FIDE May 2025 rating list published
The May 2025 FIDE rating list was primarily influenced by the Women’s World Championship match, the fifth leg of the Women’s Grand Prix in Pune, India, the European Women’s Championship, and several strong open tournaments across Europe. Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun successfully defended her title and gained 19 rating points in the process, consolidating her position as world number two on the women’s list. Photo: Anna Shtourman Humpy Koneru (+15) and Zhu Jiner (+16) climbed to women’s #5 and #6, respectively, following their dominant performances in the Pune leg of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix. Meanwhile, the top 10 of the open list remained virtually unchanged. Biggest Gains in the Top 100 (Open and Women) Hrebenshchykova, Yelyzaveta WIM UKR 2353 (+57) Ivanchuk, Vasyl GM UKR 2644 (+40) Lu, Shanglei GM CHN 2647 (+29) Zhurova, Anna WFM FIDE 2350 (+27) Song, Yuxin IM CHN 2397 (+26) Maghsoodloo, Parham GM IRI 2706 (+22) Tang, Zoey FM USA 2347 (+22) Lu, Miaoyi IM CHN 2450 (+21) Narva, Mai IM EST 2391 (+20) Ju, Wenjun GM CHN 2580 (+19) Injac, Teodora IM SRB 2474 (+19) WIM Yelyzaveta Hrebenshchykova (Ukraine; pictured below) was the standout performer in April, thanks to her excellent showing at the Grenke Chess Open. She gained 57 rating points and made her debut in the top 100 Women. Photo: Mitar Djukanovic Her compatriot, the legendary Vasyl Ivanchuk, experienced a resurgence in April, earning 40 rating points after winning or sharing first place in three consecutive tournaments: the Reykjavik Open 2025, the IX Open Semana Santa San Vicente del Raspeig Costa Blanca, and the IV Open Chess Menorca. The Ukrainian GM made a triumphant return to the top 100 Open. Photo: Reykjavik Open Lu Shanglei also performed strongly across those three open tournaments, adding 29 points to his tally. Parham Maghsoodloo, winner of the Reykjavik Open, earned 11 points there and added another 11 in the Bundesliga, returning to the 2700+ club after a five-month hiatus. Two young Chinese players, Song Yuxin and Lu Miaoyi, had highly successful tours of European open tournaments. Song Yuxin impressed in both Iceland and Menorca, collecting 26 points, while the 15-year-old Miaoyi participated in three open events and one team competition, gaining 21 points and reaching a career-high ranking of 23rd on the women’s list. Photo: Mark Livshitz Teodora Injac, the 2025 European Women’s Champion (pictured above), made her debut in the top 20 Women, achieving a career-high rating of 2474. Podium finishers Mai Narva and Alexandra Matsevskaya also made significant rating gains, earning 20 and 15 points respectively.
Vladimir Fedoseev wins GCT 2025 Superbet Rapid & Blitz Poland
Vladimir Fedoseev emerged as the winner of the Superbet Rapid & Blitz Poland, the first of three 2025 Grand Chess Tour speed-chess events, each featuring a $175,000 total prize fund. Held from April 26–30 in Warsaw, the tournament began with nine rounds of rapid play (2 points for a win, 1 point for a draw), followed by eighteen rounds of blitz (1 point for a win), totaling 135 games across five days. The competition featured five tour players—Levon Aronian, Alireza Firouzja, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, and Jan-Krzysztof Duda—alongside five wildcards: Veselin Topalov, Bogdan-Daniel Deac, Vladimir Fedoseev, Aravindh Chithambaram, and David Gavrilescu. The event was wide open after the rapid segment, with Firouzja, Fedoseev, and Chithambaram sharing the lead at 11/18. Aronian and Praggnanandhaa trailed by just one point, while Vachier-Lagrave was two points behind the leaders. The first day of blitz belonged to Vladimir Fedoseev, who dominated the field with a stunning 8/9 score, ending the day 3.5 points ahead of second-placed Praggnanandhaa. Fedoseev maintained his momentum on the final day and clinched the title with three rounds to spare. As he has done many times in GCT events, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave delivered a strong performance in blitz to secure clear second place, while Praggnanandhaa finished third. Photos: Lennart Ootes / Grand Chess Tour
Nikolay Noritsyn and Li Yunshan win 2025 Canadian Championship
From left to right: WFM Morgen Mills, WIM Svitlana Demchenko, WIM Li Yunshan, IM Nikolay Noritsyn, GM Shawn Rodrigue-Lemieux, GM Razvan Preotu IM Nikolay Noritsyn and WIM Li Yunshan have been crowned the 2025 Canadian Chess Champions, claiming their third and maiden national titles, respectively. The 89th Canadian Chess Championship and the 22nd Canadian Women’s Chess Championship—both 9-round Swiss tournaments with classical time control—were held simultaneously from April 17–22 in Toronto, Ontario. The competition featured 90 of Canada’s strongest players, hailing from nine provinces. The lineup included three Grandmasters, 13 International Masters, and three Woman International Masters. FM Tymur Keleberda (pictured above, left) led the tournament with a perfect 4/4 after four rounds. He then drew with GM Bator Sambuev in round 5, setting up a key round-6 clash with IM Nikolay Noritsyn (pictured above, right). Noritsyn won this pivotal game to emerge as the sole leader after round 6. He maintained his half-point advantage through the final rounds, finishing in clear first with 7.5/9 to secure the national title. The champion remained unbeaten, scoring six wins and three draws. GM Shawn Rodrigue-Lemieux, the other undefeated competitor, finished half a point behind in second place. GM Razvan Preotu and IM Raymond Kaufman tied for third with 6.5/9, with Preotu taking bronze thanks to a superior Buchholz tiebreak score. 89th Canadian Chess Championship final standings In the women’s event, WCM Ashley Qian started strong with a perfect 5/5. She then drew with top seed WIM Li Yunshan (pictured above, left) in round 6, maintaining a half-point lead. Alongside these two, WIM Svitlana Demchenko (pictured above, right) and WFM Morgen Mills consistently ranked in the top four from round 4 through the final round. Demchenko entered the last round with a half-point lead, but lost to Li, while Mills defeated WFM Oksana Golubeva resulting in a three-way tie for Li, Demchenko, and Mills, all on 7/9. Li clinched gold based on her superior Buchholz Cut 1 tiebreak score while Demchenko edged out Mills on the second Buchholz tiebreak to claim silver. 22nd Canadian Women’s Chess Championship final standings Written by FA Heidi Gay / Annex Chess Club Photos: Derek Ma / Annex Chess Club and John Upper / Chess Federation of Canada
Baku Open 2025 commences in the capital of Azerbaijan
The Baku Open 2025 international festival, a prestigious event celebrating the game of chess and the rise of Azerbaijani talent, kicked off on April 28 at the Baku Crystal Hall. The festival features three tournament sections (A, B, and C)—all 9-round Swiss tournaments with classical time control—and has brought together nearly 700 players representing 16 national federations. The total prize fund for the festival is $55,000, with $12,000 awarded to the winner of Tournament A. The opening ceremony of the Baku Open 2025, jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan Chess Federation, was attended by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, two-time Women’s World Champion and FIDE Treasurer Zhu Chen, President of the Turkish Chess Federation Fethi Apaydın, President of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation Mahir Mammadov, Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov, and other distinguished guests. During the event, the Azerbaijan Chess Federation and the Turkish Chess Federation officially signed a cooperation agreement. The signing ceremony was attended by Azerbaijan Chess Federation President Mahir Mammadov, Turkish Chess Federation President Fethi Apaydın, and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. Under the agreement, the two federations will collaborate on various initiatives to promote the development of chess. The partnership includes joint training camps for national teams, referee training programs, and the launch of several chess development projects. The program of Baku Open 2025 includes several exciting side events, including the Battle of Champions competition and masterclasses by leading chess players. In the Battle of Champions, Azerbaijani champion Rauf Mammadov faces former FIDE World Champion Rustam Kasimdzhanov (Uzbekistan), while Azerbaijani Women’s Champion Gunay Mammadzada competes against former World and European Champion Antoaneta Stefanova (Bulgaria). The winners will be determined based on the combined results of rapid and blitz games. The opening ceremony of the Battle of Champions was held at the National Carpet Museum on April 28. In her speech, Museum Director Amina Malikova (pictured above) explained the choice of venue: “For the first time in our museum’s history, an international chess tournament is being held. We know that chess is always regarded as a symbol of high intelligence. I hope that the carpets you see here will have a positive impact on our chess players.” Mahir Mammadov, President of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation, wished the players success and praised the regular organization of such tournaments as a highly positive development. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, who attended the ceremony, highlighted the unity of culture and sport: “We see the union of chess and culture in one place. Dear chess players, I am sure you will enjoy playing here and will also inspire the artists.” Following the ceremony, Mammadov presented a souvenir to FIDE President. A drawing of colors then took place, and the competition began. After three rapid games in both matches, the Azerbaijani players seized a 2–1 lead. On April 27, former Women’s World and European Champion Antoaneta Stefanova conducted a masterclass for young Azerbaijani players. The session, attended by 20 young chess enthusiasts, featured Stefanova sharing insights into her journey, career highlights, chess openings, strategic concepts, and an interactive Q&A session. At the end of the masterclass, all participants received certificates and special gifts. The Azerbaijan Chess Federation continues to organize diverse initiatives and events aimed at nurturing a love for chess among youth and promoting their healthy development. Photos: Azerbaijan Chess Federation
2025 Uzbekistan Championship: Nodirbek Yakubboev and Umida Omonova win titles
GM Nodirbek Yakubboev and WIM Umida Omonova are the newly crowned champions of Uzbekistan. The 2025 Uzbekistan Championship, featuring Open and Women’s categories and a total prize fund of USD 66,000, took place at the International Chess School in the Kyzyltepa district of the Navoi region from April 18–28. Both competitions were 16-player knockout tournaments with classical time control. Top seed Nodirbek Yakubboev (2665) lived up to expectations, advancing to the final after eliminating Azizbek Kuvvatov, Khumoyun Begmuratov (after a rapid tiebreak), and Mukhiddin Madaminov. In the bottom half of the draw, a surprise unfolded: second seed GM Shamsiddin Vokhidov (2648), the only other player rated over 2600, was knocked out in the quarterfinals by IM Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov. Suyarov, in turn, fell to Ortik Nigmatov in the semifinals. As a result, Yakubboev and Nigmatov met in the final. After a quick draw in the first game, Nodirbek won the second game with the white pieces to clinch the title. In the match for third place, Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov prevailed over Mukhiddin Madaminov in a grueling tiebreaker. The women’s event also produced a major upset, as top seed Afruza Khamdamova (2326) was defeated by Nodira Nadirjanova—rated nearly 200 Elo points lower—in the semifinals. Meanwhile, in the other half of the draw, Umida Omonova reached the final, battling past Makhim Orazmukhammedova, Nilufarkhon Imomkuzieva, and Marjona Malikova. In the final match between Omonova and Nadirjanova, Umida quickly seized the lead, winning the first game with the black pieces. She achieved a winning position in the second game but opted for a draw, securing the championship title. In the third-place match, Khamdamova defeated Malikova to take the bronze medal. Complete results Open and Women Photos: Uzbekistan Chess Federation
23rd ASEAN+ Age-Group Championships Announced – Penang, Malaysia
The Penang Chess Association (PCA), under the auspices of the ASEAN Chess Confederation (ACC) and the Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF), is honored to invite participants from ASEAN member countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste), as well as from its Dialogue Partners (Australia, China, Hong Kong, Macau, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, and the United States), to participate in the 23rd ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships, to be held in Penang, Malaysia, from July 1–11, 2025. Eligibility Players from the countries and territories listed above are eligible to participate and will be responsible for all their own expenses. There will be 16 Junior categories: Under-6, Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, Under-18, and Under-20, with separate events for Open and Girls. Players must not have reached their respective age limit before January 1, 2025. There will be 4 Senior categories: Seniors 50+ and Seniors 65+ for both Open and Women. Players eligible for Seniors 50+ must be born in or before 1975, and those for Seniors 65+ must be born in or before 1960. The ACC reserves the right to merge categories if there are insufficient entries. Schedule Date Time Activity July 1, Tuesday After 12:00 Arrivals and Check-Ins 20:00 Technical Meeting July 2, Wednesday 10:00 to 11:00 Opening Ceremony 15:30 to 20:30 Standard Chess Round 1 July 3, Thursday 09:00 to 14:00 Standard Chess Round 2 15:30 to 20:30 Standard Chess Round 3 July 4, Friday 09:00 to 14:00 Standard Chess Round 4 15:30 to 20:30 Standard Chess Round 5 July 5, Saturday Free Day Free and Easy July 6, Sunday 09:00 to 14:00 Standard Chess Round 6 July 7, Monday 09:00 to 14:00 Standard Chess Round 8 July 8, Tuesday 09:00 to 14:00 Standard Chess Round 9 16:00 to 20:00 Social Evening – Standard Chess Awards July 9, Wednesday 09:00 to 14:00 Rapid Chess Rounds 1 to 4 15:00 to 18:30 Rapid Chess Rounds 5 to 7 19:30 to 22:30 ACC Annual General Meeting July 10, Thursday 09:00 to 14:00 Blitz Chess Rounds 1 to 9 19:00 to 23:00 Closing Ceremony – Rapid & Blitz Awards July 11, Friday Before 12:00 Check-Outs and Departures Time Control Standard Chess: Each player will have 90 minutes, with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move 1. Rapid Chess: Each player will have 25 minutes to complete the game. Blitz Chess: Each player will have 5 minutes to complete the game. Awards Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each event and category. In case of a tie, no more than three players will receive the same-colored medal and a maximum of five medals will be awarded per event. Team medals will be awarded based on the total scores of the top three players from each country or territory. In case of a tie, the individual tie-break scores of the players will determine the winners. Playing venue The competitions will take place in the Main Ballroom of BERJAYA PENANG HOTEL, 1-Stop Midlands Park, Jalan Burmah, 10350 Penang, Malaysia Official hotels All players and accompanying persons are required to stay at one of the two official 4-star hotels and must adhere to the schedule and guidelines outlined in the tournament regulations. Entry Visa into Malaysia Visa requirement by country – Malaysian Immigration DepartmentThose from countries not listed above should check and apply online. For more detailed information, please, refer to the Regulations for 23rd ASEAN+ Age-Group Championships (PDF)
Last chance to join 2025 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Team Championships in London!
Time is ticking! With the registration deadline of May 10 fast approaching, this is your last chance to join the global chess community at the 2025 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships, taking place in London from June 10-16. This is your opportunity to compete alongside some of the world’s top chess players in a fun and exciting team environment. With a total prize fund of €500,000 – €310,000 for the Rapid event and €190,000 for Blitz, there’s plenty to play for. What the players are saying Vidit Gujrathi (Hexamind Chess Team): “I’m really looking forward to playing – this event feels very relaxed for me. These days, I actually enjoy rapid and blitz more than classical chess, so it’s the perfect fit. Plus, it’s being held in London, and this is a great time of year to be there!” Stavroula Tsolakidou (MGD1): “It will be my first time participating in this very exciting event, and I am looking forward to experiencing the team spirit and the general atmosphere of the competition, as well as to be part of a team with such strong and inspiring players!” Simon Williams (e-therapeutics): “London is an amazing place to hold any event, and I am especially looking forward to playing in a team of friends against some of the best players in the world. The fact that it is a team event adds a great angle; and knowing some of the players in my team, I am sure there will be lots of laughs and drinks shared after the matches. Play hard at the board and relax afterwards!” Kevin Goh (Theme International Trading): “We have a relatively young team with a mix of young Singaporean players and seasoned pros. We are excited to see how we would match up against the top teams and hopefully can pull up an upset or two.” Dinara Saduakassova (Hetman GKS Katowice): “I haven’t been playing chess actively for a while, so I’m really excited to return—and doing it here in London, where I’m currently studying, makes it even more special. Can’t wait to be part of the event!” Team requirements Each team must have 6 to 9 players. Include at least one female player. Include at least one recreational player (someone who has never had a FIDE rating over 2000). Register now Don’t miss out on this unique chess experience. Assemble your team and register before May 10. Register Here For more details, as well as the full list of registered teams, visit the official tournament website.
Mexico to host the first Chess for Freedom Workshop and Continental Championship for Americas
The 2025 Chess for Freedom Workshop and Continental Chess Championship for Americas, organized by FIDE and Mexico Chess Federation, are scheduled to take place from May 14-18, 2025, in Mexico. The event will bring together leaders and experts from the continent to share their experiences and strategies for leveraging chess as a powerful tool for rehabilitation in correctional facilities. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn from diverse international perspectives. Guests and speakers of the event: Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the Management Board Mikhail Korenman, Chess for Freedom project leader, Council of FIDE Social Commission Lic. Nahúm Román Mendoza Roldán, General Coordinator of Criminal Enforcement and Social Reintegration as a representative of the federal government Mr. Mukesh Ranjan Das, Indian Oil Executive Director (HR) José Carrillo Pujol, President of the Confederation of Chess for Americas Jose Manuel Barradas, the Mexico Chess Federation Others CCA’ participants from the Continent – to be registered until May 5. Attendees will discuss concepts of teaching chess to incarcerated people. Experts will share information about their national initiatives and approaches to teaching chess in prisons. Topics for workshop: Discussion on the impact of chess on inmate behavior Use of chess as a positive force for change within the prison system How to teach and implement chess programs Continental online chess championships Internet security for implement chess in correctional institutions Overview that can be implemented for individuals in custody Brief overview of existing research regarding Chess for Freedom project Corporative sponsorship for Chess for Freedom project presented by Indian Oil Executive Director (HR) Mr. Mukesh Ranjan Das In addition, participants of the workshop will visit the State Prison in Aguascalientes to watch the Continental championship matches for the American continent. Schedule of the event: May 14/15 – arrival of the participants. May 15 – Workshop training session – FIDE presentation about the Chess for Freedom project – Mexico presentation about the Chess for Freedom project in Mexico – Presentations by the invited guests sharing their experience. National Federations from Americas Continent are invited May 16 – visit to the State Prison in Aguascalientes In prison: Open dialog with the prison officials how to set up online participation from the prison. How chess program helps inmates. What are the benefits of teaching chess for the prison. In hotel: Open discussion with all participants on the implementation of the Chess for Freedom program and how to assist new countries to start the project. May 17 – Free day May 18 – departure of all participants To register, please contact Jose Baradas: barraditas@gmail.com The official hotel for the Chess for Freedom Workshop in Mexico is Hotel del Prado https://maps.app.goo.gl/kPmbjnWGdUQwXnqz6?g_st=aw
FIDE distributes €21,500 among chess veterans
After carefully reviewing the numerous applications received, the special panel appointed by the FIDE Council has selected eleven chess players, coaches, and organizers to benefit from the first installment of FIDE’s 2025 support program for chess veterans: GM Jesus Nogueiras (CUB)GM Igor Zaitsev (RUS)GM Petr Velikov (BUL)WGM Valentina Kozlovskaya (RUS)WIM Maria Petrovic (SRB)Viktor Chepizhny (RUS)FT Larisa Pinchuk (UZB)IA Barriquello (BRZ)Mykola Matvienko (UKR) – organizerSpouses IM Maryasin and WIM Tzifanskaya (ISR – one award jointly) A total of €21,500 will be distributed among them. Since the inception of the program eleven years ago, FIDE has allocated nearly €500,000 in support of chess veterans. The next installment is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025. As in previous years, we will honor these distinguished veterans with a few words about their careers and achievements, recognizing their enduring contributions to the game of chess. Jesús Nogueiras (CUB) Born in 1959 in Santa Clara, Cuba, Jesús Nogueiras made a name for himself at the World Student Championship in 1977, where he helped his national team win the bronze medal. Two years later, he earned the Grandmaster title following a strong performance in Kecskemét (1979). In 1985, Nogueiras became the first Cuban to participate in the Candidates Tournament after finishing second at the Interzonal in Taxco, placing ahead of Tal, Romanishin, Balashov, Browne, and Speelman. A five-time Cuban national champion, Jesús represented Cuba in 14 Chess Olympiads between 1980 and 2008, playing on the first board in seven of them. Among his most notable tournament victories are the Capablanca Memorial (1984) and the Torre Memorial (1997). Currently, FIDE Senior Trainer Jesús Nogueiras works with young Cuban players, continuing his dedication to the development of chess in his home country. Igor Zaitsev (RUS) First and foremost, Igor Zaitsev is known as a legendary coach, analyst, and trailblazer in chess opening theory. Born in 1938 in Ramenskoye, a small town near Moscow, he began taking chess seriously only after graduating from university. In the early 1960s, Zaitsev began working with leading chess magazines and competing in various tournaments, including six USSR Championships. He was awarded the title of International Master in 1969 and became a Grandmaster in 1976. Soon after achieving this title, Zaitsev transitioned to coaching and analytical work, excelling in both fields. His most notable contribution to opening theory is arguably the Zaitsev Variation—one of the most complex and deeply studied systems in the Ruy Lopez. He also introduced numerous innovative ideas in other Ruy Lopez lines, as well as in the Sicilian Defence and the King’s Indian Defence. Zaitsev served as a trainer and second in 17 World Championship matches—including seven title matches—working with top players such as Tigran Petrosian, Lev Polugaevsky, and most notably, Anatoly Karpov. He joined Karpov’s team in the late 1970s, following the death of Karpov’s coach, Semyon Furman, in 1978. Zaitsev played a pivotal role in Karpov’s preparation during several of his World Championship matches, including the legendary encounters with Garry Kasparov from 1984 to 1990. Igor Zaitsev holds the titles of Honored Coach of the USSR and Russia. In 2006, he was awarded the title of FIDE Senior Trainer. Petar Velikov (BUL) Born in Dobrich, Bulgaria, in 1951, Petar Velikov made his debut on the chess scene in 1966, when he shared 3rd–4th place at the National Junior Championship. Three years later, he claimed the national junior title. In his first international competition, the European Junior Championship in Groningen (1970), he finished fifth. Two years later, he earned the bronze medal in the same tournament. Velikov became an International Master in 1975 and achieved the title of Grandmaster in 1982. The Bulgarian chess champion of 1987, Velikov represented Bulgaria in four Chess Olympiads (1982, 1984, 1986, and 1990), playing 34 games with a record of 10 wins, 20 draws, and 4 losses. Throughout his long and successful career, Velikov compiled an impressive tournament record, winning outright or sharing first place in numerous events, including: Tsinovits (1970), Ulm (1971), Wrocław (1976), Kalithea (1978), Pernik (1979), Reggio Emilia (1980), Vrnjačka Banja (1982), Primorsko (1986), Akropolis (1989), Clichy (1999, 2004), Rijeka (2001), Besançon (2003), Chasseneuil (2003), Guingamp (2004), and Condom (2005). He also served as a trainer for the Bulgarian national team at the 38th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Dresden (2008) and the European Team Championship in Novi Sad (2009). From 2008 to 2016, he worked with Bulgaria’s junior team. Velikov earned the title of FIDE Trainer in 2015. Valentina Kozlovskaya (RUS) One of the first and oldest Women Grandmasters in the world, Valentina Kozlovskaya showed early promise and participated in numerous tournaments during her school years. A regular contender in the Women’s Soviet Chess Championships—competing in 15 editions throughout her career—she won the title in 1965. The following year, she placed fourth and qualified for the Women’s Candidates Tournament. Kozlovskaya was a member of the victorious Soviet team at the Women’s Chess Olympiad in Havana in 1966. In 1967, she finished second in the Women’s Candidates Tournament, just behind Alla Kushnir—whom she defeated in their direct encounter. That same year, she also placed second behind Women’s World Champion Nona Gaprindashvili at an international women’s tournament in Kyiv. In 1973, Kozlovskaya won the Women’s Interzonal Tournament but was narrowly defeated by Irina Levitina in a dramatic semifinal match of the Candidates Tournament the following year. She qualified for the Candidates again in 1976, tying for second place with Maia Chiburdanidze at the Interzonal in Tbilisi, but lost to Elena Fatalibekova in the semifinal. Kozlovskaya emerged victorious in many prestigious tournaments, including Bryansk (1965), Budapest (1966, 1980), Szarvas (1970), Irkutsk (1971), Voronezh (1973), Lipetsk (1974), Cherepovets (1975), Belgrade (1975), and Halle (1976). She also achieved great success in veteran competitions. Kozlovskaya won the Women’s World Senior Championship in 1996 and, in 2014, claimed the title in the European Senior Championship (Women’s 65+), finishing ahead of the legendary Nona Gaprindashvili. Marija Petrovic (SRB) Born in 1953, Marija Petrović was one of the leading chess players of the former Yugoslavia during the final
FIDE Social Chess Storytelling Challenge 2025: Every Move Counts
Because behind every move, there’s a story that can change the world. Chess is more than a game – it’s a lifeline, a bridge, a silent language of resilience and hope. From the corners of prison cells to lively classrooms, refugee camps, and community halls, chess is quietly rewriting destinies. Now, FIDE invites you to tell these stories. We are proud to announce the FIDE Social Chess Storytelling Challenge, a global competition celebrating the transformative power of chess. Under the powerful theme “Every Move Counts,” we are calling on filmmakers, federations, and everyday changemakers to share short films that capture the social impact of chess around the world. This is your chance to inspire, amplify unheard voices, and show how a board of 64 squares can become a platform for growth, unity, and change. What We’re Looking For We seek compelling stories told through short films that spotlight: Personal Development: How chess fosters confidence, sharpens critical thinking, and enhances problem-solving skills, empowering individuals to overcome life’s challenges. Social Transformation: The role of chess in bringing diverse groups together, fostering inclusion, and supporting education and rehabilitation programs. Opportunities & Livelihoods: How chess creates opportunities for vulnerable individuals and communities, offering pathways for personal and professional growth. Submissions may fall into one of two categories: Professional (high-quality production) Grassroots (creative, amateur, including phone-shot videos) Important Dates Submissions open: April 24, 2025 Deadline: October 25, 2025 Submit here: fide.com/social2025-storytelling-challenge Awards & Recognition Winners will receive: A special FIDE Trophy An invitation to the FIDE Olympiad 2026 Opening Ceremony (2 nights stay for 2 members included) A global spotlight: The top films will be showcased during the 2025 Social Chess Conference, FIDE’s official social media, and social chess events. Award categories: Best Short Film (Professional) Best Grassroots Film (Amateur) FIDE Social Commission Choice Award Who Can Participate? Everyone. There are no age or nationality restrictions. You may submit more than one film. Let your camera be the messenger, and your story the move that matters. Because every move counts. For full rules and submission details, visit: fide.com/social2025-storytelling-challenge For inquiries, contact: sc.secretary@fide.com