FIDE Council approves targeted amendment to Rating Regulation
The FIDE Council has approved the amendments to the Rating Regulations, effective as of 1st of October, following the proposal from the Qualification Commission. The amendment is designed to ensure the fairness and integrity of the FIDE rating system and provide a level-playing field for all top-rated players. The change will apply to players rated 2650 and above and will affect approximately 70 top-rated Grandmasters. The amendment addresses the application of the 400-point rule. The rule stated that a difference in rating of more than 400 points shall be counted for rating purposes as it were a difference of 400 points. There are no restrictions of how many times it can be applied during a single tournament. The current wording in FIDE Rating Regulations will change to include the following, given here in bold: “8.3.1 For each game played against a rated player, determine the difference in rating between the player and their opponent, D. A difference in rating of more than 400 points shall be counted for rating purposes as though it were a difference of 400 points, for players rated below 2650. For players rated 2650 and above, the difference between ratings shall be used in all cases.” The accuracy of ratings and competitive fairness are paramount for chess. This amendment ensures that rating adjustments at the highest level accurately reflect a player’s performance against a pool of statistically equal opponents, safeguarding professional standards set by FIDE.
Winners crowned at FIDE World Junior Rapid & Blitz Championship 2025
For five days, Lima became the world’s chess capital. The Peruvian capital hosted the World Rapid and Blitz Championship, bringing together brightest young chess talents. In an atmosphere of intensity and high expectations, the clock ticked as fast as the plays unfolded, demanding not only creativity from the players but also absolute composure under pressure. Many games were decided in mere minutes, offering spectators a mix of spectacle, drama, and brilliance. The Peruvian audience responded with passion, filling the playing halls and proving that chess, in its most accelerated form, can be lived and celebrated with the energy of a true sporting event. Between draws, crushing victories, and heartbreaking defeats, Lima pulsed with the excitement of a discipline that allows no respite. By the end of five intense days, it was clear that this World Championship not only crowned new champions but also established Peru as a prominent stage on the international chess calendar. Below is the list of winners: Girls – Rapid WGM Xeniya Balabayeva (KAZ) – 7 WIM Afruza Khamdamova (UZB) – 6.5 WFM Varvara Poliakova (FIDE) – 6.5 Final standings Girls – Rapid Open – Rapid IM Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov (UZB) – 7.5 GM Mukhiddin Madaminov (UZB) – 7 GM Denis Lazavik (FIDE) – 7 Final standings Open – Rapid Girls – Blitz IM Eline Roebers (NED) – 12/13 WIM Umida Omonova (UZB) – 9.5 WFM Aliaksandra Tarasenka (FIDE) – 9 Eline Roebers delivered a commanding performance, clinching the title with a round to spare. The IM from the Netherlands scored an impressive 12/13, conceding just two draws. Final standings Girls – Blitz Open – Blitz GM Mukhiddin Madaminov (UZB) – 12/13 GM Denis Lazavik (FIDE) – 11.5 IM Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov (UZB) –10 The competition turned in an exciting race of GMs Mukhiddin Madaminov and Denis Lazavik. The runner-up of the Open – Rapid, Mamadinov seized the lead in Round 9 and preserved it to the end, finishing a half-point ahead of Lazavik. Final standings Open – Blitz Text and photos: Patricia Claros Aguilar Official website: fidewj2025.com/
FIDE World Junior Rapid Championship 2025: Suyarov and Balabayeva capture titles
The FIDE World Junior Rapid Chess Championships concluded in Lima with remarkable victories that highlighted the strength of the new generation of players. IM Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov (Uzbekistan) and WGM Xeniya Balabayeva (Kazakhstan) are the newly crowned World Junior Rapid Champions, winning the open and girls’ sections, respectively. With two grandmasters and several strong international masters in the field, the open tournament was tightly contested and went down to the wire. Heading into the final ninth round, three Uzbek players—Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov, Mukhiddin Madaminov, and Khumoyun Begmuratov—shared the lead with 6.5/8, closely followed by six players (including top seed GM Denis Lazavik) on 6/8. After Madaminov drew with Maksim Tsaruk and Lazavik defeated Begmuratov, Suyarov got his shot at gold—a chance he did not miss. Playing the white side of a Ruy Lopez, he prevailed over Juan Jose Cano Alcaraz (Colombia), clinching the title with an excellent score of 7.5/9. Four players tied for second place, with Madaminov and Lazavik taking silver and bronze, respectively, thanks to superior Buchholz tiebreaks. Final standings Open The girls’ event was equally strong and exciting. Despite a second-round setback against WFM Varvara Poliakova (FIDE), Xeniya Balabayeva reeled off five straight victories to seize the lead. Peruvian Grandmaster Deysi Cori, one of Latin America’s most celebrated chess players, made a special appearance at the final round of the Women’s World Junior Rapid Chess Championship in Lima, where she made the ceremonial first move. Her participation highlighted the importance of inspiring the next generation and added a symbolic touch to the event’s closing day. Entering the final round on 6.5/8, half a point ahead of three pursuers, Xeniya achieved a winning position against one of her main rivals, WIM Afruza Khamdamova, but misplayed it and had to settle for a draw. That result was enough to secure the title, as her other challengers, Poliakova and Anna Zhurova, split the point after a long battle. Khamdamova and Poliakova earned silver and bronze, respectively, edging out Zhurova on tiebreaks. Final standings Girls Photos: Patricia Claros Aguilar Official website: fidewj2025.com/
FIDE Director for Chess Development visits Dominica to foster chess growth
GM Nigel Short welcomed on arrival by Carlton Morvan, President of the Dominica Chess Federation From 20 to 23 September 2025, Grandmaster Nigel Short, FIDE Director for Chess Development, visited the Caribbean island of Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic). The visit carried special significance: his first trip in 2021 had inspired local players to establish the Dominica Chess Federation, which was formally registered and admitted as a FIDE member later that same year. Since then, chess life in the country has developed rapidly. Today, the Federation unites 67 registered members and around 100 active players, while approximately 1,500 island residents have been introduced to the game. Dominica fielded teams at the 2022 Chess Olympiad in the open section and at the 2024 Olympiad in both the open and women’s categories. National players have also participated in the prestigious CARICOM International Chess Tournament in 2024 and 2025, as well as in internationally rated hybrid competitions. The Federation regularly stages national championships and open and women’s tournaments. In 2025, in collaboration with the Confederation of Chess for America, it organised the island’s first chess festival, an event that attracted broad media coverage and became a milestone for the wider community. Particular attention is being given to work with youth and schools. After receiving 400 chess sets from the Confederation of Chess for America in collaboration with the Gift of Chess programme, the Federation began distributing them to educational institutions. Already, eight Dominican schools have their own chess clubs, where students engage in training sessions, masterclasses, and tournaments. Chess life is also sustained online: interisland competitions are held every Sunday on lichess.org, while on Thursdays, players gather for regular meetings on the University of the West Indies campus. Women and girls in Dominica receive additional support through the Queen’s Gambit Challenge—a global initiative of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess. This programme provides free training and mentorship designed to strengthen skills and confidence, creating opportunities to represent the country on the international stage. Simultaneous exhibition at the Fort Young Hotel: Nigel Short playing against 20 participants During his September 2025 visit, Nigel Short met again with the Federation’s leadership and the country’s leading players. His schedule included a simultaneous exhibition at the Fort Young Hotel, where seventeen young talents and three invited participants took their places at the boards. The event drew a large audience, who watched with keen interest and were inspired by the Grandmaster’s skill. The visit also included stops at St. Mary’s Academy and Convent High School. At St. Mary’s Academy—the Federation’s most successful Chess in Schools institution and winner of the 2024 School Chess Tournament—GM Short met with Principal Mrs. Sylvia Jno. Baptiste, who highlighted the school’s progress and commitment to chess education. The Grandmaster spoke to students about the global benefits of chess, engaged with them directly, and presented commemorative chess pins to over twenty students in a special ceremony. Nigel Short with Principal Mrs Sylvia Jno. Baptiste and members of the chess club at St. Mary’s Academy At Convent High School, GM Short was welcomed by Principal Ms. Isabella Prentice and club teacher Mr. Nicholas Goldberg. In a lively discussion with more than twenty students, including national women’s champion Ayani Casimir, he shared advice on improving their play, encouraged them to work hard, and answered questions about his career and experiences at the highest level of the game. Nigel Short with students of the Convent High School chess club Beyond the schools, the programme featured meetings with representatives of the tourism sector and potential partners, as well as a press conference and interviews focused on the development of chess in Dominica and across the Caribbean. The Dominica Chess Federation regards this visit as a fresh impetus for the growth and consolidation of the national movement. Support from FIDE, the attention of international experts, and the enthusiasm of the local community are creating a strong foundation for the further advancement of chess on the island and for Dominica’s deeper integration into the global chess family.
Queen’s Gambit Challenge: Empowering over 580 women from 80+ countries
The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess proudly hosted the opening ceremony of the Queen’s Gambit Challenge – Intermediate Stage, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower women in chess and prepare them for future representation on the international stage. The ceremony brought together women of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds, with players represented from over 80 countries worldwide, showcasing the global reach and inclusivity of the program The Intermediate Stage of the Queen’s Gambit Challenge offers free chess training primarily for female players from Levels 3, 4, and 5 federation countries who are ready to build on their foundation and sharpen their skills for higher levels of competition. This stage provides structured online training with experienced coaches, focusing on practical middlegame and endgame techniques, advanced strategies, and tournament preparation. Beyond improving chess strength, the program also serves as a pathway for participants to prepare for representing their countries at the Chess Olympiad, while fostering international connections among women in chess through a supportive and diverse learning environment. Over 580 women have registered to take part in the program. The event was opened by Tris-Ann Richards (Lead Coordinator), who highlighted the extraordinary progress achieved in the first stage of the program and reaffirmed its mission to create opportunities for women. “Every move you make in this program is not just a step for yourself but a step forward for women’s chess globally.” The Chair of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, Anastasia Sorokina, delivered a heartfelt remark emphasizing the importance of sustained investment in women’s chess development. She underscored how initiatives like the Queen’s Gambit Challenge help build confidence and create pathways for future Olympiad teams. Present also was Francisco Cruz, Vice President of FIDE America and Chair of the Diversity Commission, who praised the program for bridging cultural and geographic divides. He encouraged participants to see chess as not only a competitive pursuit but also a tool for personal growth, resilience, and unity. Introducing the coaches The coaches assigned to guide participants throughout the stage are: Leonid Sandler Jomo Pitterson Khadidja Latreche Steel Shirley Castillo Sanchez Denise Bouah Deborah Richards Porter Russel Porter Sadiqah Razak Ryan Blackwood Milena Shahazizyan Program structure and next steps The Intermediate Stage will run from September 20 to November 2, 2025, with a clear structure designed to balance flexibility with rigor. Sessions are held in English, French, and Spanish and specifically tailored to each age group and time zone. Looking ahead The Opening Ceremony successfully set the tone for a program that is about far more than chess. It represents a global sisterhood of players, united by a common goal: to elevate their skills, strengthen their federations, and pave the way for greater women’s representation at the highest levels of the game. The program will culminate in a closing ceremony on November 2, 2025. The next phase of the Queen’s Gambit Challenge will support National Female Teams preparing for their first Olympiad and commence in March 2026.
2nd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities: List of teams announced
FIDE is pleased to announce the official list of participating teams for the 2nd Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities, to be held from October 19–26, 2025, in Astana, Kazakhstan. Following the success of the inaugural edition in Belgrade in 2023, the event once again brings together players from all over the world to celebrate inclusivity, fair play, and the unifying power of chess. A total of 35 teams will compete in Astana, with participation from all four continents, the three international associations of players with disabilities, and additional nominations from the FIDE President and the host federation. Participating teams Europe – 9 teams Poland, Hungary, Israel, Ukraine, Germany, Croatia, Czech Republic, North Macedonia, Serbia Asia – 7 teams FIDE, Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates Americas – 7 teams Cuba, Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia, USA, Chile, Panama Africa – 5 teams Egypt, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya International Associations of Players with Disabilities – 3 teams International Braille Chess Association (IBCA), International Chess Committee of the Deaf (ICCD), International Physically Disabled Chess Association (IPCA) Nominations of the FIDE President – 2 teams Kazakhstan ICCD, FIDE 2 Host Federation – 2 teams Kazakhstan 1, Kazakhstan 2 With 2025 declared the Social Chess Year, this Olympiad highlights FIDE’s continuing commitment to making chess accessible to everyone, regardless of physical abilities. With strong representation across continents and organizations, Astana is set to welcome a truly global competition that embodies the spirit of inclusion and the universal language of chess.
FIDE World Junior Rapid & Blitz Championships 2025 kick-off in Lima, Peru
The city of Lima, Peru, has become the world stage for the future of chess as it hosts the FIDE World Junior Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships 2025. From September 22 to 28, the brightest talents under the age of 20 are competing at the Sheraton Lima Centro Histórico Hotel in two prestigious tournaments showcasing both speed and strategy. The championship is organized under the auspices of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), in collaboration with the Peruvian Chess Federation and the Continental Chess Confederation of the Americas (FIDE America). This event not only celebrates the rising stars of international chess but also strengthens Lima’s position as a host of world-class sporting competitions. The opening ceremony was graced by José Carrillo Pujol, President of FIDE America, and Víctor Mendoza, Director and organizer of the event, who performed the ceremonial opening moves. Players from 20 countries are participating: Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Cuba, Bulgaria, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Romania, India, Uruguay, Mexico, Aruba, and Peru. The event brings together cultures, talent, and a shared passion for sport on the international stage. Chess enthusiasts can follow the competition through the official channels: FIDE World Junior Rapid Chess Championship 2025 (U20) – 15 min/game + 10 secs/move Open: s2.chess-results.com/tnr1238576.aspx?lan=2&art=0&turdet=YES&flag=30&SNode=S0 Girls:s3.chess-results.com/tnr1238565.aspx?lan=2&art=0&turdet=YES&flag=30&SNode=S0 FIDE World Junior Blitz Chess Championship 2025 (U20) – 3 min/game + 2 secs/move Open:s2.chess-results.com/tnr1238567.aspx?lan=2&art=0&turdet=YES&flag=30&SNode=S0 Girls: s1.chess-results.com/tnr1238556.aspx?lan=2&art=0&turdet=YES&flag=30&SNode=S0 Official website: fidewj2025.com/ Photos: FaceBook FDPA Report and photos: Patricia Claros Aguilar
Media accreditation opens for FIDE World Cup and FIDE Rapid and Blitz Championships
FIDE is pleased to announce the opening of media accreditation to its two major upcoming events: the FIDE World Cup 2025 (India, Goa) and the FIDE Rapid and Blitz Championships (Doha, Qatar). FIDE World Cup 2025 Dates: October 30 to November 27, 2025 Location: Goa, India This knockout spectacle will feature 206 players fighting for a share of USD 2,000,000 and three coveted places in the 2026 Candidates Tournament. Every round is win-or-go-home, making the World Cup one of the most dramatic tournaments on the calendar. Media registration form: worldcup2025.fide.com/media-registration/ FIDE Rapid and Blitz Championships Dates: December 25 to 31, 2025 Location: Doha, Qatar The FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships 2025 bring together the world’s elite chess talent for a thrilling end-of-year showdown. The tournaments are among the most exciting and popular events in the chess calendar, attracting top players and fans worldwide. The faster time controls and dynamic gameplay lead to thrilling and unpredictable matches, captivating audiences and keeping them on the edge of their seats. Media registration form: worldrapidandblitz2025.fide.com/media-registration/ Official website: worldrapidandblitz2025.fide.com/ We invite all media representatives wishing to cover the FIDE World Cup 2025 and the FIDE Rapid and Blitz Championships 2025 to submit their accreditation applications individually for each tournament via the media registration forms above. Accreditation is open for all members of the written press, photographic press, online media, and writers and photographers working for publications and/or websites of the FIDE National Member Federations. Accredited event media will collect their badges onsite at the events. A valid travel document containing a photo must be presented to receive media accreditation. The event organisers will ensure a comfortable working environment for all Accredited Media, providing a range of facilities and services at the level established at major FIDE events. We look forward to your coverage of the FIDE World Cup 2025 and the FIDE Rapid and Blitz Championships 2025!
From Norway to North Africa: Johan-Sebastian wins inaugural Sahel Chess Festival in Tunisia
Norwegian GM Johan-Sebastian Christiansen emerged victorious at the inaugural Sahel Chess Festival, held in Monastir, Tunisia, from September 1–9, 2025. The event attracted 263 players from 11 federations. The tournament was hosted at the 4-star Amir Palace Hotel, a seaside resort that provided ideal professional chess conditions alongside a relaxing holiday atmosphere for players and their families. Christiansen, Norway’s second-highest-rated player, delivered a dominant performance, winning both the Open A and Blitz tournaments with a commanding 8.5/9 score. His only draw in the main event was against Algeria’s reigning champion, Boulmes Ala Eddine, who ultimately secured fourth place and achieved a Candidate Master (CM) norm. The festival featured four sections: Open A for players rated 2000+, Open B (1700-2000), Open C (under 1700), and a unique Open D for seniors aged 50 and above—a rare inclusion in open tournaments. Standout Local PerformancesThe event highlighted the potential of local talent, with several Tunisian players delivering impressive results: Bilel Ben Hamida, 13, won the C Open with 8.5/9, gaining 184 rating points. Sadok Zenaidi (pictured below), the 20th seed in Open A, scored 5/9, climbed to 7th place, earned 38 Elo points, and broke the 2000-rating barrier. These impressive results underscore how African players can significantly benefit from international competitions held on their home turf. It is widely recognized that players from the region are often underrated. They are eager for international events to test their skills, improve their ratings, and, for many, gain an official FIDE rating. In this context, festivals like the Sahel are of great importance. A remarkable number of young players, including many girls, entered the tournament unrated and earned their first FIDE rating—an opportunity unavailable if they only compete domestically. WFM Amen Miladi (pictured above), a member of the national women’s team, was the top female performer in the B Open. While most participants were Tunisians traveling from across the country, the festival also drew strong regional interest. Twenty players arrived from Libya, and the Algerian Chess Federation organized a bus bringing over 70 players and arbiters (pictured below), led by Federation Secretary Mrs. Karima Belkhedra. Tunisia’s leading players, including GM Amir Zaibi (the country’s only Grandmaster), IM Achraf Hbacha, FM Hamed Ben Ghanem, and CMs Ahmed Bouzidi, Yacine Barbaria, and Sahbi Taieb, were also among the participants. The international field was bolstered by IM Aleksandr Domalchuk-Jonasson, who traveled from Iceland to place second in both the Open and Blitz tournaments. The festival also included a FIDE Arbiters Seminar from September 3–5, allowing participants to earn norms and titles in accordance with official regulations. The seminar was led by lecturer IA Adnan Nesla (ALG), assisted by IA Mohamed Ali Baktach (TUN). The organizational core of the festival consisted of two dynamic local establishments: Chess Mall, a high-quality chess equipment boutique, and the Smart Chess Academy, a rapidly growing training center in Sousse. This partnership will continue, as they are already scheduled to organize the 2nd Sahel Chess Festival from September 3–10, 2026, with Sousse expected to be the next host city. Johan-Sebastian Christiansen Hassen Abdelali As the official sponsor, Chess Mall—with additional support from local and international backers—provided crucial support. The festival has the potential to grow into a significant event that promotes chess while showcasing the beauty and culture of the Sahel region. The 1st Sahel Chess Festival marked a significant step for international chess in North Africa. Its successful debut positions it as a major new event on the African chess calendar, offering vital opportunities to underrated regional players and drawing well-deserved attention to Tunisia’s vibrant chess scene. Sahel Chess Festival full results
A new generation of chess players gets an invite for the FIDE World Cup
Rising stars and top performers Faustino Oro, Andy Woodward, Abhimanyu Mishra and Volodar Murzin will join well-known GM Kirill Alekseenko at the FIDE World Cup this November in India. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich has officially granted the invitations for this year’s FIDE World Cup, which will take place in Goa from 30th October to 27th November. The World Cup will be a unique chance for these top talents to compete in one of the most prestigious tournaments on the chess calendar. Among the players are Americans Abhimanyu Mishra (the youngest player in history to become a Grandmaster) and Andy Woodward (this year’s winner of the Junior’s Closed US Championship) who had a spectacular run at the recent FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand, finishing 5th and 7th respectively. World Rapid Champion, 19-year-old Volodar Murzin, who is on the path of reaching 2700 ELO (currently at 2670), also got an invite, alongside 28-year-old Kirill Alekseenko (representing Austria), a participant of the 2020/21 Candidates tournament and a well-known player at strong individual and team events. The youngest joiner is 11-year-old Faustino Oro, the Argentinian prodigy often called the “Messi of Chess” and considered one of the most promising young talents in the game. “FIDE always works hard to find ways to give talented players a chance to improve and make their mark. The decision to award invites to these five players is based on a mix of recent performance, high-level potential and their contribution to the sport,” FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said. “The World Cup is one of the most difficult and most exciting chess events, given its knockout format, and will be a great opportunity for these players to show their best facing the best,” Dvorkovich added. There is one more invitation place to be decided before the World Cup starts in November. The FIDE World Cup takes place every two years, lasts for three weeks, and is one of the hardest chess tournaments to win. It features 206 top world players competing in a knock-out format consisting of mini-matches. At stakes are not just the title or the prizes but, crucially, three top spots leading to the Candidates tournament where the challenger for the title of World Champion will be determined.