robin) Biel Chess Festival, Cairns Cup, Grand Chess Tour, London Chess Classic, Norway Chess, Prague International Chess Festival, Sinquefield Cup, Tata Steel Chess Tournament, TePe Sigeman & Co Chess Tournament, UzChess Cup Best Federation Chinese Chess Association, Colombian Chess Federation, Georgian Chess Federation, All India Chess Federation, Italian Chess Federation, Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Chess Kenya, Chess Federation of Serbia, Turkish Chess Federation, Uzbekistan Chess Federation Best Chess Initiative Armenian School Chess Programme, Chess for Freedom, Chess for Protection, Chess in Schools and Communities, ChessBase India Foundation, Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives (FACI), FIDE Infinite Chess Project, Kasparov Chess Foundation Africa, Queens’ Online Chess Festival, The Gift of Chess Best Team Ashdod Elit Chess Club, China (Open and Women’s National Teams), Dragon Chilling, Hexamind Chess Team, India (Open and Women’s National Teams), Kazakhstan (Open and Women’s National Teams), Team MGD1, United States (Open National Team), Uzbekistan (Open National Team), WR Chess Team Best Breakthrough (Rookie of the Year) Divya Deshmukh, Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş, Faustino Oro, Gukesh Dommaraju, Anastasiia Hnatyshyn, Vincent Keymer, Volodar Murzin, Javokhir Sindarov, Andy Woodward, Zhu Jiner Best Comeback Levon Aronian, Fabiano Caruana, Ding Liren, Vladimir Fedoseev, Pentala Harikrishna, Vasyl Ivanchuk, Parham Maghsoodloo, Anna Muzychuk, Tan Zhongyi, Wei Yi Best Chess Player with a Disability Jennitha Anto, Artom Andriienko, Griffin McConnell, Jamal Messala, Natasha Morales Santos, Łukasz Nowak, Jesus Osorio, Handenur Şahin, Marcin Tazbir, Jessica Lauser Best Creator Alexandra Botez and Andrea Botez, Anna Cramling, ChessBase India, ChessBrah, Dirk Jan ten Geuzendam, Leontxo García, Hikaru Nakamura, Levy Rozman, Sagar Shah, Simon Williams With the shortlists confirmed, the selection process now moves to the FIDE Excellence Awards Panel. Bringing together expertise from across the chess world, the Panel will review the nominees and vote to determine the winner in each category. The winners will be revealed and honoured during the official FIDE Excellence Awards ceremony in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in September 2026. The ceremony will take place alongside the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad. The complete shortlists, together with further information about the awards, selection process and ceremony, are available at https://excellence.fide.com/. For inquiries, please contact awards@fide.com.