Record field set for 6th Intercontinental Chess Championship for Prisoners
The 6th Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners will take place on October 13–15, 2026, bringing together incarcerated players from around the world for three days of international online competition. This year’s championship is set to establish a new participation record, with 140 teams from 56 countries registered for the event. The competition will feature men’s, women’s and youth sections, with teams competing across multiple groups and time zones. Organised by FIDE and the Cook County (Chicago, IL, USA) Sheriff’s Office, the championship demonstrates 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 can support reintegration into society. Preparations are already well underway in participating correctional facilities. Nigeria will make its championship debut this year, with male players from Kirikiri Medium Custodial Center preparing through a seven-week intensive chess programme organised by Anchor Heritage Initiative. The programme concluded with a six-round tournament. For the organisers, the project goes beyond competition, using chess to build confidence, develop talent and create opportunities for personal growth. In Malawi, five teams have registered across the men’s, women’s and youth categories. Local organisers have focused on chess as a tool for discipline, rehabilitation and strategic thinking, while support from Airtel Malawi has helped provide the internet connectivity necessary for players to participate in international online competition. In Kenya, chess has become an increasingly established part of prison rehabilitation programmes. The game is now played across all 134 prisons in the country, with participants and prison officials pointing to its value in developing patience, problem-solving and more considered decision-making. Kenya first participated in the FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners in 2024. India will again be strongly represented. The women’s team from Yerawada Women’s Prison has qualified for the Intercontinental Championship for the first time after progressing through the Asian stage earlier this year. The players have been preparing through regular training in openings, endgames and time management, with chess described by participants as a way to learn to think ahead and understand the consequences of each decision. The championship will be played online on Chess.com, allowing correctional facilities separated by thousands of kilometers to meet over the same chessboard. The event has grown steadily since its launch, becoming one of the largest international sporting competitions organised for incarcerated people and a central part of FIDE’s Chess for Freedom programme. General information, draws, technical requirements, fair play measures (PDF) Official website: https://chessforfreedom.fide.com/
FIDE World Amateur Chess Championships 2026: Registration deadline extended
All FIDE Member Federations and eligible players are invited to participate in the 2026 FIDE World Amateur Chess Championships, open to male and female players with a FIDE rating under 2300. The event will take place in Klang, Selangor, Malaysia, from November 4 (arrival) to November 13 (departure), 2026. Participants must be registered by their national federations, which may send an unlimited number of players. The event will feature separate Open and Women’s Championships across three FIDE rating categories: Under-2300, Under-2000, and Under-1700. A separate Women’s Championship will be held in any category with at least ten players from at least two different continents. The Championships will be played using the Swiss system over 9 rounds. The time control is 90 minutes per game, plus a 30-second increment per move, starting from move one. All players, accompanying persons, and delegation members must register by the extended deadline of October 16, 2026. Invitation, schedule, regulations, travel information (PDF) Email: worldamateur@fide.com Official website: https://wacc2026.chesstournament.org/
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev receives FIDE President Timur Turlov
President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received newly elected FIDE President Timur Turlov and congratulated him on his election to lead the International Chess Federation. During the meeting, the sides discussed the development of chess in Kazakhstan, the country’s growing role in the international chess community, and further cooperation between FIDE and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. President Tokayev noted that chess holds a special place in Kazakhstan, serving not only as a sport but also as a vital tool for developing the intellectual potential of the younger generation. He also highlighted the recent progress of Kazakh chess school, including the strong results of its national teams and the silver medal won by the Kazakhstan’s women’s team at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. Currently, more than 278,000 people across Kazakhstan are actively engaged in chess, reflecting the rapid growth of the game in the country in recent years. President Tokayev stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and FIDE. This includes advancing educational initiatives, providing professional development for coaches and arbiters, and hosting major international chess events in Kazakhstan. FIDE President Timur Turlov, who also serves as President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, noted that the country’s experience could serve as a valuable example of how government support, coordinated investment, educational integration, and federation development can produce measurable results. He observed that over the past three years, Kazakhstan has achieved significant progress, marked by strong results from top players and national teams, the wider introduction of chess in schools, greater investment in coach training, and expanded opportunities for young players across the country. Turlov added that Kazakhstan’s experience demonstrates how a systematic approach and close cooperation among the federation, government, schools, and the private sector can accelerate the growth of chess. As FIDE President, he intends to help other national federations develop stronger systems adapted to their unique circumstances while sharing Kazakhstan’s effective practices with the global chess community. President Turlov also briefed President Tokayev on FIDE’s priorities for the coming years, which include expanding chess in education, strengthening support for national federations, improving professional training for coaches and arbiters, developing youth chess, and creating more opportunities for international cooperation. The meeting concluded with President Tokayev wishing President Turlov every success in his new role as FIDE President.
FIDE World Senior Team Championships 2027: Registration opens
FIDE, the German Chess Federation (DSB) and LandesSchachverband Sachsen-Anhalt e. V. invite all FIDE member federations and eligible teams to participate in the World Senior Team Chess Championships taking place in Magdeburg, Germany from March 31 (arrival) to April 11 (departure) 2027. The Championships are open to all players, regardless of rating or title, who reach the required age during the calendar year of the competition. Teams may register only through their national chess federations, and there is no limit on the number of teams per federation. All players on a team must be members of the same national federation. The event will feature four categories: Age 50+ Open, Age 50+ Women, Age 65+ Open, and Age 65+ Women. The Women’s sections will be held subject to a minimum of 10 teams from at least two continents. Registration is now open:https://www.worldseniorteamchess2027.org/registration/ The registration deadline is January 31, 2027. Invitation, schedule, regulations (PDF) Official website: worldseniorteam2027.fide.com Email: worldseniorteam@fide.com
FIDE World U7-U17 Rapid and Blitz Championships 2026 Egypt: Registration continues
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the Egyptian Chess Federation are pleased to invite all the member federations to the 2026 FIDE World U7-U17 Rapid and Blitz Championships. The event will take place in Cairo, Egypt, from December 8 (arrival) to December 15 (departure), 2026. The participants will compete across six age categories: Under 7, Under 9, Under 11, Under 13, Under 15, and Under 17, with separate Open and Girls sections. Players who secured first place in the previous edition of the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Cadets & Youth Championships (U9–U17 age groups) are granted the personal right to participate in the corresponding (or higher) age category, provided they meet the age requirement as of January 1, 2026. FIDE Member Federations may register an unlimited number of players and accompanying officials/persons. The registration deadline is November 1, 2026. Invitation, regulations, schedule (PDF) Registration details Registration form: https://forms.gle/sJW3H1QfS5FZ3kqE8 Email: youthrapidblitz@fide.com Official website: https://youthrapidblitz2026.fide.com
FIDE Announces Open Call for Commission Nominations
Following the election of the new FIDE leadership, we are entering a new chapter of our work – building on what has been achieved, continuing the projects that have proven successful, and developing new initiatives that can make FIDE and chess even more effective, innovative, and impactful. FIDE Commissions and Committees play a vital role in this process. Their expertise, commitment, and connection with the chess community are essential to turning our strategic priorities into meaningful action. With this in mind, FIDE is launching an open process for nominations to all non-elected positions within FIDE Commissions/Committees. All FIDE National Federations, affiliated organizations, and Continental Federations are invited to suggest candidates who can contribute their expertise, experience, and ideas to the work of the Commissions/Committees. Individuals who wish to put themselves forward are also welcome to apply. In such cases, candidates should be aware that, if appointed, they will need to obtain the support of their respective National Federation. How to apply Applications should be submitted via the form below by October 20, 2026. Alternatively, the application can be submitted by email. In this case, the applicant should complete the attached Excel form and send it to office@fide.com. Any candidate may be applying for several positions, filling in a separate application for each of the preferred positions. Each application should indicate: • the preferred Commission(s)/Committee(s);• the preferred position — Chair, Secretary or Member;• CV and a brief justification for the preferred position;• the candidate’s relevant professional experience and expertise;• the contribution the candidate intends to make to the work of the Commission/Committee; and• suggestions for improving or further developing the Commission’s/Committee’s work. We encourage candidates not only to present their experience but also to share their vision of how the Commission/Committee can contribute to FIDE’s future priorities and serve the chess community more effectively. Building strong and diverse teams Following the open application process, the new nominations will be considered with the aim of creating strong, effective and diverse Commission/Committee teams. The selection process will take into account, in particular: • professional expertise and relevant experience;• regional representation and diversity;• gender balance; and• the candidate’s ability to make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s/Committee’s work. Councillors would be appointed based on the merit from those who would have applied for the membership or leadership of the Commission. The current list of non-elected commissions and their respective areas of responsibility can be consulted in the FIDE Handbook:FIDE Handbook – Non-Elected Commissions
From Tsaghkadzor to Grand Final: European Schools Chess Champions crowned amidst cultural celebration
The curtain fell on the World Schools Team Championship Europe 2026. After four days of intense competition, brilliant sacrifices, and unparalleled teamwork, the young chess champions were crowned in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia. Gymnasium No. 50 of Minsk (Belarus) established their dominance from the opening round. Starting with back-to-back 4–0 clean sweeps, they held a firm grasp on the number-one spot. Led by Board 1 star Damir Bulgak and Board 4 standout Katrina Yakovleva, the Belarusian squad never let their grip slip, successfully turning away all challengers to finish with a flawless, undefeated record. Their first-place finish officially secures their slot in the prestigious global Grand Final this December. Coming into the event as the top-seeded team by average rating, Riga State Gymnasium No. 1 (Latvia) confidently navigated eight rounds, losing only to the champions and winning all their other encounters. Powered by Daniel Beniosev’s unbeaten run on Board 2, the Latvians easily defended their position down the stretch to lock up the silver medals. LEPL Georgia, Kutaisi Andria Razmadze Physico secured the third position in a tough competition with the local team from Armenia. Final standings Let’s take a look at how the action unfolded on the final day of the competition. Round 7 Gymnasium No. 50 of Minsk further consolidated its lead, scoring a hard-fought victory over ZS Wolkerova Bardejov. Meanwhile, in the clash of the teams chasing the leaders, Riga State Gymnasium No. 1 dominated LEPL Georgia, Kutaisi Andria Razmadze Physico by a score of 3-1. Move of the day Matej Viglas – Damir Bulgak Leading up to move 26, Black emerged clearly better, but there was nothing decisive in sight after the correct 26.Ne5 f6 27.Nd3. However, White committed a fatal error with 26. Nd2??, walking right into a devastating tactical strike. The knight sacrifice 26… Nxf2! completely shattered White’s kingside shelter. Accepting the sacrifice leads to a forced checkmate after 27.Kxf2 Qxh2+ 28.Kf1 Re6!, while declining it leaves White completely lost. The rest was smooth sailing for Bulgak. Round 8 Gymnasium No. 50 of Minsk finished with a perfect match score after defeating Green Village School of Israel. Riga State Gymnasium No.1 swept Osnovna sola Bojana Ilicha Maribor, while in the crucial match for third place LEPL Georgia, Kutaisi Andria Razmadze Physico prevailed over the local team Yerevan’s basic school N 77. A web of friendships Beyond the intense chess battles on the chessboards of Tsaghkadzor, the World Schools Team Championship 2026 celebrated the power of global connection through a deeply symbolic “Threads that connect” side event. In this heartwarming activity, young chess prodigies from across Europe stood in a large circle, sharing their reflections and tossing colorful balls of yarn across the room while holding onto their piece of the string. As the yarn traveled from hand to hand, it created a magnificent, intricate web, a striking, tangible visualization of international networking and shared community. This playful yet profound exercise beautifully reminded our future grandmasters that just like their strategic choices on the board, their paths, cultures, and newfound friendships are all interconnected in one grand, supportive network. School Champions crowned in Tsaghkadzor amid tears, triumphs, and anthems. The European Stage World Schools Team Championship 2026 concluded with an unforgettable, high-energy closing ceremony hosted at the 88 Hotel & Spa. Bringing together young players, captains, parents, and international chess dignitaries, the event celebrated four days of intense boundary-crossing competition, ultimate triumphs, and cross-cultural camaraderie. The Master of Ceremonies opened the evening by thanking the young players for building friendships across borders, emphasizing that the global chess community is “one big family.” Special recognition was paid to Freedom Group of companies, the event’s main sponsor and General Partner of the International School Chess Federation (ISCF). The MC also expressed deep appreciation to the tournament’s key co-organizers: the Armenian Chess Federation, the Chess Academy of Armenia, the European Chess Union, and the venue host, 88 Hotel & Spa. The official segment of the evening began with the national anthem of Armenia. The audience remained respectfully standing before the proceedings transitioned seamlessly into the official FIDE anthem. Following the protocols, the energy in the hall skyrocketed during the screening of the tournament’s highlight film, titled “How It All Happened.” Young players filled the room with thunderous shouts and laughter, following the MC’s prompt to “make some noise” whenever they spotted themselves on screen. Individual board triumphs Chief Arbiter Vahagn Khachatryan took the stage to announce the individual category medalists, who were presented their awards by an esteemed lineup of academic and chess royalty. Reserve Board awards were presented by Mariam Ispiryan, Pro-rector of the Armenian State Pedagogical University. Lile Svanadze from LEPL Georgia, Kutaisi Andria Razmadze Physico-Mathematical Public School N41 Catalan Julen Arbizu from Ikastola San Fermin Maksymilian Wylezinski from Azymut Szkola Podstawowa Fundacji Sternik Board 4 awards were presented by Grandmaster and Honored Coach of Armenia, Arman Pashikyan. loana-Cristiana Pomirleanu from C.N. Costache Negruzzi Katrina Yakovleva from Gymnasium No. 50 of Minsk Adam Ben Avi from Green Village School Board 3 awards were presented by Varduhi Sargsyan, Executive Director of the Chess Academy of Armenia Krisjanis Lazars from Riga State Gymnasium No. 1 Platon Kiritshenko from Tallinna Tonismae Reaalkool Kiryl Babeikin from Gymnasium No. 50 of Minsk Board 2 awards were presented by Lilit Mkrtchyan, Rector of the Armenian State Pedagogical University Daniel Beniosev from Riga State Gymnasium No. 1 Mikita Mazanik from Gymnasium No. 50 of Minsk Adrian Kornilov from Tallinna Tonismae Reaalkool Board 1 awards were presented by Ion-Serban Dobronauteanu, Director of Youth Chess of the European Chess Union. Damir Bulgak from Gymnasium No. 50 of Minsk Tin Biti from OS Spansko Oranice Uros Vuckovic from Mathematical Grammar School Following the individual honors, the Tournament Director of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championships 2026, Nadzeya Krauchuk, delivered a brief address congratulating the field on their tactical excellence. The podium The culmination of the 60-minute ceremony belonged to the three best school teams in Europe, who took their places on the podium to thunderous applause. Smbat Lputian, founder of the Chess Academy of Armenia and Vice President of the Armenian
Small Nations Chess Association restarts activities and elects new Board
Members of the Small Nations Chess Association (SNACA) convened in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, for the Association’s General Assembly, where they agreed to revitalize SNACA’s operations, approved new statutes, and elected a new Board to serve a two-year term. SNACA now includes 35 member federations from four continents, reflecting the growing international community of chess federations represented within the Association. As part of its renewed agenda, SNACA is planning to organize its first individual championship in 2027, marking an important milestone in the Association’s development and future activities. The General Assembly in Samarkand represents a new chapter for SNACA as it continues to strengthen cooperation among small nations and provide opportunities for their chess communities to participate in international events. Contact: Email: smallchessnations@gmail.com
“Theory and Practice of Chess Education” conference begins in Tsaghkadzor
Alongside the 2026 World Schools Chess Championship – Europe, the International Scientific Conference “Theory and Practice of Chess Education” officially commenced in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, running from October 1–2, 2026. Serving as a cornerstone event during this pivotal year for chess education, the conference brought together experts to discuss cutting-edge tools and methodologies. The primary objective is to explore innovative approaches and establish strategies for implementing chess across various educational settings globally. The event opened with inspiring welcome speeches from key leaders in the field. Lilit Mkrtchyan, representing the Armenian State Pedagogical University, welcomed attendees alongside Andrey Vodianov, Chief Operating Officer of the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), who emphasized the mission to “build bridges” globally. Smbat Lputyan, Director of the Chess Scientific Research Institute, outlined the core philosophy of the event by framing chess through its multifaceted lenses of sport, science, education, art, and culture. He highlighted the evolution of the game from a competitive sport into a multidisciplinary field, emphasizing its profound impact on youth development and critical thinking. A major highlight of the conference was the signing of an Official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ISCF, represented by Andrey Vodianov, and the Armenian State Pedagogical University, represented by Lilit Mkrtchyan. This milestone agreement marks a crucial step in turning visionary ideas into practical applications by bridging international chess education initiatives with prestigious academic institutions. Organizers and participants alike expressed great optimism, hoping that this ceremony marks a strong opening for a long, cooperative, and highly successful new era for chess education worldwide.
WSTC Europe Day 3: Competitions, tactical masterclasses and high-altitude adventures in Tsaghkadzor
The third day of the European Continental Stage of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 elevated the competitive intensity to new heights in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia. With the tournament crossing into its critical second half, Rounds 5 and 6 delivered a captivating blend of strategic competition on the top boards and heartfelt camaraderie off them. As the top players continued their unstoppable runs, the race for the Grand Final slots became an absolute thriller. The morning air in Tsaghkadzor was crisp, but inside the playing hall where Rounds 5 and 6 of the 2026 FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship (European Stage), the atmosphere was white-hot as the tournament leaders finally crossed swords. The penultimate day delivered an extraordinary spectacle of junior chess, showcasing immense fighting spirit, sharp tactical vision, and the brutal reality of time-pressure blunders. With crucial qualification points on the line, the round saw uncompromising chess, with an incredibly low draw rate and an abundance of hard-fought games across all boards. Highlights of Rounds 5 and 6 Gymnasium No. 50 of Minsk (12 Points) holds the top spot after Round 6. Damir Bulgak (Board 1) and Katrina Yakovleva (Board 4) maintain an incredible, perfect 6/6 match record. Riga State Gymnasium No. 1 (10 Points) is firmly in second place. Daniel Beniosev continues his spectacular run on Board 2, sitting on an unbeaten 5.5/6. LEPL Georgia, Kutaisi Andria Razmadze Physico (9 Points) occupies the third position. Their standout performer is Davit Tatvidze, pulling in a vital win today to push his score to 4.5/6. Leading individual board performers The following players have dominated their respective boards across the first six rounds: Tin Biti (OS Spansko Oranice): An exceptional 5.5/6 showing on Board 1. Ioana-Cristiana Pomirleanu (C.N.”Costache Negruzzi”): Dominating Board 4 with a superb 5.5/6 score. Platon Kiritshenko (Tallinna Tonismae Reaalkool): Putting up an elite 5/6 record on Board 3. Let’s have a look at a couple of fragments illustrating the competitive spirit in the event. A real drama unfolded at one of the top boards, in a thrilling game between Gabriel Gabadadze (2071) and Damir Bulgak (2305). Bulgak seized a huge endgame advantage, only to blunder it away with a natural but erroneous 48… Rd2+??, giving White a precious tempo to advance his king. The correct path was 48…Ra5! (or 48…a3!). As played, the position became equal. However, after 49.Kg3 Rd3+ 50.Kh4 a3 51.g5 Rd2 Gabadadze returned the favor by 52.g6?? (instead of the correct 52.Kg3!) and White was losing again. The opponents traded more errors in subsequent play, but eventually Black’s pawns proved to be faster. Ignacy Krol – Troi Krasniqi At first glance, Black has to retreat with his queen, but Krasniqi uncorked 14… Qxg5! – an unexpected queen sacrifice that completely changed the dynamics of the game. After 15.hgx5 Rxh1+ 16.Kd2 Bd7, Black emerged slightly better. Unsettled, Krol reacted poorly and ended up in a lost position. Luckily for him, Krasniqi failed to capitalize, and after a series of mutual errors, the opponents split the point. Fast & local: FIDE-rated girls’ blitz The tournament hall in Tsaghkadzor shifted to a lightning-fast pace on Thursday evening as the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) hosted an official FIDE-rated Blitz Tournament for the young female players under 14 years of age. They were inspired by Elina Danielian, Armenian chess grandmaster and six-time Armenian women’s champion, who assisted in the organization of this tournament. With a time control of 3 minutes plus a 2-second increment, the event “Smart Moves: Girls Who Lead” featured an all-local lineup, bringing together talented young girl-players from Armenia for an evening of intense, high-speed tactical battles. Every match carried high stakes, forcing players to rely on quick intuition and sharp calculation. The evening concluded with rapid handshakes and shared analysis, highlighting the deep pool of local chess talent driving the sport forward. Rising champions Following yesterday’s tradition of high-level educational seminars, the tournament hall hosted another installment of the popular masterclass series. Under the banner “Rising Champions,” coaches, players, and their parents gathered for a deeply practical, interactive conversation with grandmaster Samvel Ter-Sahakyan, Coach of the Japanese National Chess Team for the 2026 Chess Olympiad. The session moved quickly past basic theory, diving straight into the concrete realities of elite youth development. Ter-Sahakyan shared invaluable personal insights on navigating the transition from talented school player to international competitor, emphasizing the psychological resilience needed to bounce back during grueling team tournaments. Mind games beyond the board: WSTC Kahoot Quiz The chess world is incredibly vast, built upon centuries of brilliant minds, legendary rivalries, and a deeply precious history. Capitalizing on this rich heritage, the young prodigies in Tsaghkadzor took a break from their standard calculations to test their historical wits in a fast-paced, interactive Kahoot quiz. The event gave players a fantastic opportunity to showcase their deep knowledge of the game’s greatest milestones and for the winner – to get a postcard signed by five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand. Captains and parents take the stage: The evening blitz Stepping out from the sidelines and into the competitive arena, team captains and players’ parents had their own opportunity to shine today in a special evening blitz tournament. The friendly yet fiercely contested event gave the adults a taste of the high-pressure environment their children face daily on the top boards. Trading their coaching notes for chess clocks, the participants demonstrated impressive tactical vision and deep passion for the game, proving that the love for chess runs deep across every generation present in Tsaghkadzor. What’s Next? With six rounds down and only two remaining, the European Continental Stage is hurtling toward an epic finale. The team standings are incredibly compressed, and mathematically, nearly a dozen schools are still within striking distance of the podium. Yet, as the kids gathered for dinner, sharing jokes, analyzing games on pocket sets, and teaching each other phrases in different languages, it was beautifully clear that the memories forged in Tsaghkadzor are already the ultimate prize. Official website: https://worldschoolteam2026.fide.com/