Rising like queens: A powerful day for girls in Kakuma Refugee Camp
On Saturday, June 28t, something truly extraordinary happened in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. Over 330 girls gathered for a special on-site chess event! It was a special day – featuring motivational talks and friendly chess matches – transforming what is usually a virtual connection into a vibrant, in-person celebration of empowerment through chess. The event was part of the Girls Club – an initiative of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess that offers regular support, training, and empowerment opportunities to girls living in Kakuma Refugee Camp. The Girls Club is part of the broader Chess for Protection project, through which FIDE brings chess to displaced communities. Usually, the Club holds weekly on-line sessions with international coaches WGM Anastasia Karlovich and IM Salome Melia, alongside a local chess tutor. These sessions provide not only chess instruction, but also a much-needed sense of structure, confidence, and global connection. A special day in a unique place Organizing an event in a refugee camp is no simple task. Access, logistics, permissions, communication – each step requires careful planning and strong local partnerships. Yet the impact of showing up in person cannot be overstated. It sends a clear message: We see you. We care. We are ready to do it for you. And the girls responded. Over 330 girls from different schools in the camp took part in Saturday’s celebration – an incredible turnout that deeply moved everyone involved. Inspiration across the board The day’s highlight was a motivational session by Phylis Ngigi, Director of The Gift of Chess, who traveled to Kakuma to deliver her inspiring talk: “Rising Like Queens: Life Lessons Through Chess.” Speaking from personal experience, Phylis used each chess piece as a metaphor for life, weaving powerful lessons into a message of resilience and hope: The Pawn – Small Steps, Big DreamsKeep moving. You can transform your life. The Knight – Be Bold, Think DifferentlyEven when the path is not straight, you can still find your way. The Bishop – Follow Your PurposeStay focused and committed to your journey. The Rook – Build Strength, Stand FirmBe a strong foundation for yourself and others. The Queen – Power and LeadershipYou have the power to lead, protect, and win. Phylis concluded with a message that resonated deeply: “You are part of a global family of thinkers and dreamers.” Generous support and looking ahead Importantly, this growing chess community is now better equipped thanks to generous donations: The Gift of Chess provided 100 chess sets, and DGT contributed 100 digital chess clocks. These will be put to immediate use during the mass tournament taking place the following day, on June 29th, for all refugees that are part of the Chess for Protection program; girls from the Girls Club included. We hope that this is just the beginning. With continued support and opportunities like these, we believe the next Chess Olympiad could feature members of the Refugee Team who took their very first steps here in Kakuma. The Chess for Protection project is made possible thanks to the ongoing collaboration between FIDE and UNHCR, whose shared vision for inclusion and empowerment through chess continues to uplift the incredible people in Kakuma.
FIDE statement on the situation involving GM Kramnik and GM Navara
As the world governing body of chess, FIDE takes the issue of fair play – both OTB and online – very seriously, especially considering the current widespread popularity of online platforms and their impact on the growth and development of the game worldwide. In this regard, the methods publicly proposed by GM Vladimir Kramnik deserve careful review and assessment for practical applicability. FIDE will establish a dedicated task force to evaluate these methods and invites GM Kramnik to present the details of his approach and statistical data for an official FIDE evaluation. At the same time, we are gravely concerned that the way Mr. Kramnik presents his points brings a lot of harm to the chess community. Mr. Kramnik must recognize, that it is not just his opinion or questions – it is a very clear narrative, and coming from the former World Champion it could be ruinous for the careers and a very well-being of certain players. The current discourse has significantly affected such a respected member of the chess community as GM David Navara and has now led to a defamation lawsuit being filed by GM Kramnik against GM Navara. We wish to emphasize once again that throughout his chess career, GM Navara has earned an unquestionable reputation as a paragon of a fair play. The chess community is well aware that David is a person of a great sensitivity and integrity, particularly vulnerable to any implication of unfair play. Without entering into legal or stylistic analyses of the statements made, we believe that – above all – mutual respect and empathy among colleagues must take precedence. We are firmly convinced that the lawsuit against GM Navara should be withdrawn as soon as possible in the interest of the entire chess community. We sincerely hope that GM Kramnik will take this morally justified step, which we believe will be welcomed by the broader chess world. FIDE Management Board
FIDE World Cup Under 8-12: Leaders emerge after Round 6
The FIDE World Cup Under 8–12 in Batumi has passed its midpoint. After six exciting rounds, sole leaders have emerged in all groups except for Open 10 Group B, Open 12 Group B, Girls 10 Group A, and Girls 12 Group A. All games begin daily at 13:00 CET and are broadcast live. The tournament is conducted in full compliance with anti-cheating regulations, with all players thoroughly checked before entering the playing hall. “The FIDE World Cup U8, U10, and U12 is being held in Batumi for the second time. This edition has brought together 300 participants from nearly 40 countries. As organizers, we are doing our best to ensure the tournament is conducted at the highest level, with attention to every detail,” said Akaki Iashvili, Tournament Director and FIDE Director for Special Tasks (pictured above, right). “Right after the conclusion of this World Cup, Batumi will also host another major chess tournament — the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025. So, we’re just at the beginning of a long and exciting chess marathon in Georgia,” he added. On the rest day, June 30, two additional events are scheduled: the blitz tournament “Nesis Cup 2025” for official delegation coaches, and the Chess Solving World Cup for boys and girls under 8, 10, and 12. Current leaders after Round 6: Open 08 – Group AJevglevski, Lev (EST) – 5/6 Open 08 – Group BDede, Omer Taha (TUR) – 5/6 Girls 08 – Group AVolkova, Varvara (FIDE) – 6/6 Girls 08 – Group BBissaliyeva, Alisha (KAZ) – 5.5/6 Open 10 – Group AMani, Sarbartho (IND) – 5.5/6 Open 10 – Group BAarit, Kapil (IND) – 5/6Oishik, Mondal (IND) – 5/6 Girls 10 – Group AGao, Ruoya (CHN) – 5/6Chen, Zhihan (CHN) – 5/6 Girls 10 – Group BDivi, Bijesh (IND) – 6/6 Open 12 – Group ASameh Mohamed, Abdalrahman (EGY) – 5.5/6 Open 12 – Group BLing, Chenxuan (USA) – 5.5/6Bulgak, Damir (FID) – 5.5/6 Girls 12 – Group ATselmuun, Ider (MGL) – 5/6Aadya, Gowda (IND) – 5/6Xue, Tianhao (CHN) 5/6 Girls 12 – Group BPratitee, Bordoloi (IND) – 5.5/6 Voices from the tournament Cael Lelethu Stander from South Africa (pictured above), playing in the group B of the Open U10 category, shared his impressions on the event: “I have stated playing chess because my mom taught me how to play. I have found the game really fun. I have started watching videos about tactics and strategy. The most exciting this about this event is that here I have a chance to play against people from all around the world, which I haven’t been able to do yet.” Marta Dograshvili from Georgia (group B, girls U12) also told her story: “I have learnt chess because my sister was playing it, but she is not playing anymore. In this tournament, I am playing with a lot of strong players, but this is not unique to Georgia. Still, this is my first time I am playing blitz and rapid. Chess is very good for my studies, as it helps me very much with math and English.” Round 7 pairings: chess-results.com/tnr1205199.aspx?lan=1&art=2&rd=5&flag=30 Live broadcast: chess.com/events/2025-fide-youth-world-cup-g8a/games Official website: https://wcc2025.fide.com/
Praggnanandhaa R wins UzChess Cup 2025 Masters
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa emerged as the winner of the UzChess Cup 2025, edging out Javokhir Sindarov and Nodirbek Abdusattorov in a thrilling tiebreaker. The Indian GM took home the $20,000 first prize and extended his lead in the FIDE Circuit 2025 standings. The second edition of the UzChess Cup took place at the “Panaram’s” Hotel in Tashkent. The total prize fund amounted to $121,500, with $80,000 allocated to the “Masters” group, $25,000 to the “Challengers,” $11,500 to the “Futures,” and $5,000 to the “Open” group. The Masters tournament was fiercely contested, with all players showing exceptional fighting spirit—none of them finished the event undefeated. Praggnanandhaa and Abdusattorov started strong, tying for the lead after Round 4 with 3/4. However, in the next round, the Indian GM lost to Parham Maghsoodloo, while the Uzbek star defeated Chithambaram Aravindh and pulled ahead. Praggnanandhaa then suffered another loss in the following round, seemingly falling out of title contention. Despite a loss to his compatriot Nodirbek Yakubboev in Round 6, Abdusattorov entered the final ninth round as the sole leader on 5.5/8, half a point ahead of Sindarov and a full point ahead of Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi. In the decisive final-round game—and arguably the game of the tournament—Praggnanandhaa rose to the occasion and outplayed the leader with the black pieces in a Sicilian Defense to catch up. Meanwhile, Sindarov drew with Maghsoodloo, and Erigaisi, despite holding a significant advantage at some point, only managed a draw against Aravindh. As a result, Praggnanandhaa, Abdusattorov, and Sindarov all finished with 5.5/9. To determine the champion, a tiebreaker in the form of a double round-robin with fast time control was played. In a dramatic twist, all three players finished with 2/4—forcing another tie. A second tiebreaker, this time a single round-robin, followed. Praggnanandhaa scored 1.5 points to clinch the title. Sindarov, who defeated Abdusattorov but lost to the eventual winner, finished second. Final standings — UzChess Cup Masters 1 Praggnanandhaa, R 2767 IND 5½ 2 Sindarov, Javokhir 2767 UZB 5½ 3 Abdusattorov, Nodirbek 2710 UZB 5½ 4 Erigaisi, Arjun 2782 IND 5 5 Maghsoodloo, Parham 2691 IRI 4½ 6 Rapport, Richard 2714 HUN 4½ 7 Yakubboev, Nodirbek 2659 UZB 4½ 8 Vokhidov, Shamsiddin 2644 UZB 4 9 Nepomniachtchi, Ian 2757 FID 3½ 10 Aravindh, Chithambaram 2749 IND 2½ In the other sections, GM Nikolas Theodorou (pictured above, right) of Greece won the Challengers event, GM Saparmyrat Atabayev of Turkmenistan came out on top in the Futures tournament, while local player Bekhruz Umarov triumphed in the Open competition. Final standings: Challengers, Futures, Open Photos: UzChess and ChessBase India
Celebrating International Chess Day 2025: Every Move Counts
Each year on July 20, the global chess community unites to celebrate International Chess Day, commemorating the founding of FIDE in 1924. Last year marked a historic milestone – FIDE’s centennial anniversary, which celebrated a century of chess while laying the foundation for the next hundred years. Among the key legacies of that celebration is FIDE’s renewed commitment to long-term goals: from global expansion and accessibility to deepening chess’s social impact. This year, FIDE launched the Year of Social Chess, an initiative dedicated to using the game as a tool for inclusion, education, empowerment, and mental well-being. The theme for International Chess Day 2025, “Every Move Counts”, reminds us that, on the board and in life, every decision shapes our journey. In 2024, to commemorate the centenary, the global chess community set a Guinness World Record for the most chess games played in 24 hours: over 7.28 million games played across more than 350 events worldwide. In 2025, we aim to carry this momentum forward with global celebrations, inclusive events, and creative storytelling that highlights the power of chess to bring people together. Creative Chess FIDE invites chess lovers everywhere to join us in promoting the game in the most imaginative way possible. It’s time to play Creative Chess. Set up a game in the most unusual or symbolic place you can think of: a mountaintop, underwater, at your local landmark, or any wild and creative place that you can imagine. Host your game or tournament anytime between July 10 and 20, and share your photos or videos using #InternationalChessDay or send them to socialmedia@fide.com. Your content could be seen across the globe and featured on FIDE’s social media channels and during our YouTube broadcast on July 20. Let’s show the world how vibrant, fun, and limitless chess can be. Global Online Celebration in Partnership with Lichess.org Join us for the largest-ever Social Chess Day tournament, co-hosted by FIDE and Lichess.org. This 24-hour online blitz tournament will have a time control of 5+3 and begins at 00:00 CEST (Zurich time) on July 20, running until 00:00 CEST on July 21. Players of all levels are invited to participate – no matter the time zone, and can join at any time, playing as many games as they want! All participants will be entered into random prize draws, with rewards including: 5 winners will receive a voucher to attend the Opening Ceremony and the first round of the World Chess Olympiad 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan (including two nights of hotel accommodation). At least 10 winners will receive a gift voucher for FIDE merchandise valued at €100, redeemable at the official online shop: shop.fide.com At least 20 winners will receive a copy of the exclusive chess photography book “Chess Players.” At least 40 winners will receive access to a group or individual online masterclass with a top Grandmaster (date and GM to be announced). 20 winners will be invited to take part in a top-GM online simul on Lichess (details to be confirmed) You can join the event via the following link: lichess.org/tournament/fscday25 Regulations for FIDE Social Chess Day Tournament (PDF) Global Over-the-Board Events We warmly encourage federations to organise an inclusive, over-the-board chess event on July 20th. This could involve diverse communities, such as seniors, refugees, youth from underserved areas, or individuals with disabilities — showcasing how chess transcends barriers and builds connection. Such events showcase how chess transcends barriers and connects people across backgrounds. Please share your stories and photos on social media by tagging FIDE and FIDE Social Commission and by using the hashtags: #FIDESocialChess, #FIDESocialChessAward, #SocialChess, #SocialChessDay “Teach Someone to Play Chess” Initiative One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to celebrate International Chess Day is by teaching someone to play. Whether it’s a friend, a sibling, a neighbor, or a colleague — pass on the gift of chess. Your act could spark a lifelong journey. Let’s Make Every Move Count Whether you teach one person to play, host a community tournament, or share your chess story with the world – your participation matters. Together, let’s celebrate the transformative power of chess on International Chess Day 2025.
FIDE World Cup U-8, U-10, U-12 kicks off in Batumi, Georgia
The FIDE World Cup for boys and girls in the U-8, U-10, and U-12 categories began on June 23 in Batumi, Georgia, with a brief opening ceremony. Notably, this is the second time the city of Batumi is hosting the event. The competition is being held at the 5-star Grand Bellagio hotel, with around 300 players from nearly 40 countries participating. The number of players in each category is determined by FIDE quotas in accordance with tournament regulations. Games begin daily at 13:00 CET, while the final round will start at 10:00 on July 2. All games are being broadcast live. The opening ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including FIDE Director of Special Tasks and President of the Georgian Chess Federation Akaki Iashvili, Acting Mayor of Batumi Giorgi Murvanidze, Deputy Minister of Education and Sport of Adjara Irakli Abuladze, Head of the Sports Department Irma Nizharadze, Head of the Appeals Committee Ozgur Solakoglu, and President of the Adjara Chess Federation WGM Salome Melia. Round 2 pairings: chess-results.com/tnr1205196.aspx?lan=1&art=2&rd=2&flag=30 Live broadcast: chess.com/events/2025-fide-youth-world-cup-g8a/games Official website: wcc2025.fide.com/
Icelandic Chess Federation celebrates its centenary anniversary
The Icelandic Chess Federation celebrated its 100th anniversary this weekend. Founded on June 23, 1925, it is one of the oldest chess federations in Europe. The President of Iceland, Ms. Halla Tómasdóttir, attended the official centenary celebrations. FIDE was represented by Secretary General Łukasz Turlej and European Chess Union (ECU) President Zurab Azmaiparashvili, along with ECU Vice-President Gunnar Bjornsson. The event was hosted by Ms. Jóhanna Björg Jóhannsdóttir, President of the Icelandic Chess Federation. The presence of these distinguished guests underscored the significance of this historic milestone for both Icelandic and international chess. The Icelandic Chess Federation, originally established in Blönduós on June 23, 1925, commemorated its centenary with a special chess festival held in the same town. The program featured various events, including the Icelandic Chess Open, which brought together nearly all of the country’s top players alongside several strong international grandmasters—making it one of the most significant chess events in Iceland in recent years. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich sent a congratulatory letter on the occasion, which can be viewed below: Letter to the Icelandic Chess Federation on Its Centenary Anniversary (PDF)
FIDE World Championship Match wins Singapore’s 2024 Sports Event of the Year
The FIDE World Chess Championship Match 2024, between Gukesh D and Ding Liren held in Singapore, was one of the most exciting events of the year for chess fans around the world. After 13 rollercoaster games, we crowned the youngest undisputed World Champion in history. Although the match took place seven months ago, the excitement and impact continue to resonate. To that extent, we are proud to announce that the match has been awarded Best Sports Event of the Year (Exhibition/Competition) at the 2025 Singapore Sports Awards! Reflecting on the win, Kevin Goh, CEO of the Singapore Chess Federation, shared: “We won the Sports Event of the Year! This is easily one of the proudest moments of my career. Grateful to the sponsors, Google, Resorts World Sentosa, FIDE – International Chess Federation, all our partners, the awesome local organising committee, volunteers, journalists, and photographers for putting up a spectacular show.” Organised by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) and Sport Singapore, the Singapore Sports Awards are the country’s highest recognition for sporting excellence. This year’s edition celebrated standout performances and events from 2024, with FIDE’s flagship event named the best in its category. The award acknowledges not only the exceptional level of play, but also the world-class organisation, media production, and community engagement that made the match a truly global spectacle. Supported by Google and hosted at Resorts World Sentosa, the event helped position Singapore as a hub for premier international sporting events. Adding to the celebration, Singaporean photographer Chin An Eng was awarded Sports Photo of the Year for a powerful image taken during the match (above). The photograph captures the intensity of the match with both players mirroring each other with their heads in their hands, flags in view, as they navigate the mental tension of the game. FIDE extends its heartfelt thanks to the Singapore Chess Federation, local organisers, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and fans who made this event such a resounding success. This recognition is a powerful testament to the growing stature of chess on the world stage. Congratulations to everyone involved!
Georgian Championship for People with Disabilities: Malania and Gogonadze clinch titles
Amirani Malania and Anano Gogonadze emerged as the winners of the 2025 Georgian Championship for People with Disabilities. The fourth edition of the event—a seven-round Swiss-system tournament—was held at the Ibis Styles Batumi Hotel in Batumi, from June 14–19. Organized by the Georgian and Adjara Chess Federations, the championship was financially supported by the Adjara Sports Department and attracted 14 participants. Male and female players competed in the same pool but were ranked separately. WGM Salome Melia, a member of the FIDE Commission for People with Disabilities, served as the tournament director. Open category winners: 1. Amirani Malania 2. Leri Talikadze3. Badri Tsetskhladze Women’s category winners: 1. Anano Gogonadze2. Tekla Gakhokidze 3. Anna Mgeladze
Carissa Yip wins 2025 Cairns Cup
IM Carissa Yip emerged as the winner of the 2025 Cairns Cup, completing a GM norm and taking home $65,000 for her first-place finish. The fifth edition of the elite women’s super-tournament took place in Saint Louis, at the World Chess Hall of Fame, from June 8–21. The Cairns Cup shares its format with other prestigious events like the illustrious Sinquefield Cup: a ten-player round-robin played with classical time control. This year’s edition featured a $250,000 prize fund—the largest in the event’s history. As expected, it was a tightly contested competition that came down to the wire. GM Humpy Koneru, IM Harika Dronavalli, and IM Alice Lee started strong and shared the lead through Round 6, when Alice Lee lost to IM Bibisara Assaubayeva and Humpy Koneru defeated Harika to pull ahead. However, Koneru’s sole lead was short-lived. In the next round, Carissa Yip—who had started the tournament with a loss—scored a crucial win over Koneru to catch up. Meanwhile, Alice Lee outplayed Alina Kashlinskaya to join the leading duo. In Round 8, Lee drew with Dronavalli, Koneru was defeated by Nino Batsiashvili, and Yip beat Assaubayeva to surge ahead. Heading into the final round as the sole leader with 5.5/8, Yip achieved a winning position against her closest competitor, Lee, but the game eventually ended in a draw, securing Yip the title. Lee finished second with 5.5/9, while Dronavalli completed the podium with 5/9 after Koneru lost her final-round game against Mariya Muzychuk. Photos: Saint Louis Chess Club / Crystal Fuller and Lennart Ootes