To mark International Chess Day 2025, FIDE invited players from across the globe to take part in the “Creative Chess, a challenge to set up games in the most unexpected, meaningful, or visually striking places. What followed was a wonderful outpouring of imagination, storytelling, and global connection, all united by one game.
Barcelona, Spain
Susie Sun shared a breathtaking moment featuring her children, Elliot and his sister, playing chess on a rooftop with the majestic Sagrada Família as their backdrop.
“Surrounded by sky and spires still reaching for heaven, it became more than just a game, a moment of connection and wonder suspended in a city of dreams.”
Mumbai, India
A youth-led initiative called Chess for Change saw four friends- Aaditya, Nehan, Krish, and Vivaan, take chess to the heart of bustling Mumbai. They played games in locations that reflect the rhythm and soul of the city: a police jeep, a rickshaw, a temple doorway, a local train station, and even a dental clinic.
“In a city that never stops moving, neither does a good game of chess.”
Costa Rica
Chess made its way to volcanic heights, with games played on the slopes of both Irazú Volcano and Arenal Volcano.
Deep Dive Dubai, UAE
At Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest swimming pool, divers posed with a submerged chessboard.
“Even a quiet game of chess becomes an unforgettable adventure.”
Novato, California, USA
Students at Hamilton K-8 School celebrated International Chess Day with a giant outdoor board as part of their summer camp, showing how chess can be a joyful part of school life and community.
Bhaktapur, Nepal
Jenish Tamang and Bede Saru Magar played in the ancient Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“Through these images, we aim to promote religious tolerance, peace, and friendship across the globe all united by our shared love for chess.”
Antananarivo, Madagascar
In Madagascar, a football field became a chess arena, showing that the game has a place wherever people gather to play and compete.
Sligo, Ireland
In a fairytale setting, one couple posed for wedding portraits on a giant outdoor chessboard.
Arezzo, Italy
Another touching love story emerged from Tuscany, where two players met over a chessboard on July 20th, not knowing they were beginning more than just a game.
“Our daughter was then born in the city of Merano (like the Meran Variation), so chess seems to be the theme of our love story.”
Even pets joined in on the fun, posing proudly at chessboards around the world. In Costa Rica, a curious iguana was spotted beside a riverside setup, blending nature and strategy in the wild.
Meanwhile in China, top player Lei Tingjie’s fluffy dog also joined the celebration, posing sweetly at a board, dressed and ready to “make a move”.
This year’s Creative Chess challenge was part of FIDE’s broader theme for 2025: Every Move Counts. Through each submission, we were reminded how chess can bring people together across cultures, generations, and even species.
Thank you to everyone who joined this global celebration. Keep tagging your moments with #InternationalChessDay and #CreativeChess, and remember: the board may be 64 squares, but the world of chess is boundless.