Poland crowned champions as Samarkand Olympiad for People with Disabilities concludes with a celebration of chess and inclusion
Seven days of competition, a record 41 teams and countless stories from across the chess world came to a close in Samarkand, as Poland claimed gold at the 3rd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities. Cuba finished with silver, while hosts Uzbekistan 1 secured bronze on a memorable final day. Round 7 began with FIDE Interim President and five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand making the ceremonial first move before the final battles got underway. Poland entered the last round at the top of the standings and left no room for doubt, defeating the Philippines 3½–½. IM Marcin Molenda drew Menandro Redor on the top board, while IM Pawel Piekielny, IM Aleksander Czerwonski and Julia Salamon scored victories to complete a commanding final-round performance. The result brought Poland to 13 match points, completing an undefeated campaign of six victories and one draw and securing the title of the 3rd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities. Behind them, the battle for the podium came down to the wire. Cuba defeated the Czech Republic 2½–1½ to finish on 12 match points and take silver, while Uzbekistan 1 overcame Israel by the same 2½–1½ margin to score 11 match points and earn bronze in front of the home crowd. Poland finishes on top For Polish captain IM Marcin Molenda, the gold medal was the culmination of a tournament that had not started according to plan. After dropping a point in the opening round, Poland responded by winning every remaining match. “It was definitely a rollercoaster. The first round, losing the points. After that, winning every single match. So, I’m quite happy, especially with the team, since we managed to pull this off.” For Molenda, the significance of Samarkand went beyond the gold medal, with the Olympiad for People with Disabilities held alongside the main FIDE Chess Olympiad for the first time. “Historically, we were playing some separate events. So right now, being with all the top players, grandmasters and also the world champions as well, is very important for us.” He also praised the team’s experience in Uzbekistan: “It was fantastic. The opening ceremony, as well as the closing ceremony, showed us a lot of culture, a lot of interesting facts about Uzbekistan. And also, it shows a really huge interest in chess.” The final podium: Gold – Poland (13 match points)Silver – Cuba (12 match points)Bronze – Uzbekistan 1 (11 match points) Poland’s success was also reflected in the individual awards, with Marcin Molenda, Pawel Piekielny, and Aleksander Czerwonski all collecting individual board medals. Friends from the wider chess family The final day also brought a special visit from the Czech chess community. GM David Navara and Petr Boleslav, organiser of the Prague Chess Festival, came to the Olympiad, met with participants, and shared in the atmosphere of the final day. Their visit added another warm connection between the participants of the Olympiad for People with Disabilities and the wider chess community gathered in Samarkand. Another special guest was Ukrainian grandmaster Vasyl Ivanchuk, who also visited the Olympiad and spent time with the participants. The presence of one of the most recognisable figures in international chess added another memorable moment to the final day, as the event welcomed players and guests from the wider chess world before the competition came to a close. From one Olympiad to another Molenda’s words reflected one of the defining features of this year’s event. Once the final games were over, that connection became even more tangible, as participants of the Olympiad for People with Disabilities had the opportunity to visit the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad. Players and team members explored the Expo, enjoyed the atmosphere of the main event and watched players from around the world competing in the Open and Women’s sections. For the first time, the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities was staged alongside the main FIDE Chess Olympiad in the same host city and during the same period. With their own seven-round competition complete, participants could move directly into the atmosphere of the main Olympiad – sharing the same chess environment and becoming part of a much larger celebration of the game. A home medal for Uzbekistan For the hosts, the final round brought another reason to celebrate. Selbi Kakishova helped Uzbekistan 1 secure the team bronze while also earning an individual silver medal on Board 5, having scored an impressive six points from seven games. “The tournament was so exciting. I’m so happy. On my board, from seven games, I won six games, and that’s why I got silver. Overall, our team took bronze.” The seven rounds had not been easy, but Kakishova felt the effort had paid off. “All the games were so hard and difficult, but despite that, I gave all my strength, and that’s why we won.” For Kakishova, competing at home while the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad was also getting underway in Samarkand provided additional motivation. “It was so exciting. A few days ago, there was the opening, and during the opening, I got a lot of motivation, and that’s why I also gave all my strength.” Medals, music, and celebration In the evening, players, officials, and guests came together for the closing ceremony, bringing seven days of competition to a festive end with music, songs, and dances, followed by the presentation of the team, individual, and special awards. Uzbekistan 1 received the bronze medals, Cuba took silver, while newly crowned champions Poland stepped onto the podium to receive gold. Individual medals were also presented across all five boards. The board winners were FM Sargis Sargissyan (IPCA) on Board 1, IM Pawel Piekielny (Poland) on Board 2, IM Aleksander Czerwonski (Poland) on Board 3, Darry Bernardo (Philippines) on Board 4 and Michal Racis (IBCA) on Board 5. A series of special prizes, presented by Dana Reizniece, Acting Chair of the FIDE Management Board, completed the awards ceremony, recognising players from across the diverse field of the Olympiad. Addressing the participants, Viswanathan Anand congratulated the winners
Olympiad Day 2: Big guns enter arena in Samarkand
The leading teams field their strongest line-ups as Samarkand delivers another fascinating day of chess. Round two of the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand brought many of the world’s leading players into action, as the top seeds largely decided that it was time to put their strongest line-ups on the board. With the first points already secured, the focus shifted to maintaining momentum, although several matches proved considerably more competitive than the ratings suggested. From impressive debuts by established stars to a few unexpected results and some spectacular tactical finishes, there was plenty to keep the packed playing hall entertained. Let’s take a closer look at the action from the playing hall. Two ceremonial first moves were performed today. On board one of the Open section match between the United States of America and Mongolia, Mohamed Al Mudahka, FIDE Technical Delegate and President of the Qatar Chess Federation, made the symbolic opening move 1.d4. A few moments later, Komil Sindarov, Vice President of the Uzbekistan Chess Federation, also opened with 1.d4 in the Women’s top-board encounter between Finland and India. Although the second-round pairings were not expected to produce too many upsets, few teams were willing to rest their top players for a second consecutive day. As a result, spectators who flocked to the playing hall for the start of the round were treated to the debuts of some of the best players in the world. The challenger to the upcoming World Championship match, Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov, led his team to a convincing 3.5–0.5 victory over the young Peruvian squad. Checkmate of the dayFlores Quillas – Javokhir Sindarov Sindarov had played a virtually perfect game up to this point, registering an outstanding 98% accuracy. His extra pawn should have been more than enough to secure the win – 31…Qa1, for example, comes to mind. But the challenger wanted to make a statement. Instead, he uncorked the fantastic 31…Kf7!!, sacrificing his queen for the second time in the game. Flores Quillas could perhaps have resigned at this point but elegantly accepted the gift with 32.Qxf1. This allowed Sindarov to complete the combination with 32…Rh3!!, threatening a spectacular checkmate with 33…h6! The mate can be delayed, but not prevented. Fabiano Caruana made his debut on board one for the USA with a powerful performance against Mongolia’s Sumiya Bilguun. Combined with Levon Aronian’s narrow win and Hans Niemann’s solid draw, the result was enough to secure the match victory despite a major surprise on board four. There, Awonder Liang, rated 2693, was defeated by Khuyagtsogt Itgelt, rated 2435. Playing White, the Mongolian produced an outstanding performance, beautifully punishing Liang’s risky choice of the Benoni and completely dismantling his opponent’s position. Defending champions India had a tough outing against Indonesia, who put up determined resistance throughout the match. Three draws, with Gukesh, Vidit and Praggnanandhaa all held to half a point, were compensated by Nihal Sarin’s fantastic lone win, allowing India to remain among the leading teams in the standings. One of the heroes of the match was Indonesian teenager Satria Duta, who held reigning World Champion Gukesh to a draw. Delighted with his result, the young Indonesian happily agreed to an interview with Charlize van Zyl. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS1VjCcvo8M China’s board one, former World Champion Ding Liren, has been fielded in both of the first two rounds. After winning yesterday, he was held to a draw today by Chile’s Rodrigo Vásquez Schroeder, having miscalculated in what had been a very promising position. Fortunately for China, Wei Yi made his debut on board two at just the right moment. The Chinese star produced a fantastic performance, featuring a trademark exchange sacrifice, to help his team secure an important 3–1 victory over Chile. Ding Liren also shared his thoughts on China’s prospects in Samarkand in his post-game interview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spCHbOtF-3s World number six Vincent Keymer, 21, made his debut for Germany this afternoon with a smooth positional grind against Saidakbar Saydaliev of Uzbekistan 3. Tactic of the dayVincent Keymer – Saidakbar Saydaliev Black was under pressure but could have kept the game going with a move such as 30…Bb7. Instead, Saydaliev lashed out with 30…g5, attempting to drive the knight away, but was immediately punished by the tactical 31.Nxe6! After 31…Rxe6 (31…Nxe6 would lose to 32.Rxc6) Keymer continued with 32.Bxe6+ Kxe6, reaching the key moment of the combination. The German star then found the beautiful 33.Bc7!, after which his opponent resigned. The point is that either knight or bishop cannot be saved, leaving Black with no way to avoid losing material. Germany won the match by a clear 3.5–0.5. Their opponents, Uzbekistan 3, are a young team of promising prospects, all born between 2001 and 2008.As the host nation, Uzbekistan has the right to field two teams instead of one, while a third team is frequently added when the total number of teams is uneven. In a post-game interview with Charlize van Zyl, Keymer said he enjoys team events and was pleased with the chemistry within the German squad. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il2ts_ypDEY Other leading teams, including the Netherlands, Azerbaijan, France, Armenia, England, Ukraine, Poland and Spain, also came through with victories, although several of them dropped a point or point and a half along the way. Whereas the leading teams in the Open section are already beginning to lose points here and there, the Women’s section is still producing some emphatic 4–0 victories at the top of the standings. Local favorites Uzbekistan crushed Ecuador with relatively quick wins on all four boards, recording exactly the same score as the United States of America in their match against Belgium. Both 17-year-old Afruza Khamdamova and 23-year-old Carissa Yip made their Samarkand debuts on board one and marked the occasion with convincing victories. Seed number three, Kazakhstan, however, had to settle for a 3–1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. On board one, Milana Babić held debutant Bibisara Assaubayeva to a draw. And no doubt the upset of the day was Montenegro’s 2-2 tie against seed number two Georgia, mainly due to Alena Skvortsova
Freedom Holding Corp. backs FIDE World Championship Match 2026 as General Partner
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) and Freedom Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: FRHC) announced today that Freedom has become the General Partner of the Salesforce FIDE World Championship Match 2026. The match will take place from 22 November to 12 December in Switzerland. The opening ceremony will be held on 22 November at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju of India defends his title against Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan over 14 classical games. Both players will be twenty at the start of the match, the youngest title contest since the competition began in 1886. Freedom has been a strategic partner of FIDE since 2023. The group is a regular sponsor of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships and was the title sponsor of the 2024 FIDE World Corporate Chess Championship in New York. Under the 2026 cooperation agreement, Freedom also funds FIDE tournaments, training centers, school programmes and talent scouting across all continents. The World Championship extends that partnership to the sport’s defining event. The championship sponsorship reflects how Freedom approaches the game: as a system to be built over years, from the classroom to the championship board. “The World Championship decides who is first. There is nothing bigger in chess,” said Timur Turlov, founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, and head of the International School Chess Federation, the regulating body for chess in education. “Freedom has worked with FIDE for three years, and this is the natural next step, not a logo on a stage. Chess and finance are the same discipline: you calculate, you decide under uncertainty, you refuse the obvious move, and you plan far ahead. We invest in chess on that horizon,” he added. “Freedom has committed to chess seriously, over years and at every level of the game,” said Viswanathan Anand, five-time World Champion and FIDE Interim President. “To have them behind a World Championship contested by two twenty-year-olds is fitting. This company understands chess is a long game, and this Match is its future.” “The World Championship is the pinnacle of chess,” said Emil Sutovsky, CEO of FIDE. “It is the event that decides who stands first. We are proud to have support of Freedom – a company that champions smart solutions and has a long-term vision, calculating moves ahead much like top chess players.” About Freedom Holding Corp.Freedom Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: FRHC) is a U.S.-listed diversified financial and technology group headquartered in Kazakhstan, operating brokerage, banking, insurance, telecommunications and lifestyle services in more than twenty countries. A strategic partner of FIDE since 2023, Freedom treats chess as a long-horizon cultural and educational investment. About FIDEThe International Chess Federation (FIDE), founded in 1924 and headquartered in Switzerland, is the governing body of world chess and organiser of the World Championship cycle. Media contacts:Freedom Holding Corp. Media | media@freedomholdingcorp.comFIDE Press Office | press@fide.com
FIDE World Junior U20 Rapid and Blitz Championships: Registration now open
FIDE, in cooperation with the United Arab Emirates Chess Federation and Al Ain Chess & Mind Games Club, invites all FIDE member federations to participate in the World Junior U20 Rapid and Blitz Championships 2026. Each federation can register an unlimited number of players. The championships will be held in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, from November 1 (arrival) to November 7 (departure), 2026. The winners of the World Junior Rapid & Blitz Championships 2025 and the top 10 players on the starting list (5 Rapid + 5 Blitz for the open section and 5 Rapid + 5 Blitz for the girls’ section) are entitled to free full-board accommodation in a double room. FIDE member Federations should proceed with the registration of their participants. Please note that eligible players must be born on or after January 1, 2006. The official registration link: https://juniorrapidandblitz2026.fide.com Email: juniorrapidblitz@fide.com Invitation, regulations, schedule (PDF) The deadline for registration, hotel reservations and receipt of all applicable payments is October 20, 2026.
When every move tells a story: Social Chess Blitz Talks by FIDE SOC
The new experimental format will showcase chess as a tool for education, inclusion, and personal transformation. The FIDE Social Commission is hosting an event called Social Chess Blitz Talks, a format built around short, powerful, chess-inspired stories. The Commission is bringing together inspiring individuals to share their unique perspectives and experiences in a concise and impactful way. Each speaker will deliver a short and insightful talk lasting 5–7 minutes, centered around a single compelling idea or approach. No long slides, no elaborate presentations, just the speaker, their story, and a thought-provoking message that leaves the audience with something meaningful to reflect on. The event will demonstrate what chess can truly achieve: as an educational tool, a bridge between cultures, a vehicle for inclusion, and a path to personal development. Each talk will be short, focused, and personal. Rather than academic lectures, these will be real stories, insights, and ideas that show what chess can do for society. Confirmed speakers include: Dana Reizniece, Acting Chair of the FIDE Management Board and supervisor and ambassador of numerous FIDE Social projects, including Chess for Freedom, Chess for Protection, and Infinite Chess, will share reflections from years of supporting FIDE’s social initiatives and the communities they serve. André Vögtlin, FIDE Social Commission Chair, will showcase the wider impact of social chess and explore how chess mental models can drive social transformation. He is a seasoned advocate for using chess as a force for social good. Dr. Das Mukesh, FIDE Social Commission Ambassador and former Executive Director (HR) of India’s largest public sector organisation, Indian Oil Corporation, will share the personal story behind launching the life-changing Chess for Freedom initiative in India, as well as the mindset shift from taking to giving. Prabitha Urwyler, FIDE SOC Councillor, Treasurer of the European Chess Union, and Board Member of the Swiss Chess Federation, will answer the question, “What happens when the chessboard becomes a language?” through vivid stories of Chess for Hope participants and what the initiative means in their lives. Magnus Wolfe Murray, founder and Executive Director of Movement in Refuge, has more than 30 years of experience working in humanitarian crises, including a decade with the UK Government’s Department for International Development. He will focus on how sport, chess, and movement can help refugees break through barriers to education, wellbeing, and opportunity, an area he believes remains dramatically under-supported despite its potential impact. Dijana Dengler, Head of Chess at Overseas Family School in Singapore, FIDE Chess in Education Commission Councillor, co-founder of the Munich Chess Academy and Munich Chess Foundation, and former national team player who represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at 12 Chess Olympiads, will share how a chess tournament suitcase led to a life of never returning home, and how chess continued to shape her even after she gave it up. Sophia Rohde, Director of the Columbia Grammar Chess Program, New York State President, Vice Chair of Chess in Education USChess, IA and IO, will highlight The Mindful Gambit: Language, Logic, and Life Skills on the Board, exploring chess as a social and emotional tool in the classroom through stories and results from her students. Nadia Kravchuk, Director of International Relations at ISCF, will demonstrate the power of moving forward, explaining why social initiatives must help people progress despite their circumstances rather than waiting for the “right time.” The Social Chess Blitz Talks represent a new chapter in the FIDE Social Commission’s efforts to highlight the tangible social impact of chess across communities worldwide. By stripping away slides and elaborate presentations, the format places each speaker’s personal journey and singular idea at the center, creating an intimate and powerful experience for both speakers and the audience. The event will culminate with the FIDE Social Chess Award ceremony, a celebration of social chess milestones worldwide. 25 September 2026 11:00–13:00 Silk Road by Minyoun, Samarkand We look forward to welcoming you to this special Congress event.
Olympiad for People with Disabilities, Day 6: Poland takes sole lead
With just one round remaining at the 3rd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities, the competition entered its decisive stage in Samarkand. Poland produced a commanding 4-0 victory over the Czech Republic to emerge as the sole leader heading into the final round, while Day 6 also put the spotlight on clean sport, fair play and the measures that help ensure equal conditions for everyone at the chessboard. The day carried additional significance as competition at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad also got underway in Samarkand. For the first time, the Olympiad for People with Disabilities is being held alongside the Open and Women’s Olympiads, bringing players from across the chess world together in the same host city. Before the clocks were started for Round 6, the ceremonial first move was made by Nigel Short, FIDE Director for Chess Development, marking the beginning of the penultimate round. For participants in the 3rd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities, the proximity of the events has created opportunities to meet some of the world’s leading players, visit the main Olympiad, and experience the atmosphere of one of chess’s biggest events – while competing under comparable professional playing conditions themselves. Day 6 also welcomed a delegation from Abu Dhabi, UAE, as preparations are already looking ahead to the next editions of the events in 2028. Mohsin Al Hashmi, Shaikha Alzaabi and Qasaed Altamimi visited the venue to observe the organization and gain first-hand experience ahead of the 2028 Chess Olympiad and the 4th FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities, which will take place in Abu Dhabi. Their visit offered an opportunity to see the event operations in practice, from the playing conditions and accessibility arrangements to the overall organization of the competition, as preparations for the next Olympiad cycle continue. Clean sport: Fairness beyond the chessboard Alongside the battles over the board, Day 6 focused on another fundamental part of competition: clean sport. Anti-cheating measures are already an established part of top-level chess, but the Olympiad has also featured anti-doping controls, adding another dimension to the principle that sporting success should be based on a player’s own skill, preparation and hard work. Dorian David, a representative of the Classification Commission at the event, explained that conducting anti-doping controls for players with disabilities required particular preparation and attention. “It was a challenge because testing people with disabilities is not easy at all. But I can tell you that there weren’t any problems.” David also highlighted the importance of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) for players who require medication containing substances included on the prohibited list. He stressed that players are responsible for the substances present in their bodies and should ensure that the appropriate procedures are followed when medication requires an exemption. For David, however, clean sport ultimately comes down to something much broader than testing. “Clean sport is about fair play. And fair play… is winning through hard work. It’s also about respect – valuing your opponent, valuing the rules, respecting the rules.” A different kind of Fair Play challenge Fair Play Officer Jürgen Klüners described working at the Olympiad as a particularly distinctive experience. Klüners, who was previously in Samarkand as an arbiter at the Grand Swiss, explained that fair play procedures at an event for players with disabilities sometimes require officials to adapt their usual approach to individual circumstances. “Being a Fair Play Officer in this championship is very, very special, because we are checking people and all these people have several problems, and so it’s completely different to, let’s say, a normal Chess Olympiad or other championships.” For him, patience and understanding are essential when carrying out the necessary checks while respecting the individual needs of every participant. Klüners also emphasized the significance of staging the Olympiads alongside one another. Players at the event have access to professional conditions familiar from other major FIDE competitions: electronic boards, clocks, live results, media coverage and a full tournament infrastructure. “We have more or less the same playing conditions. You see these screens with the results; they play with DGT boards with normal clocks. You have press officers giving interviews. So I think these people really appreciate this.” Chess has been a lifelong part of Klüners’ own story. A player who once reached a rating above 2200, he began working as an arbiter at youth tournaments at an early age. Today, alongside his work as an arbiter and Fair Play Officer, he serves as Vice President of the German Chess Federation and continues to play team chess. “You have to use your own prowess, talent or hard work” The meaning of clean sport was equally clear to Kenya’s Ronny Otieno. “It’s very important because it levels the field. You have to use your own prowess, talent or hard work to succeed. So clean sport is good for the sport.” For Otieno, returning to the Olympiad has also been about friendships and shared experiences. Having participated in the previous edition in Kazakhstan, he spoke warmly about meeting players from other countries and praised the hospitality and organization in Samarkand. The presence of the main Olympiad has added another memorable dimension. Otieno said he had already encountered several stars of world chess, including Vasyl Ivanchuk, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu and Gukesh D. His own journey in chess began at the age of nine, when a childhood friend taught him the game. Initially chess was simply for fun, but years later, while at college, friends encouraged him to test himself in tournaments. “I used to claim I’m the best. I never knew there were better people than me. So I started coming to tournaments, and since then it’s been fun. I mean, this is the best space anyone can ever be.” Vietnam makes its Olympiad debut For Thuy Thi Bich Tran, Samarkand represents a milestone: Vietnam is participating in the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities for the first time. “It’s the first time Vietnam can get on the list for the Olympiad, so
Samarkand Olympiad Day 1: Favourites, fireworks and a shock
The opening round produced dominant victories for the favourites, colourful scenes around the venue and an unexpected defeat for India’s Arjun Erigaisi. The 46th Chess Olympiad got underway this afternoon in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with 207 teams registered in the Open section and 191 in the Women’s section. As is often the case in a Swiss-system event, most of the higher-rated teams started their campaigns with victories, although the opening round also produced a few surprises. Let’s take a closer look at the action from the playing hall. Following a brief introduction by the tournament’s Chief Arbiter, Ivan Syrovy, the action began punctually at 3 p.m. local time with two ceremonial first moves. First, Viswanathan Anand, five-time World Champion and FIDE Interim President, opened with 1.c4 on board one for Jamaica’s Joshua Christie, who faced Uzbekistan’s top player, Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Immediately afterwards, officials and media moved a few meters to board one in the Women’s section, where hosts Uzbekistan faced Trinidad & Tobago. On this occasion, Alisher Sadullaev, First Vice President of the Uzbekistan Chess Federation, played 1.e4 as his ceremonial first move for Uzbekistan’s Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova, who faced Shemilah James. With the round officially underway, the players shook hands, and the games began. With almost 200 four-board matches taking place simultaneously, there was certainly no shortage of action to follow. A walk through the playing hall allowed me to exchange a brief head nod with World Champion Gukesh (!), reacquaint myself with many players, coaches, and arbiters and, perhaps most importantly, admire the colourful outfits being sported by teams from around the world. It is customary for teams to wear a T-shirt, polo shirt, or tracksuit top featuring the name and colours of their country, but some have taken things a step further, with players’ names printed on the back. The Women’s section offered an even greater variety of designs and traditional attire – and, fittingly, a special prize will be awarded for the best-dressed team. I was particularly impressed by the Mozambique team’s outfits, which will surely make them strong contenders for this particular prize. After all, the Olympiad is not only about chess; it is also about bringing together players, traditions and cultures from all corners of the world. Hundreds of spectators have been arriving from all over Uzbekistan to follow the games. The organisers have created a huge space known as the EXPO, cleverly connected to the exit of the playing hall. Once their games are finished, players can mingle with spectators, sign autographs and pose for photographs, while fans can follow the remaining games with Grandmaster commentary on a giant screen. This creates a natural meeting point between players and fans and adds another dimension to the Olympiad experience beyond the playing hall. Returning to the games, most of the top teams won their opening matches comfortably, with several recording convincing 4–0 victories. Interestingly, a number of teams chose to rest one of their top boards: a decision that can have various explanations, from travel and health considerations to tournament strategy. Top seeds, the United States were among them. Fabiano Caruana sat out the opening round, leaving Wesley So to lead the team to a convincing 3½–½ victory over Iraq. The only half-point dropped by the Americans came on board three, where Levon Aronian was held to a draw. Making his debut for the United States at an Olympiad, Hans Niemann produced a crushing 23-move victory on board two. Afterwards, he joined Charlize van Zyl for a brief interview, where he revealed a new team-building activity that has apparently become part of the American squad’s routine. When asked who the best player was, Niemann had a typically confident answer: “Padel will speak for itself!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Tr4Xmnqm1w Other teams chose to field their top stars from the outset. Argentina, for example, opted for a fascinating strategy, with 12-year-old Faustino Oro leading the team despite being the lowest-rated member of the squad. So far, the decision has paid off handsomely. Argentina defeated Kenya 4–0, with Oro producing a convincing 22-move victory on the top board. Even though most of the rating favorites went through the round comfortably, Botswana played a fantastic match against Brazil, achieving a 2-2 final score. A major upset, given that the African country was outrated by more than 400 points per board. The biggest upset of the day came on board one, where Thailand’s Prin Laohawirapap scored a stunning victory with the Black pieces against India’s top board, Arjun Erigaisi. The result meant that the defending champions had to settle for a 3–1 victory over Thailand. Erigaisi had enjoyed the better position for much of the game, but a tactical oversight towards the end allowed Laohawirapap to turn the tables and secure a memorable win. With both players running short of time, Erigaisi faced an extremely tricky position. He needed to find 50.Qf4!, defending against Black’s numerous threats around his exposed king while keeping his extra pawn and some winning chances. Instead, Erigaisi blundered with 50.Qg7??, allowing the decisive sequence 50…Qh1+ 51.Kg4 Re4+ 52.Rf4 Qd1+, when his king was caught in a dangerous crossfire between the black queen and rook. The game continued 53.Kg3 Qg1+ 54.Kh3 Re3+, and Erigaisi resigned. A remarkable turnaround: after being in control for much of the game, the Indian star was suddenly unable to escape the combined attack of the queen and rook. Charlize van Zyl caught up with the delighted winner in the interview area shortly afterwards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bv2zotXh6o In the Women’s section, the rating gap between some of the teams was even more pronounced than in the Open, and Round 1 produced a large number of clean sweeps. Among them were all five top seeds: India, Georgia, Kazakhstan, China, and the United States. Even so, converting an advantage into a point is never straightforward, as Uzbekistan’s Umida Omonova discovered in her game against Trinidad & Tobago’s Zara La Fleur. Playing White, La Fleur obtained a clearly winning position, but a combination of missed opportunities and unfortunate decisions allowed
FIDE Council Statement on visa issues for delegates of the FIDE Congress
Today, the first round of the 2026 Chess Olympiad has begun. FIDE is grateful for the organizational efforts of the Uzbekistan Chess Federation and the Olympiad Organizing Committee, headed by Mr. Aripov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan. FIDE is confident that the Olympiad will become a true celebration of chess on the ancient land of Samarkand. At the same time, unfortunately, a number of players and participants of the FIDE Congress have not yet received the necessary visas. This includes a number of Congress delegates entitled to vote in the upcoming elections, as well as a member of the highest executive body — the FIDE Council — Mr. Benard Wanjala. The FIDE Council expresses confidence that the relevant technical issues will be resolved but considers it its duty to state that the Congress can be held only under conditions in which all persons entitled to participate and vote can exercise their right. Should the rights of delegates and members of the FIDE Council not be protected and guaranteed, the FIDE Council, in accordance with the FIDE Charter, will consider relocating the FIDE Congress to other dates and location.
FIDE Statement on accommodation issues at the 2026 Chess Olympiad
FIDE notes with deep regret that, during the first day of the 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad, shortcomings in the accommodation arrangements left some teams without proper loging, forcing them to rent rooms in the city at their own expense. Although accommodation matters fall within the remit of the local Organizing Committee, and FIDE has no authority in this regard, FIDE nevertheless considers it its duty to assist the federations affected by this situation. Accordingly, FIDE has found additional financial resources and officially confirms that all teams that had to secure their own rooms will be reimbursed for the cost of accommodation of the appropriate standard for a period of up to three days. In addition, all teams that are forced to stay in official hotels that do not meet FIDE-approved standards during the Olympiad shall receive an additional compensatory payment from FIDE. FIDE deeply regrets that these organizational problems occurred and apologizes to the affected federations and teams. While the shortcomings arose at the level of the Organizing Committee, FIDE’s priority is to ensure that no federation suffers financial losses as a result. Our fundamental objective remains clear: every participating federation must be treated fairly and provided with the conditions established for the Chess Olympiad.
Season 4 gave the Global Chess League its strongest identity yet
Season 4 of the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League ended in Bengaluru with a new champion and a clearer sense of what the competition is becoming. The fourth edition of the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League that just finished in India’s tech hub of Bengaluru brought us much more than chess. After Dubai, London, Mumbai, season four in Bengaluru stood out not primarily because of the unique league format, but because GCL felt like a real league. Here are some key things GCL Season Four showed and what they mean for the wider chess world and the future of the sport. The competition produced genuine league unpredictability One of the key tasks for any sports competition is to produce the excitement and anticipation among fans. Since its inception, the GCL has gradually grown the competitive aspect of the event, weaving it into the fandom around the teams. Season four had the closest league stage in GCL history: all six franchises remained in contention for the top four places deep into the final rounds. The two eventual finalists even lost their last round-robin matches before qualifying thanks to their overall tournament performance. While in previous seasons the story was often more about a dominant team, this year the unique scoring system, equal board weighting and team depth genuinely affected qualification. It felt as though the teams had finally internalised the format and learned how to adapt to its demands. This is also a sign that the unique GCL rules – on team format, playing structure and scoring – create something different from having just six simultaneous individual chess games. Ganges winning is arguably the best franchise story GCL has produced Ganges Grandmasters won their first GCL title. They entered the race in a difficult position. Ahead of the Season 4 draft, the team changed operators, with Team MGD1 owners stepping in to assist the team and select a squad for Bengaluru. Under coach Adhiban Baskaran, the new squad performed spectacularly in the league and reached the finals, where they beat Alpine APL Pipers. This made Ganges Grandmasters the third victors in the four seasons of GCL so far, after Triveni won the first two and Alpine won Season 3. The team concept proved stronger than the superstar concept Although the return of Magnus Carlsen to the league (following a pause in Season 3) was a major news story, Bengaluru showed that GCL is about the team and not the individual. Despite Alpine boasting someone like Carlsen, in the end they were beaten by a side whose decisive strength came across the roster, rather than from one player. There were also other moments, noticeable throughout the season: the emotions, including tears and visible disappointment from players after missing a win for the team. The symbolic moment of Season 4 was the final: Nepomniachtchi beat his old nemesis Carlsen, but Stavroula Tsolakidou’s victory over Koneru Humpy sealed the championship. Thanks for her great performance – six wins and three draws – Tsolakidou finished as Player of the Tournament and also won a motorcycle – a Jawa bike – an unusual award in chess tournaments. Overall, season Four showed women playing decisive roles throughout the competition, offering clear evidence that the mixed-team format affects sporting outcomes rather than serving as a symbolic feature. Season 4 looked more like a sports-entertainment product than the earlier editions One of the key aspects which make GCL stand out when compared to other chess initiatives is its emphasis on entertainment. An audience-first experience, trying to bring chess closer to the casual viewer, regardless of their knowledge of chess. The production in Bengaluru involved more than 30 cameras constantly rolling across all the halls, live DGT feeds, real-time evaluation graphics. For the first time in GCL, there was an independent English and Hindi live feeds, noting the relevance of the Indian stamp and influence on the project. The broadcast was structured so that it creates an explicit bridge between traditional sport, gaming and esports, emphasizing the versatile nature of chess as a sport. The fan-facing layer was also highly emphasized in this season – app-based prediction, audience involvement, Road2GCL events and planned/experimental AR/VR and physical AI elements tested new opportunities and pathways for audience engagement. GCL had publicly promised that Season 4 would be a “bigger, bolder” version of the previous seasons with a significantly larger fan setup and technology layer and this was delivered in Bengaluru. The rising audience momentum Throughout the nine days of Season Four, the venue in Bengaluru was packed. In addition to that, according to GCL data, online engagement soared significantly. Compared to season three, GCL increased the number of YouTube subscribers by more than 80,000 to 104,000, while the Instagram following grew from 60,000 to more than 145,000. The data follows a trend set since season one – a 65% growth in reach and 2.4x growth in media value from Season 1 to Season 3. Taken together, the stronger conclusion is no longer simply that GCL wants to grow chess audiences. There is now measurable evidence that the audience around the league is expanding. Carlsen helped the league – but the league produced a story bigger than Carlsen Magnus Carlsen’s return to GCL was unquestionably the strongest promotional asset. But strategically, the fact that GCL did not end with Carlsen or his team simply winning everything proved how strong the format is. While stars attract the audience, the league can still create outcomes the stars do not control and this unpredictability helps GCL’s unique status in the chess world. Bengaluru strengthened the India story – but also clarified the global challenge Season 4 showed why India is compelling for GCL: a large chess audience, strong live atmosphere, enormous young-player ecosystem, technology industry and an increasingly mainstream culture around the game. GCL explicitly positioned Bengaluru as the intersection between chess and India’s technology economy and this was obvious with big tech sponsors signing up to the league (the likes of AMD, Cisco, Google