FIDE Torch Arrives at the Triumphal Arch in Bucharest
The global celebration of FIDE’s centenary continues as the FIDE 100 Torch Relay arrives at the heart of the Romanian capital, Bucharest Hosted by the Romanian Chess Federation, the ceremony saw dignitaries, chess players, and fans gather in celebration. Romania, a formidable power in the chess world, will also mark the centenary of its own Chess Federation in 2025. The ceremonial lighting of the torch included children from local chess clubs, coaches, and players, symbolizing the unifying spirit of the FIDE100 chess flame. Attending the event on behalf of FIDE were Dana Reizniece-Ozola, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board; Victor Bologan, FIDE Executive Director; Lukasz Turlej, Secretary General of the International Chess Federation; Michael Khodarkovsky, Vice President of FIDE’s Presidential Board; and Zurab Azmaiparashvili, President of the European Chess Union. The list of special guests also included Elisabeta Lipă, President of the Romanian National Agency for Sport; Andrei Novac, Secretary of State within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Cătălin Stegariu, General Director of the General Directorate of Gendarmes of Bucharest; Toma Laurențiu, Head of the Department of Military and Sports Activities; Cătălin Spirache, Chief Commissioner of Police and Deputy of the 1st District Police in Bucharest; Eugen Gligan of Special Telecommunications Service; Octavian Schen, General Director of the State Mint; Vlad Ardeleanu, President of the Romanian Chess Federation and George Tuță,Elected Mayor of the 1st District in Bucharest. Vlad Ardeleanu, President of the Romanian Chess Federation, expressed his gratitude to FIDE for including Bucharest in the centenary celebrations. He described the event as a “very touching and symbolic moment not only for chess but for sports in Romania.” “It is wonderful that we as a country can gather so many important people and have many symbolic [chess] events happening here, in Romania,” Ardeleanu remarked. He also praised the efforts of the Romanian Chess Federation in promoting chess, stating, “We at the Romanian Chess Federation are trying to make chess a national movement.” The FIDE Torch, a symbol of unity and celebration, has already travelled to Canada, Switzerland, India, Morocco, Ghana, and Colombia. Following Romania, the torch will proceed to Kazakhstan. Photos: Niki Riga
East Africa Cup: Teaching chess and life skills
Held annually in the last week of June in Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, the East Africa Cup is now in its 21st year (2024). This year’s event featured football, basketball, chess, and daily seminars on crucial topics such as leadership, conflict resolution, child protection, and more. Chess and Lifeskills On the first day (June 20th), a special session engaged over 75 teenagers and young adults from diverse East African organizations and schools. This session blended theoretical and practical elements, providing participants with lessons in chess and essential life skills. The aim was to foster mental stimulation, strategic thinking, and personal development through chess, with a focus on the practical application of the learned life skills. Chess Competition Organized by the East Africa Cup secretariat and managed by the Iyanna Foundation, the chess competition took place over the next two days (June 21st and 22nd). Divided into two age categories (under 14 and above 14), the competition began with preliminary rounds on the first day to identify the top four players in each category. These top players then competed in the semifinals and finals held on the second day. The competition concluded with recognition for the top two players in each category, who received trophies and medals. Additionally, a special medal was awarded to the best female player, highlighting the event’s commitment to inclusivity and recognizing talent across genders. This structure not only celebrated competitive excellence but also promoted the holistic development of the participants by integrating chess with life skills training. Written by Elly O Goro
Tbilisi to host inaugural leg of 2024-2025 Women’s Grand Prix
The first leg of the 2024-2025 edition of the Women’s Grand Prix is set to start in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, this August Ten players will participate in the inaugural tournament, including former women’s world champions Alexandra Kosteniuk and Mariya Muzychuk. Full list of players competing in Tbilisi: Anna MuzychukMariya MuzychukNana DzagnidzeSarasadat KhademalshariehAlexandra KosteniukR VaishaliAlina KashlinskayaLela JavakhishviliBibisara AssaubayevaStavroula Tsolakidou The tournament, a nine-game round-robin, will be held from August 14 to 25 at the luxurious Biltmore Tbilisi hotel, the first glass skyscraper in Georgia and the highest hotel in the Caucasus. The time control will be 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move 1. “We are looking forward to the first tournament in the new season of the Women’s Grand Prix. We think that Georgia is a wonderful starting point given the impact Nona Gaprindashvili and Maia Chiburdanidze – two former women’s world champions who are Georgian natives – had on the chess world,” said Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, Dana Reizniece-Ozola. “As we will have more tournaments and more players in the 2024-2025 season, this means more opportunities to increase the visibility of Women’s Chess and help get more women interested in the sport,” Reizniece-Ozola added. A new format, more tournaments, and an increased prize fund Since its launch in 2009, the Women’s Grand Prix series has grown to become one of the most popular and prestigious competitions in women’s chess. For this season, FIDE has made changes to the system – increasing the number of participants from 16 to 20, while the number of tournaments in the season has increased from four to six, with the overall prize fund also going up. Players in the 2024-2025 Women’s Grand Prix Season The list of players includes those who have qualified as well as wild cards. The list of qualifiers was announced at the end of April this year and includes: N Player Qualification Path 1 Lei Tingjie (China) FIDE Women’s World Championship Match 2023 participant 2 Kateryna Lagno (FIDE) FIDE Women’s Grand Prix Series 2022-23 3 Aleksandra Goryachkina (FIDE) FIDE Women’s World Cup 2023 4 Nurgyul Salimova (Bulgaria) 5 Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine) 6 Tan Zhongyi (China) 7 Vaishali R (India) FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss 2023 8 Batkhuyag Munguntuul (Mongolia) 9 Humpy Koneru (India) Standard Rating in the April 2024 FIDE Rating List 10 Mariya Muzychuk (Ukraine) 11 Nana Dzagnidze (Georgia) 12 Harika Dronavalli (India) 13 Alexandra Kosteniuk (Switzerland) Sarasadat Khademalsharieh replaced the reigning Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun, who decided not to participate. Khademalsharieh was next in line to qualify by rating according to the April 2024 FIDE Rating List. Apart from the qualifiers, there are six wild-cards in the event, five of which have been named: Lela Javakhishvili (Tbilisi) Bibisara Assaubayeva (Shimkent) Elisabeth Paehtz (Monaco) Regina Pokorna (Austria) Stavroula Tsolakidou (Cyprus) The regulations for the 2024-2025 Women’s Grand Prix season can be found – here.
Winners crowned at World Cup Under 8-12
The inaugural World Cup Under 8, 10, and 12, held in Batumi, Georgia, has concluded. Despite the participants’ young age, it was an intense and exciting competition, with chess prodigies battling it out until the very last moments to secure their positions in the final standings. Hosted by Georgia’s premier seaside resort, Batumi, this unique-format tournament brought together 288 players hailing from 37 countries. The champions and top finishers were awarded trophies, medals, and diplomas and received Apple gadgets as special prizes. After ten days of exciting competition, the winners have been crowned! The final standings in each category are the following: Open U8 1 Ulan, Rizat KAZ 2 Li Aiden Linyuan USA 3 Sattwik Swain IND Open U10 1 Bolashakov, Nurali KAZ 2 Ling Chenxuan USA 3 Chakrabarty, Reyaansh AUS Open U12 1 Obidov, Biloliddin UZB 2 Qu Haoming CHN 3 Bulgak, Damir FID Girls U8 1 Kinzyabulatova, Reana FID 2 Xin, Stella USA 3 Chen Zhihan CHN Girls U10 1 Filippov, Milana KAZ 2 Yunker, Alisa Genrietta FID 3 Khusnitdinova, Husnorakhon UZB Girls U12 1 Xue Tianhao CHN 2 Pratitee, Bordoloi IND 3 Gunawardhana, Devindya Oshini SRI Official website: wcc2024.fide.com Photos: Sophie Nikoladze and Tornike Tavadze
FIDE World Senior Team Championship 2024 kicks off in Krakow, Poland
A record-breaking 32 Grandmasters gather in Krakow, Poland, as the FIDE World Senior Team Chess Championship 2024 kicks off in this beautiful European city, with its iconic Market Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The championship opening ceremony took place at the renowned Słowacki Theatre, one of Poland’s distinguished playhouses operating since 1893. The event brought together 65 teams and 307 players from all over the world, boasting the highest number of Grandmasters playing in a chess competition on Polish soil this year. The ceremony attracted prominent chess figures, local officials, and celebrities, including Gunnar Björnsson (FIDE delegate), Radoslaw Jedynak (President of the Polish Chess Federation), Kamila Kałużna-Turcza (chair of the organizing committee), and Hanna Ereńska-Barlo (the first Polish WGM). City officials expressed their pride in hosting the event during FIDE’s centenary year. “We are very proud and pleased that Krakow was chosen to host this tournament during the FIDE 100 anniversary year,” said Janusz Kozioł, plenipotentiary of the Mayor of Krakow. Lukasz Turlej, FIDE Secretary General, said a few beautiful words about Krakow: “Krakow is known as a City of Kings. We are proud to see the World Team Senior Chess Championship coming here in this special year of FIDE’s 100th anniversary.” The ceremony continued with the Polish national anthem followed by the FIDE anthem. Guests were treated to a performance by a Historical Krakowian Dancing Group and a special FIDE 100th Anniversary Movie. Lukasz Turlej closed the ceremony by presenting FIDE 100 medals to Kamila Kałużna-Turcza and Janusz Kozioł. After the official part, everyone went for refreshments in the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre. A few words should be said about the tournament’s investors and partners. The event is played with the honorable support of the Ministry of Sport and several partners: the City of Krakow, Mokate, Chess Grow, Sunrise, Galaxy Hotel, and the Polish Chess Federation. Photos: Michal Walusza and Mark Livshitz
FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships: Registration deadline extended
The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships, set to take place in Astana, Kazakhstan, are rapidly approaching, and excitement is already in the air. With the registration deadline (July 12) drawing near, teams from around the world are urged to act quickly to secure their spot in this prestigious event. It promises to be an exhilarating experience for both players and spectators alike. Big names and teams ready to compete The tournament will feature some of the biggest names and strongest teams in the chess world. Teams such as China Team for 10 years with stars like World Champions Wenjun Ju and Ding Liren, and WR Chess Team boasting Magnus Carlsen, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and Hou Yifan have already confirmed their participation. Other notable teams include ALAIN ACMG UAE with Daniil Dubov and Vladimir Fedoseev, and ASHDOD CHESS CLUB with Nihal Sarin and Pavel Eljanov. Hisham Al Taher, team director of one of the rating-favorite teams, ALAIN ACMG UAE, expressed his enthusiasm for the event: “The World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships in Astana is shaping up to be an extraordinary event. The combination of rapid and blitz formats in a team setting offers a unique and thrilling experience. I’m excited to lead my team and compete against some of the best players in the world. The camaraderie and competitive spirit will make this a memorable championship.” Another star player, Arjun Erigaisi from Team MGD1, shared his excitement: “Team events are generally a lot of fun, and the same goes for World Rapid and Blitz. The event in Astana is basically combining those two, so it will be an ultimate delight! I look forward to it.” GM Anna Muzychuk of Chessy echoed this sentiment: “I look forward to the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Astana. It’s a competition of top players, but also an opportunity for non-professionals to meet and even play the biggest legends of our game. I believe such an amazing format will bring fun and keep the tension until the very last moment.” Format The 5 days of chess will feature two formats: Rapid Tournament: A 12-round Swiss system with a time control of 15 minutes per game plus a 10-second increment per move. Blitz Tournament: The Blitz tournament is divided into two stages. In Stage 1, teams are grouped into pools and play a round-robin format. The top 16 teams advance to Stage 2, which is a knockout stage. The time control is 3 minutes per game with a 2-second increment per move. The total prize fund for the event is a staggering €350,000 euros, with €250,000 allocated for the Rapid Tournament and €100,000 for the Blitz Tournament. In addition to financial rewards, members of the top three teams in each category will receive medals. Exciting side events In addition to the main tournament, KazChess has organized several side events to enhance the overall experience for participants and spectators. The highlight will be the FIDE torch relay, featuring many distinguished guests, including Kazakhstani sports stars, celebrities, and national authorities. This event aims to celebrate the spirit of chess and bring the community together in a festive atmosphere. We invite teams from around the world to join us in Astana for an unforgettable event. Register now and compete with the best in the world! For more details and to register, visit the official website.
FIDE July 2024 rating list: Arjun Erigaisi enters top 5 Open
The Norway Chess 2024 and the fourth edition of the Cairns Cup, along with several strong tournaments across Europe and Asia, have had the most significant impact on the FIDE July 2024 rating list. After an 11-month absence, Hikaru Nakamura has made a triumphant return to the second spot in the Top 100 Open, thanks to his second-place finish in Norway Chess 2024. Arjun Erigaisi, on the other hand, cracked into the top 5 Open after picking up 17 points in the French Team Championship and Stepan Agavian Memorial. Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa’s third-place finish in Norway Chess 2024 was enough to break into the Top 10 Open. Photo: Lennart Ootes In the women’s list, Anna Muzychuk climbed to the eighth position following her strong showings in the Norway Chess Women and Cairns Cup that brought her 16 rating points. Biggest gains in top 100 Open and Women Goltseva, Ekaterina FM 2356 (+31) Tokhirjonova, Gulrukhbegim IM 2390 (+21) Aravindh, Chithambaram GM 2703 (+19) Vokhidov, Shamsiddin GM 2643 (+19) Balajayeva, Khanim IM 2404 (+19) Maltsevskaya, Aleksandra IM 2404 (+18) Predke, Alexandr GM 2685 (+18) Erigaisi Arjun GM 2778 (+17) Muzychuk, Anna GM 2521 (+16) Shuvalova, Polina IM 2483 (+16) Niemann, Hans Moke GM 2703 (+15) Ekaterina Goltseva delivered an excellent performacne in the Vladimir Dvorkovich Memorial, gaining 31 points and topping this list. Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova tied for second place in the Summer Classic Group B to collect 21 rating points and move 15 positions up in the top 100 women, while Khanim Balajayeva overperformed in the Dubai Open to gain 19 rating points. Photo: Lennart Ootes Aravindh Chithambaram crossed the 2700 mark and made it into the top 30 open for the first time in his career following his great result in Team 2024—Top 16, which translates into 19 rating points.Aravindh Chithambaram crossed the 2700 mark and made it into the top 30 open for the first time in his career following his great result in Team 2024—Top 16, which translates into 19 rating points. Meanwhile, Shamsiddin Vokhidov emerged as the winner of the UzChess Cup Challengers, earning 19 points and breaking into the top 100 Open. Photo: Polski Związek Szachowy Aleksandra Maltsevskaya lost a tiebreaker for a title in the Polish Women’s Championship but can find consolation in 18 rating points and her return to the top 50 Women.
Singapore to host 2024 World Chess Championship Match
The Singapore Chess Federation, supported by the Government of Singapore, has won the bid to host the FIDE World Championship Match 2024. The Match will feature the defending Champion Ding Liren from China and the Challenger Gukesh D from India and will take place between November 20 and December 15, 2024 FIDE received three competitive applications for hosting the World Championship Match – from New Delhi (India), Chennai (India), and Singapore. After reviewing the bids and inspecting all potential host cities for their venues, amenities, event programs, and opportunities, the International Chess Federation has selected Singapore as the host of the World Championship Match. “We are delighted that for the first time in the history of FIDE, a match for the World Championship will take place in Singapore. Not only is Singapore one of the most iconic global tourist and business hubs, but it is also a thriving chess center with great ambitions and talent,” FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said. Photo: fairmont.com “I would also like to thank the other bidders – New Delhi and Chennai. Both cities are renowned chess hubs with a rich history of hosting chess events, and we are confident we will see major chess events there in the future,” Dvorkovich continued. “FIDE is genuinely happy to bring the FIDE World Championship Match to Singapore. Chess is not just a popular game and sport; it is often seen as the epitome of the human mind’s ability to think strategically, to plan, and to foresee. Singapore embodies these same qualities. It’s a great match for the great Match!” FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky said. “We also expect multinational companies to seize an opportunity and join forces with FIDE and Singapore to make this event truly exceptional,” Sutovsky added. Singapore’s bid was submitted on May 31, 2024, and the inspection of the venues took place on June 11 and 12. Four possible venues are being considered for the Match, and the final decision on the exact location will be announced in due course. The Match, which boasts a sensational prize fund of 2.5 million USD, is set to take place between November 20 and December 15, 2024. About the FIDE World Championship Match The FIDE World Championship Match is one of the most important and widely watched chess events globally. Held every two years, it features the defending World Champion and the Challenger, chosen through a qualification process culminating in the Candidates Tournament, which includes eight of the world’s top players. The defending Champion is Ding Liren, who won the title after defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi in Astana, Kazakhstan, in April 2023 on tiebreaks. The Challenger is the 18-year-old Gukesh D from India, who won the Candidates Tournament in April 2024 in Toronto. The World Championship Match will consist of 14 games. The player who scores 7.5 points or more wins the Match, and no further games are played. If the score is equal after 14 games, the winner is decided by a tiebreak.
Playoff matches set at FIDE World Cup 8-12
The FIDE World Cup U8-12, taking place in Batumi, entered its decisive playoff phase. After seven exciting rounds, the young chess players fighting for medals emerged in all age categories. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich attended the penultimate round and made the first ceremonial move to the first board in the U12 category. During his stay, the contract for the Women Grand Prix 2024 was signed by Akaki Iashvili, president of the Georgian Chess Federation, and Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE. One of the legs of this tournament series is to be hosted in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia in one of the best hotels, Biltmore. Also, the FIDE President awarded the FIDE Centenary Medals to Akaki Iashvili and Zurab Azmaiparashvili, President of the European Chess Union, for their special services to FIDE and their long-term contribution to the development of chess in Georgia and the world. Here is the list of contenders for the trophies at the FIDE World Junior Cup 2024: Open U8 Rizat Ulan (KAZ, 1733) and Aiden Linyuan Li (USA, 1853; pictured below) will fight for gold, while in the match for third place, Swain Sattwik (IND, 1567) takes on Azad Khuduzade (AZE, 1461). Open U10 Nurali Bolashakov (KAZ, 1843; pictured below) and Chenxuan Ling (USA, 1868) will square it off for gold, while Reyaansh Chakrabarty (AUS, 2185) and Platon Zabelin (FID, 1799) will play a match for gold. Open U12 Qu Haoming (CHN, 1877; pictured below) and Biloliddin Obidov (UZB, 1998) will lock horns playing for gold, whereas Damir Bulgak (FID 1931) and Gabriel Gabadadze (GEO, 1975) compete for bronze. Girls U8 The winners of their respective groups, Stella Xin (USA, 1812; pictured below) and Reana Kinzyabulatova (FIDE, 1504), will compete for the title in the final, while Chen, Zhihan (CHN) and Elizabeth Xia (USA, 1635) will battle it out for bronze. Girls U10 Milana Filippova (KAZ, 1633; pictured below) and Alisa Genrietta Yunker (FIDE, 1735) are to determine the champion in their match, while Husnorakhon Khusnitdinova (UZB, 1514) and Angelina Ambartsumyan (FIDE, 1594) will play for bronze. Girls U12 Xue Tianhao (CHN, 1754; pictured below) and Pratitee Bordoloi (IND, 1796) will fight for gold, while in a match for bronze, Kristina Zavivaeva (FIDE, 1666) will take on Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana (SRI, 1980). Official website: wcc2024.fide.com Live games:chess.com/events/2024-fide-world-cup-u8-group-a/games Video and live commentaries:youtube.com/watch?v=3yXvGJwXe3w&ab_channel=chessingeorgia64 Photos: Sophie Nikoladze and Tornike Tavadze
Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School celebrates FIDE centenary
On the morning of June 20, 2024, Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School (Shandong Province, China) hosted a series of events to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the FIDE, including the “Campus Chess Tournament Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the FIDE and the First Campus Chess Tournament of Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School.” The event was part of the 2024 “July 20 World Chess Day Chess Culture Festival.” Attendees of the opening ceremony included Bian Chuanshun, Principal of Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School; Zhang Huaifa, Head of the Mass Sports Department of Liaocheng Education and Sports Bureau; Li Huaying, Vice Principal of Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School; Qiu Fengchun, Vice Principal of Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School; Li Aiying, Principal of Songgui Road Campus of Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School; Wang Jie, Secretary General of Liaocheng Chess Association; and more than 1,000 students from the first and second grades of the school. On behalf of Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School, Vice Principal Li Huaying extended a warm welcome to all the leaders and guests and sincerely congratulated all the participants. Principal Li stressed that Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School has always adhered to the educational philosophy of “focusing on the development of teachers and students, laying the foundation for national rejuvenation,” and pursues high-quality, distinctive, and modern education. The school aims to cultivate innovative talents with a Chinese spirit and a global perspective, which is in line with the school motto, “Aspiration, Knowledge, Perseverance.” In the field of chess, a sport that emphasizes both wisdom and strategy, the school has raised Jiang Tianyu, the 2023 U15 World School Summer Games chess champion. Vice Principal Li also stated that on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the FIDE, the Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School had been selected as the representative for school chess activities in Liaocheng, which shows trust in us and tremendous encouragement for our future work. By hosting this campus tournament, we aim to promote the game of chess and enhance students’ logical thinking, competitive skills, and spirited sportsmanship. Student representative Jiang Tianyu, the 2023 U15 World School Summer Games chess champion, also delivered an inspiring speech, encouraging her peers to pursue their dreams. Representing the Liaocheng Education and Sports Bureau, section chief Zhang Huaifa congratulated the opening of the campus tournament. Zhang pointed out that we are honoured to celebrate the 100th anniversary of FIDE’s founding in 2024. The Federation has designated Liaocheng’s “July 20 World Chess Day Chess Culture Festival” as one of the global celebration venues. Today’s campus tournament is not only an important part of the culture festival and the centennial celebration of the World Chess Federation but also a crucial window and excellent opportunity to showcase the educational achievements of Liaocheng, especially in chess education, to the world. Zhang expressed special gratitude to FIDE and the Chinese Chess Association for their recognition and support of their work, congratulating Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School again. Bian Chuanshun, principal of Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School, announced the opening of the “Campus Chess Tournament Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the FIDE and the First Campus Chess Tournament of Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School.” Together with section chief Zhang Huaifa, Principal Bian made the first move to inaugurate the competition, officially commencing the celebration. Principal Bian, Director Zhang, and other leaders and guests watched the matches and activities that followed. In addition to the Campus Chess Tournament for first and second-grade students, the school held a “One vs. 100 Simultaneous Chess to Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the FIDE.” During this event, Jiang Tianyu, the 2023 U15 World School Summer Games chess champion, played simultaneously against 100 students from the school’s middle school chess club. The school also hosted a photo exhibition titled “100 Years of Major Events of the World Chess Federation.” This exhibition used pictures to showcase significant events since the Federation’s founding in 1924, helping students learn about the Federation’s century-long development and its advocacy for a culture of peace and inclusivity. In addition to the three major events mentioned above, the school also organized various activities under the theme “Celebrating the Centennial of the World Chess Federation: Chess in My Heart.” Students waved colorful flags and ran freely around the campus, expressing their love for chess in various ways. They shared the joy, growth, and achievements brought by chess. We are family！ The series of events, including the “Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of FIDE: Campus Chess Tournament and the First Campus Chess Tournament of Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School” are part of the 2024 “July 20 World Chess Day Chess Culture Festival.” This festival is a microcosm of the ways chess enthusiasts in China and Liaocheng celebrate the centennial of the World Chess Federation. This year’s cultural festival serves as a sub-venue for the centennial celebrations of FIDE. The organizing committee has planned multiple high-level competitions at international, national, and provincial levels, engaging chess enthusiasts broadly. Additionally, various artistic performances rich in cultural significance and widely appealing to the public are scheduled. Several of these competitions have applied for Guinness World Records. Let’s look forward to the “July 20 World Chess Day Chess Culture Festival” cultural feast!