Mahammad Muradli and Ulviyya Fataliyeva win Azerbaijani Championship 2026
Mahammad Muradli and Ulviyya Fataliyeva are the newly crowned Azerbaijani chess champions. In the final matches, Muradli defeated Shakhriyar Mamedyarov to win the competition for the third time, while Fataliyeva prevailed over Ayan Allahverdiyeva to claim her maiden national title. The 2026 Azerbaijan Championships took place in the country’s capital, Baku, from February 6-22. Both the open and women’s competitions were knockout tournaments (two-game matches with tiebreakers if needed) played under classical time controls. The total prize fund was 62,000 AZN (~$36,500 USD) for the open section and 30,000 AZN (~$17,500 USD) for the women’s event. The open tournament, which attracted 30 participants, began with a preliminary round. The winners advanced to join the seeded players in the Round of 16. Muradli smoothly progressed to the quarterfinals, where he defeated Eltaj Safarli in the rapid tiebreaker. At this stage, the 2025 Azerbaijani champion Rauf Mamedov was eliminated, losing to IM Read Samadov. The rating favorite and last year’s finalist, Mamedyarov, needed no tiebreaks to reach the semifinals. In the semifinals, Muradli convincingly outplayed Samadov in the second classical game after drawing the first, securing his place in the final. The other semifinal match was much tenser and saw Mamedyarov battle past the young Aydin Suleymanli, winning the third rapid game to advance. The first game of the final between Mamedyarov and Muradli ended in a draw after a sharp tactical battle. In the second game, Muradli took full advantage of Mamedyarov’s mistake right out of the opening, winning the match and the title. In the match for third place, Suleymanli defeated Samadov twice to claim the bronze medal. In the women’s event, top seed IM Ulviyya Fataliyeva confirmed her pre-tournament favorite status, cruising past her opponents and advancing to the final. Somewhat surprisingly, her opponent in the title match was the seventh seed, WIM Ayan Allahverdiyeva, who eliminated defending champion Gunay Mammadzada in the quarterfinals and became the revelation of the tournament. Despite a substantial rating difference, the final match was very close. After the opponents exchanged victories in the classical games, Fataliyeva took control in the tiebreak, capturing her first national title. Gulnar Mammadova defeated Turkan Mammadyarova 1.5-0.5 in the match for third place to complete the podium. Photos: Azerbaijan Chess Federation
FIDE introduces World Cadet Championship cycle U8-U12 2026
Starting in 2026, FIDE is introducing a new and exciting championship cycle for the Under 8, Under 10, and Under 12 age categories, with the aim of strengthening the global pathway for young players and increasing the clarity and prestige of FIDE youth competitions. Under this new structure, the FIDE World Cadets Cup U8-U12 serves as a unique and qualifying event of the cycle, while the FIDE World Cadets Championships U8, U10, and U12, held later in the year, represent the final stage where world titles are decided. This distinction is central to the updated cycle and ensures greater clarity for federations, players, and parents. As part of this update, the event previously known as the World Cadet Championship U8-U12 has been renamed the FIDE World Cadets Cup U8-U12. While the competitive format and playing conditions remain unchanged, the new name reflects the event’s role as a global, merit-based competition that brings together the strongest young players from around the world and acts as a gateway to the World Cadets Championships later in the year. The inaugural edition of the FIDE World Cadets Cup under this new structure will take place from June 15-28, 2026 in Batumi, Georgia, and will follow the same proven system used in recent editions of the World Cadet Championships, with separate tournaments for boys and girls in the U8, U10, and U12 categories. Who can play? Each national federation is entitled to nominate one invited player per age category and gender, for a total of up to six players, along with one head of delegation holding a valid FIDE ID. In addition to these federation nominations, invited players also include those who finished in first to third place at the previous World Cadets Championships and World Cadets Cup, as well as the champions of the most recent Continental Cadet Championships. National federations may also register additional players and accompanying persons, subject to confirmation by the Organizing Committee, with all related costs covered by the federation, while FIDE-affiliated organizations may register players too and FIDE-endorsed chess academies may do so through their respective national federations. Venue Batumi provides an ideal setting for this global youth event. The city has a strong track record of hosting major international competitions, including the 2018 Chess Olympiad and recent top-level FIDE events, and benefits from Georgia’s deep-rooted chess culture and extensive organisational experience. The proven ability of Georgian Chess Federation and local organisers to deliver world-class events makes Batumi a trusted and familiar destination for federations and players alike. Commenting on the upcoming event, Akaki Iashvili, Chair of the FIDE Events Commission and President of the Georgian Chess Federation, said: “This event is an important opportunity for young players to test themselves on the world stage and to experience international chess at the highest organisational level. Georgia is proud to welcome the global chess community to Batumi once again, and we look forward to hosting the next generation of champions in a city with a deep love for the game.” FIDE member federations are kindly reminded that the registration deadline for the FIDE World Cup U8-U12 is April 15, 2026. Important dates of the cycle April 15, 2026 Deadline for federation registration for FIDE World Cup U8-U12 June 15-28, 2026 FIDE World Cup U8-U12 November 10-17, 2026 FIDE World Cadet Championships U8, U10, U12 with only 48 players in total More information about the FIDE World Cup U8-U12 can be found on the official website: wcc2026.fide.com/ Regulations for FIDE World Cadets’ Championship Cycle 2026 (PDF) For any additional queries, federations may contact the organisers directly at wcc@fide.com. The FIDE World Cup U8-U12 marks an important step in reinforcing the international competitive pathway for young players and underlines FIDE’s continued commitment to developing chess talent from the earliest stages on the global stage. FIDE World Cadets Championship U8, U10, U12 It is important to note that the FIDE World Cadets Championships U8, U10, and U12, held later in the year (November, 10-17), are a final-stage event with a limited field. A total of 48 players will participate, with only eight players per each of the six age categories. All participants in the World Cadets Championships qualify as personal right players and receive free full-board accommodation. Qualification places are allocated as follows: 3 spots – the three winners of the FIDE Cadets World Cup4 spots – one nomination from each continent. The nominations shall be sent by the continental President’s offices.1 spot – nomination from the organizing federation This structure ensures that the World Cadets Championships bring together the very strongest performers from the global qualification pathway.
FIDE Director for Chess Development visits Togo
The Togolese Chess Federation (FTDE) welcomed FIDE Director for Chess Development, Grandmaster Nigel Short, for an official visit aimed at promoting and structuring the game across Togo. The visit is part of FIDE’s ongoing efforts to support national federations in Africa and foster sustainable chess growth on the continent. During the visit, discussions focused on expanding the chess player base, structuring clubs, and enhancing coach training programs. The delegation and FTDE leadership shared strategies to create an environment conducive to discovering new talent and strengthening the organization of chess nationwide. As part of the program, the FTDE organized a conference on the educational value of chess, bringing together young players and key partners, including the National Social Security Fund. Nigel Short highlighted the role of chess in developing concentration, decision-making skills, and strategic thinking, while emphasizing that regular tournaments and fostering a love for the game are critical to nurturing emerging talent. FTDE President Me Ndjellé Abby Edah emphasized the federation’s commitment to democratizing chess starting from schools and broadening the licensed player base to boost Togo’s competitiveness at regional and international levels. Commenting on FIDE’s support for Africa and Togo, Tshepiso Lopang, President of the African Chess Confederation, said: “FIDE’s continued engagement and support provide our federations with the tools and guidance needed to grow chess from the grassroots to the elite level. Nigel Short’s visit to Togo exemplifies FIDE’s commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening chess infrastructure across the continent.” The visit also provided an opportunity to launch the Chess Popularization Program (PIVE), designed to promote chess among youth and integrate the game into educational and community settings. Supported by FIDE, the program aims to cultivate early interest in chess and expand participation across Togo. Photos: African Chess Confederation
FIDE Candidates 2026 pairings drawn in Cyprus
The pairings for the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 and the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026 have been determined following the official Drawing of Lots ceremony held at the Cap St George’s Hotel & Resort in Paphos, Cyprus, the host venue of both events. The FIDE Candidates Tournaments, which will take place from 28 March to 16 April 2026, will determine the challengers for the World Championship and Women’s World Championship titles. With the playing schedule now established, preparations enter their final phase as players begin targeted opening preparation and match strategy against their confirmed opponents. Drawing of lots ceremony The ceremony held at the Cap St George’s Hotel & Resort brought together FIDE officials, representatives of the Cyprus Chess Federation, government authorities, partners and invited guests, marking the formal commencement of the Candidates stage of the World Championship cycle. FIDE Vice President Georgios Makropoulos underlined the importance of hosting the event in Cyprus: “It is a very important decision to bring both the Open and Women’s Candidates to Cyprus. I am sure the players will enjoy Paphos and the chess games here. Chess in Cyprus is developing rapidly, and this event will help it grow even further.” Cyprus Chess Federation President Criton Tornaritis then took to the stage and highlighted the significance of staging one of the world’s premier chess events in the country and its inspiration for young players: “We have the Candidates now in Cyprus, one of the biggest events in world chess. I would like to thank FIDE for bringing such an important event to our country. Our main priority as a federation is to support children and develop chess in schools, and events like this inspire the next generation of players in Cyprus.” Constantinos Malaou, the Business Development Director of Cap St George’s Hotel & Resort welcomed participants and emphasised Cyprus’ place on the global chess map as the road to the World Championship begins: “The selection of Cyprus and of Cap St Georges by FIDE is a distinction of exceptional importance. It reflects international confidence in the standards, credibility, and organisational excellence required to host an event of historic and global significance, and it places our country and our resort on the world chess map at the very moment when the world’s attention turns to the road toward the crown.” Following the addresses by officials, attention turned to the highlight of the night, the drawing of lots. FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 The drawing procedure was conducted by Chief Arbiter Takis Nikolopoulos, who explained the double round-robin format and the role of Berger pairing tables in determining the full schedule once players receive their draw numbers. In line with standard practice in elite double round-robins, the Berger tables were adjusted by exchanging Rounds 6 and 7, ensuring that no player receives the same colour three times consecutively. In accordance with FIDE regulations, players from the same federation must meet in the first rounds of the tournament. With two participants from the United States, Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura were assigned paired numbers to ensure they face each other in Round 1. The draw resulted in the following numbers: Round 1 pairings The opening round already features several key clashes, including the all-American encounter between Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura, a matchup with deep Candidates history, and the two rating favourites of the event. Praggnanandhaa R – Giri brings together two of the most theoretically prepared and solid players in the field, while Sindarov – Esipenko pairs two of the youngest participants in a direct generational contest. Matthias Bluebaum and Wei Yi complete the Round 1 lineup in a meeting between two players making their Candidates debut. With colors reversed, the same pairings will be repeated in Round 8, and the Berger tables schedule several decisive encounters late in the event. FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026 The Women’s draw required an additional preliminary step due to federation distribution: three players from India, two from China, and two representing FIDE. Regulations require players from the same federation to meet in the early rounds. The drawing first determined the group of numbers assigned to the three Indian players, ensuring they would oppose each other within the first three rounds. Chinese players and those under the FIDE flag were then allocated paired numbers to meet in Round 1. The final numbers are: Round 1 pairings The first round in the FIDE Women’s Candidates also presents several top-level encounters, many featuring players from the same federation. Zhu Jiner faces former Women’s World Champion Tan Zhongyi, Aleksandra Goryachkina meets long-time rival Kateryna Lagno, and Vaishali R takes on Bibisara Assaubayeva in a matchup between two of the youngest players in the field. The round is completed by the meeting between Anna Muzychuk (who stepped in after Humpy Koneru’s withdrawal) and Divya Deshmukh, pairing one of the most experienced players in the tournament with one of its newest participants. With the draw completed, the competitive framework of both FIDE Candidates Tournaments is now fixed. Over fourteen rounds in Cyprus, each player will face every opponent twice, once with each color, in the most demanding and balanced format in elite chess. For the participants, the announcement of pairings marks a decisive shift in preparation. Opening repertoires, rest-day planning, and strategic approaches are refined months in advance based on the confirmed sequence of opponents. FIDE Candidates 2026 pairings Round 1 on 2026/03/29 at 15:30 Javokhir Sindarov – Andrey EsipenkoMatthias Bluebaum – Wei YiPraggnanandhaa R – Anish GiriFabiano Caruana – Hikaru Nakamura Round 2 on 2026/03/30 at 15:30 Andrey Esipenko – Hikaru NakamuraAnish Giri – Fabiano CaruanaWei Yi – Praggnanandhaa R Javokhir Sindarov – Matthias Bluebaum Round 3 on 2026/03/31 at 15:30 Matthias Bluebaum – Andrey EsipenkoPraggnanandhaa R – Javokhir Sindarov Fabiano Caruana – Wei Yi Hikaru Nakamura – Anish Giri Round 4 on 2026/04/01 at 15:30 Andrey Esipenko – Anish Giri Wei Yi – Hikaru Nakamura Javokhir Sindarov – Fabiano Caruana Matthias Bluebaum – Praggnanandhaa R Round 5 on 2026/04/03 at 15:30 Praggnanandhaa R
Montenegrin Championship 2026: Denis Kadrić captures first title
Grandmaster Denis Kadrić, has become the newly crowned Montenegrin Chess Champion. The second seed scored impressive 9/11 in a strong field and claimed his first national title after finishing third in each of his three previous appearances. The championship, an 11-round Swiss tournament, was organized by the Chess Federation of Montenegro and held at the National Library “Radosav Ljumović” in Podgorica from February 10-19, with sponsorship provided by the Ministry of Sports and Youth. The total prize fund amounted to €15,000. Arbiters Zoran Peruničić and Momčilo Pekić carried out their duties smoothly and professionally. As many expected, the event turned into a close race with the winner decided only in the final round. Kadrić and FM Oleg Jaksin had a great start both winning four straight games before clashing in Round 5. Jaksin prevailed but his lead was short-lived as he lost in the next round allowing IM Aleksandar Tomic, FM Jovan Milovic and Kadrić to catch up. In Round 7 Kadrić and Milovic scored victories and pulled away. The new joint leaders locked horns in Round 8. Kadrić emerged victorious, took the sole lead and preserved it to the very end. Heading into the final round a half point ahead of GM Nikola Đukić, he drew with the 2025 Champion and top seed Nikita Petrov and claimed the title, as his main rival also split the point with FM Nemanja Vukcevic. Đukić and Milović finished a half point behind the champion, tying for second place. Tiebreak criteria awarded the silver medal to Đukić and the bronze to Milović, who also serves as President of the Chess Federation of Montenegro and recalled his days as a youth representative for Yugoslavia. Đukić delivered a stable performance and improved his rating, scoring seven wins and three draws with his sole loss coming in the fourth round against eventual champion Kadrić. Playing with determination and flair, Milović notched eight wins, one draw, and two losses to secure his first podium finish at the national championship. Final standings Special prizes were awarded to Nikolina Koljević as the tournament’s most successful female player, and to Peko Đurović as the top junior. Rating category prizes went to Nikola Popović (under 1700), Mito Đukanović (under 2000), and Božidar Kisić (under 2200). Photos: Šahovski savez Crne Gore
Asian Continental stage of FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 announced
FIDE and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) invite all FIDE member federations from Asia to participate in the Asian Continental stage of the World Schools Team Championship 2026 (WSTC 2026). The competition will take place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from April 6 (arrival) to April 11 (departure), 2026, at the Hotel Kazakhstan. The winning team will earn the title of Asian Continental School Team Champion and qualify directly for the WSTC 2026 Grand Final, where four continental champions will compete for the title of FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Champion 2026. Team composition & eligibility Each team must consist of: four main players one reserve one non-playing captain Each team must include at least one boy and one girl (with limited exceptions for single-gender schools). Eligible players must be born between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2018. National federations are responsible for verifying that participating children are enrolled in the school they represent during the 2025–2026 academic year. The tournament will be played over eight rounds (Swiss system). Participation & support In accordance with the event framework, a number of teams will receive organizer support, including: full-board accommodation airport and local transfers economy-class flights for designated supported teams Detailed conditions are outlined in the official Invitation and Regulations. Educational programme In line with the Year of Chess in Education 2026, the championship will feature an educational programme alongside the competition, including: masterclasses by leading chess players and educators interactive workshops side events promoting cultural exchange and educational collaboration The programme aims to combine competitive excellence with meaningful educational impact. Registration The registration deadline is March 20, 2026. Teams must register exclusively through their respective FIDE member federations via the official online registration form. Teams can register using the online form at: https://worldschoolteam2026.fide.com/registration Full Invitation, Regulations and registration details are available at: https://worldschoolteam2026.fide.com/files/Invitation_letter_WSTC_2026.pdf Contact e-mail: worldschoolteam@fide.comOfficial website: https://worldschoolteam2026.fide.com/ INVITATION LETTER (PDF)
FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships head to Hong Kong
Hong Kong will host the fourth edition of FIDE’s World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships, from 17 to 21 June 2026. Bringing together top pros like Magnus Carlsen and amateur players in a fun, high-stakes format, the event is expanding its global reach to East Asia for the first time. After Dusseldorf in 2023, Astana in 2024 and London in 2025, the World Rapid and Blitz Teams heads to Hong Kong, giving chess a new global stage. Organised by FIDE, the event features rapid and blitz championships, scored with match points. Each team must include at least one female player and one recreational player, defined as someone who has never reached 2000 Elo in standard, rapid or blitz. “We are proud and delighted to bring the fourth edition of the event to the world. As we have seen in previous WRB Teams, this is more than a tournament. The competition attracts players and fans from different cultural and professional backgrounds, helping build connections and creating opportunities,” FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said. A mix of fun and high stakes competition, the tournament attracts teams from the corporate and sports worlds across the globe. WR Chess which has dominated the event since its launch, has already announced the key players in its team, including Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Hou Yifan and others. In recent years Hong Kong has become a serious international host for large open and regional events. The Hong Kong International Open Chess Championship in 2025 drew more than 400 players, including more than 80 titled participants. Most recently, the city hosted the 2025 Eastern Asia Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium. “This is the first time Hong Kong will host a major global chess event and it is important to us to use the opportunity to promote the tournament, chess and the host city to a new audience,” Dvorkovich added. The winners of the World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships since 2023 In 2023, the inaugural FIDE World Rapid Team Championship featured rapid only with no blitz. It was a 12 round Swiss event, won by the WR Chess Team. In 2024, the event expanded to include blitz. The rapid remained a 12 round Swiss and was won by Al Ain ACMG from the UAE, while the blitz debuted in a two-stage format, with pool round robins, followed by a 16-team knockout. WR Chess won the blitz. In 2025, the structure stayed the same. Rapid was a 12 round Swiss, won by Team MGD1. Blitz followed the same format of pool stage and a 16 team knockout and was again won by WR Chess Team. More details about the regulations, prize fund and competition will be announced in due course.
Jan Timman (1951-2026)
FIDE and the entire chess community mourn the passing of Jan Timman, who died on February 18 at the age of 74. The nine-time Dutch champion, elite player from the late 1970s through the early 1990s, multiple-time Candidates participant, he will be remembered for his imaginative playing style, outstanding competitive achievements and rich literary legacy. Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Timman learned chess around the age of eight and quickly showed exceptional talent. His first notable success came at the 1967 World Junior Championship in Jerusalem where, aged just 15, he won the bronze medal. Timman earned the International Master title in 1971 and he was awarded the Grandmaster title in 1974, becoming only the third Dutch player to achieve this honor after Max Euwe and Jan Hein Donner. The same year he won his first Dutch championship title. His rapid ascent continued with a string of excellent results in international tournaments. In Hastings 1973/74 he shared victory with Tal, Kuzmin, and Szabó; he then went on to win Sombor 1974 (jointly with Boris Gulko), Netanya 1975, Reykjavík 1976 (with Fridrik Olafsson), Amsterdam IBM 1978, Nikšić 1978 (with Gulko) and Vidmar Memorial 1979. At the peak of his career, Timman stood out as the best non-Soviet player earning the moniker “the best of the West”. By 1982 he was ranked second in the world, behind only Anatoly Karpov. In the 1980s Timman won a number of very strong tournaments, including Amsterdam IBM in 1981, Wijk aan Zee in 1981 and 1985, Linares in 1988, Euwe Memorial 1987 (with Karpov) and 1989, and the 1989 World Cup tournament in Rotterdam. Other triumphs included Las Palmas 1981, Mar del Plata 1982, Bugojno 1984, and Sarajevo 1984 (shared with Korchnoi). Timman’s quest for the chess crown began in 1972, but he first qualified for the Candidates in 1985 after winning the Interzonal in Taxco. His pursuit culminated in the title match of the 1993 FIDE World Championship against Anatoly Karpov (organized by FIDE following the Kasparov–Short split), which Timman lost. Timman represented the Netherlands in 13 Chess Olympiads from 1972 to 2004, playing on the top board on 11 occasions. In 1976 he won the gold medal for the best individual performance on board one. Beyond competition, Timman made significant contributions as a chess writer and editor, including long-term roles with New in Chess magazine and authoring several acclaimed books such as The Art of Chess Analysis (1980), The Art of Attacking Chess (2014) and Timman’s Titans (2016). He was also a distinguished endgame study composer – one of the strongest practical players to excel in chess compositions. In October 2025, Jan Timman was inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame in recognition of his enduring contributions to chess. FIDE and global chess family extend their deepest condolences to Jan Timman’s family, friends and loved ones. Photo: Harry Gielen
2027 FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championships to be held in Weissenhaus
Hamburg, February 19, 2026 – FIDE and Freestyle Chess have agreed that the FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championships will again be staged in Weissenhaus, Germany in 2027. The agreement confirms the continuation of the championship at the Baltic Sea venue following the inaugural edition in 2026. The FIDE Women’s Freestyle Chess World Championship, will take place over three days on the first weekend of February 2027, followed by the FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship over three days on the second weekend of February 2027. The format and calendar have been coordinated between FIDE and Freestyle Chess to ensure continuity within the international chess schedule. The decision follows the successful staging of the first FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship in February 2026. In that event, Magnus Carlsen (Norway) won the title in Weissenhaus, defeating Fabiano Caruana (USA) 2.5–1.5 in the final. As finalists in 2026, Carlsen and Caruana have already qualified for the 2027 World Championship. Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzbekistan), who secured third place in 2026, also earned direct qualification for the 2027 edition. Bibisara Assaubayeva (Kazakhstan) qualified for the 2027 Women’s FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship by winning the 2026 exhibition match against Alexandra Kosteniuk (Switzerland). By returning to the Weissenhaus Private Nature Luxury Resort, FIDE and Freestyle Chess aim to consolidate the venue as the home of the Freestyle World Championship. The location provides stable conditions for a compact, high-level knockout format and allows for consistent organizational standards year to year. The continuation at the same venue is intended to strengthen the identity of the Freestyle title within the broader FIDE world championship framework. The partnership between FIDE and Freestyle Chess, formalized ahead of the 2026 edition, establishes the FIDE Freestyle World Championship as an officially recognized world title. The agreed multi-year planning framework provides predictability for players, organizers, and commercial partners, and supports the integration of Freestyle Chess into the global competitive calendar. The championship cycle will continue to include qualifying events. The next confirmed step in that pathway is the grenke Freestyle Chess Open, to be held April 2–6, 2026, in Karlsruhe, Germany. For the first time, the grenke event will carry official qualification status for the FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship. Jan Henric Buettner, co-founder and CEO of Freestyle Chess, said: “The decision to return to Weissenhaus in 2027 reflects our commitment to building a stable and credible world championship cycle for Freestyle Chess. Continuity of venue and structure allows us to focus on sporting quality and long-term development.” Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE, said: “The 2026 championship marked an important milestone as the first official Freestyle Chess World Championship, recognized by FIDE. By confirming Weissenhaus as the stage for 2027, we are reinforcing the institutional framework of the title and supporting the continued growth of this format within the international chess ecosystem, in compliance with FIDE’s rules and regulations.” Freestyle Chess is also known as Chess960 or FIDE Fischer Random Chess, as per the FIDE Charter. The FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship is a continuation of FIDE’s previous events in the Fischer Random format (held in 2019 and 2022).
Selection completed for the Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives (FACI) 2026 Project
The Kazakhstan Chess Federation has announced the results of the selection process for national chess federations in the Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives (FACI) 2026 project. The application period for the new stage of the initiative, implemented with the support of Freedom Holding Corp., FIDE, and the Asian Chess Federation (ACF), concluded in early January. Following a comprehensive review of applications, the following countries have been approved as participants of FACI 2026: 🇰🇭 Cambodia 🇯🇵 Japan 🇯🇴 Jordan 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan 🇳🇵 Nepal 🇵🇰 Pakistan 🇹🇲 Turkmenistan The selection was based on compliance with the project criteria and the potential for sustainable chess development in the respective countries. The FACI project aims to foster at the sustainable development of chess across Asia through strengthening national federations, enhancing professional training standards, and promoting international cooperation. The program includes training camps, educational seminars, and support for participation in international competitions. In 2025, FACI supported seven national chess federations: Oman, Cambodia, Nepal, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Jordan, and Pakistan. The participating countries demonstrated strong sporting results, including prize-winning finishes at international tournaments. Several federations also received grant support to participate in the FIDE World Cadet Chess Championship held in Almaty, providing young players with valuable experience competing at the highest international level. KazChess warmly congratulate selected federations on becoming part of FACI 2026. May this initiative open new opportunities, and contribute to the continued growth and unity of the Asian chess community. More detailed information about the FACI project is available in our video feature and on our website.