The curtains have closed on the FIDE World Youth U14, U16 & U18 Championships 2025, marking the end of two unforgettable weeks of competition, friendship, and global unity through chess. Hosted at the Grand Blue Fafa Resort in Durrës, Albania, the championship brought together 720 players from 83 federations — the world’s most promising young talents — in an atmosphere of excellence and fair play.
After 11 intense rounds, the world’s best young talents were crowned in six categories:
U18 Open
- GM Siddharth Jagadeesh (Singapore)
- IM Artiom Stribuk (FIDE)
- IM Adarsh Uppala Sriram (India)
U18 Girls
- WIM Gao Muziyan (China)
- WIM Manon Schippke (France)
- Valeria Kleymenova (FIDE)
U16 Open
- GM Edgar Mamedov (Kazakhstan)
- IM Sauat Nurgaliyev (Kazakhstan)
- FM Alexandr Volodin (FIDE)
U16 Girls
- WFM Diana Khafizova (FIDE)
- WFM Marija Kuznecova (Latvia)
- Chen Yining (China)
U14 Open
- FM Mark Smirnov (Kazakhstan)
- IM Haochen Jiang (China)
- CM Artem Lebedev (FIDE)
U14 Girls
- WFM Polina Smirnova (FIDE)
- Rukiya Olimova (Uzbekistan)
- Jamaicah Yap Mendoza (Philippines)
Each winner received their medals from distinguished guests, underlining the spirit of unity and respect that defined the championship. Applause filled the hall as the young players stood proudly, representing not only their countries but also the future of chess worldwide.
The closing ceremony
The closing ceremony, held on October 15, was a fitting celebration of talent and achievement, blending official addresses, cultural performances, and heartfelt moments of recognition. The evening began with the National Anthem of the Republic of Albania and the FIDE Anthem, performed by the Durrës City Band, setting a tone of dignity and international solidarity.
Opening the ceremony, moderator Kozeta Kurti welcomed guests and participants, expressing gratitude to everyone who made the championship possible — from organizers and arbiters to volunteers and partners. She highlighted the event as a “celebration of friendship, respect, and shared values that connect us all through sport and intellect.”
Erald Dervishi, President of the Albanian Chess Federation (FSHSH) and Grandmaster, addressed the audience with pride, emphasizing Albania’s growing role in the international chess scene:
“Under the guidance of FIDE, and with the support of our partners, we have successfully hosted another world-class event that brings together young champions from around the globe. This tournament is a testament to what passion, teamwork, and vision can achieve.”
The ceremony also honored the presence of distinguished guests:
- Erald Dervishi – President of the Albanian Chess Federation (FSHSH)
- Bajram Begaj – President of the Republic of Albania
- Fidel Ylli – President of the National Olympic Committee of Albania (KOKSH)
- Eduard Shalsi – Honorary President of the Albanian Chess Federation (FSHSH)
- Gentian Kallmi – Deputy Mayor of Durrës
- Ozgur Solakoglu – Technical Director of the Event / Representative of the World Chess Federation (FIDE)
- Fatos Çerenishti – President of FAFA Group
Their attendance symbolized the recognition of chess as not only a sport, but also a tool for education, discipline, and cultural diplomacy.
Honoring excellence and announcing a new partnership
Before the medal presentations, the Albanian Chess Federation proudly announced a new partnership with the Kasparov Chess Foundation Academy (KCF Academy). As part of this collaboration, full scholarships will be awarded to all category champions, granting access to a 164-hour online program featuring lessons from some of the greatest chess minds — including Garry Kasparov, Fabiano Caruana, Levon Aronian, and Veselin Topalov.
The announcement received enthusiastic applause, signaling a powerful continuation of the champions’ educational journey beyond the tournament.
A cultural celebration
The evening featured vibrant performances, including a Traditional Dance from the Mirdita region by the National Folk Ensemble and a Folk Dance from Central Albania performed by the Durrës Folk Group — celebrating Albania’s cultural richness and warm hospitality.
A memorable farewell
In the closing remarks, participants were thanked once more for their dedication and sportsmanship. Moderator Kozeta Kurti concluded with an uplifting note:
“This concludes the Closing Ceremony of the FIDE World Youth U14, U16 & U18 Championships 2025. We congratulate all participants and champions and invite you to enjoy one last performance. Have a good night — and see you at the next championship.”
A legacy for the future
The 2025 FIDE World Youth U14, U16 & U18 Championships in Durrës leave behind more than medals — they mark a milestone for Albania as a growing hub for international sports and youth development. With the joint efforts of FIDE, FSHSH, KOKSH, and local partners, the event showcased how chess continues to inspire minds and connect communities worldwide.
Photos: Vlera Zenjullahi and Dardan Bajrami
Official website: fideworldyouth.achf.org.al/