The Icelandic Chess Federation celebrated its 100th anniversary this weekend. Founded on June 23, 1925, it is one of the oldest chess federations in Europe.
The President of Iceland, Ms. Halla Tómasdóttir, attended the official centenary celebrations. FIDE was represented by Secretary General Łukasz Turlej and European Chess Union (ECU) President Zurab Azmaiparashvili, along with ECU Vice-President Gunnar Bjornsson. The event was hosted by Ms. Jóhanna Björg Jóhannsdóttir, President of the Icelandic Chess Federation. The presence of these distinguished guests underscored the significance of this historic milestone for both Icelandic and international chess.
The Icelandic Chess Federation, originally established in Blönduós on June 23, 1925, commemorated its centenary with a special chess festival held in the same town. The program featured various events, including the Icelandic Chess Open, which brought together nearly all of the country’s top players alongside several strong international grandmasters—making it one of the most significant chess events in Iceland in recent years.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich sent a congratulatory letter on the occasion, which can be viewed below:
Letter to the Icelandic Chess Federation on Its Centenary Anniversary (PDF)