Stockholm is hosting a Chess Party on April 17–18, bringing together 1,500 participants and leading figures of the international chess community, including Magnus Carlsen, Judit Polgár, Pia and Anna Cramling, GothamChess (Levy Rozman), and Andrea Botez.
The highlight of the opening day was a world record attempt on the Kings & Queens Stage, led by Judit Polgár, Andrea Botez, and Jesper Hall. The initiative aimed to establish the largest chess lecture ever held.
During the session, thousands of participants engaged in a collective learning experience, solving puzzles and interacting with the presenters in real time. The format combined instruction with public participation, creating a large-scale educational event. The attempt also aimed to surpass the existing record while demonstrating new ways of presenting chess to broad audiences and highlighting its educational and social value.
With thousands of participants and visitors on-site, multiple activities unfolded simultaneously throughout the venue. Swedish Grandmaster Nils Grandelius gave a 12-board simultaneous exhibition using a chess clock, adding an extra layer of difficulty.
Additional simuls were held by Pia Cramling and Anna Cramling, offering players of all levels the chance to test themselves against seasoned competitors.
The chess competitions were an important part of the program. Two senior events (50+ and 65+) ran in parallel, underlining the inclusive nature of chess. For newcomers, the Friday Beginner Tournament provided an opportunity to experience organized competition for the first time.
Among the special formats, “The Blindfold Challenge” presented by Axel Smith attracted particular interest. One of Sweden’s leading chess trainers and co-author of The Woodpecker Method, Smith conducted a blindfold simultaneous exhibition, playing multiple opponents without sight of the board. The event drew strong attention, captivating especially younger participants.
Educational activities also featured prominently. On the International Stage, Alexei Shirov delivered a lecture on “Chess Classics.” Simen Agdestein, Norway’s first Grandmaster, who is also known for his role in the early development of Magnus Carlsen, led an engaging masterclass.
One of the most popular activities among younger participants was the Meet & Greet session with Andrea Botez and Anna Cramling on the Kings & Queens Stage (Expo). Children especially enjoyed the chance to meet them in person, take photos and selfies, and spend time in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
A special appearance by IJustWantToBeCool added to the atmosphere, engaging the audience and creating a lively and enjoyable experience for participants.
Towards the end of the day, participants were invited to join the Friday Night Blitz tournament, providing a fast-paced conclusion to the program.
The day also featured a prize-giving ceremony for the youth competition that began on April 16. A total of 25,000 schoolchildren from 1,000 classes took part in the initiative, with the finals held on April 17.
Following the final rounds, the top performers were awarded, recognizing the achievements of the finalists and medalists. The scale of participation highlighted the strong engagement of young players and the growing popularity of chess in schools.
Photos: Pavel Dvorkovich