FIDE World Senior Team Championships 2027: Registration opens
FIDE, the German Chess Federation (DSB) and LandesSchachverband Sachsen-Anhalt e. V. invite all FIDE member federations and eligible teams to participate in the World Senior Team Chess Championships taking place in Magdeburg, Germany from March 31 (arrival) to April 11 (departure) 2027. The Championships are open to all players, regardless of rating or title, who reach the required age during the calendar year of the competition. Teams may register only through their national chess federations, and there is no limit on the number of teams per federation. All players on a team must be members of the same national federation. The event will feature four categories: Age 50+ Open, Age 50+ Women, Age 65+ Open, and Age 65+ Women. The Women’s sections will be held subject to a minimum of 10 teams from at least two continents. Registration opens on October 10, 2026, and detailed instructions will be published on the official website. The registration deadline is January 31, 2027. Invitation, schedule, regulations (PDF) Official website: worldseniorteam2027.fide.com Email: worldseniorteam@fide.com
FIDE World U7-U17 Rapid and Blitz Championships 2026 Egypt: Registration continues
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the Egyptian Chess Federation are pleased to invite all the member federations to the 2026 FIDE World U7-U17 Rapid and Blitz Championships. The event will take place in Cairo, Egypt, from December 8 (arrival) to December 15 (departure), 2026. The participants will compete across six age categories: Under 7, Under 9, Under 11, Under 13, Under 15, and Under 17, with separate Open and Girls sections. Players who secured first place in the previous edition of the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Cadets & Youth Championships (U9–U17 age groups) are granted the personal right to participate in the corresponding (or higher) age category, provided they meet the age requirement as of January 1, 2026. FIDE Member Federations may register an unlimited number of players and accompanying officials/persons. The registration deadline is November 1, 2026. Invitation, regulations, schedule (PDF) Registration details Registration form: https://forms.gle/sJW3H1QfS5FZ3kqE8 Email: youthrapidblitz@fide.com Official website: https://youthrapidblitz2026.fide.com
FIDE Announces Open Call for Commission Nominations
Following the election of the new FIDE leadership, we are entering a new chapter of our work – building on what has been achieved, continuing the projects that have proven successful, and developing new initiatives that can make FIDE and chess even more effective, innovative, and impactful. FIDE Commissions and Committees play a vital role in this process. Their expertise, commitment, and connection with the chess community are essential to turning our strategic priorities into meaningful action. With this in mind, FIDE is launching an open process for nominations to all non-elected positions within FIDE Commissions/Committees. All FIDE National Federations, affiliated organizations, and Continental Federations are invited to suggest candidates who can contribute their expertise, experience, and ideas to the work of the Commissions/Committees. Individuals who wish to put themselves forward are also welcome to apply. In such cases, candidates should be aware that, if appointed, they will need to obtain the support of their respective National Federation. How to apply Applications should be submitted via the form below by October 20, 2026. Alternatively, the application can be submitted by email. In this case, the applicant should complete the attached Excel form and send it to office@fide.com. Any candidate may be applying for several positions, filling in a separate application for each of the preferred positions. Each application should indicate: • the preferred Commission(s)/Committee(s);• the preferred position — Chair, Secretary or Member;• CV and a brief justification for the preferred position;• the candidate’s relevant professional experience and expertise;• the contribution the candidate intends to make to the work of the Commission/Committee; and• suggestions for improving or further developing the Commission’s/Committee’s work. We encourage candidates not only to present their experience but also to share their vision of how the Commission/Committee can contribute to FIDE’s future priorities and serve the chess community more effectively. Building strong and diverse teams Following the open application process, the new nominations will be considered with the aim of creating strong, effective and diverse Commission/Committee teams. The selection process will take into account, in particular: • professional expertise and relevant experience;• regional representation and diversity;• gender balance; and• the candidate’s ability to make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s/Committee’s work. The current list of non-elected commissions and their respective areas of responsibility can be consulted in the FIDE Handbook:FIDE Handbook – Non-Elected Commissions
From Tsaghkadzor to Grand Final: European Schools Chess Champions crowned amidst cultural celebration
The curtain fell on the World Schools Team Championship Europe 2026. After four days of intense competition, brilliant sacrifices, and unparalleled teamwork, the young chess champions were crowned in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia. Gymnasium No. 50 of Minsk (Belarus) established their dominance from the opening round. Starting with back-to-back 4–0 clean sweeps, they held a firm grasp on the number-one spot. Led by Board 1 star Damir Bulgak and Board 4 standout Katrina Yakovleva, the Belarusian squad never let their grip slip, successfully turning away all challengers to finish with a flawless, undefeated record. Their first-place finish officially secures their slot in the prestigious global Grand Final this December. Coming into the event as the top-seeded team by average rating, Riga State Gymnasium No. 1 (Latvia) confidently navigated eight rounds, losing only to the champions and winning all their other encounters. Powered by Daniel Beniosev’s unbeaten run on Board 2, the Latvians easily defended their position down the stretch to lock up the silver medals. LEPL Georgia, Kutaisi Andria Razmadze Physico secured the third position in a tough competition with the local team from Armenia. Final standings Let’s take a look at how the action unfolded on the final day of the competition. Round 7 Gymnasium No. 50 of Minsk further consolidated its lead, scoring a hard-fought victory over ZS Wolkerova Bardejov. Meanwhile, in the clash of the teams chasing the leaders, Riga State Gymnasium No. 1 dominated LEPL Georgia, Kutaisi Andria Razmadze Physico by a score of 3-1. Move of the day Matej Viglas – Damir Bulgak Leading up to move 26, Black emerged clearly better, but there was nothing decisive in sight after the correct 26.Ne5 f6 27.Nd3. However, White committed a fatal error with 26. Nd2??, walking right into a devastating tactical strike. The knight sacrifice 26… Nxf2! completely shattered White’s kingside shelter. Accepting the sacrifice leads to a forced checkmate after 27.Kxf2 Qxh2+ 28.Kf1 Re6!, while declining it leaves White completely lost. The rest was smooth sailing for Bulgak. Round 8 Gymnasium No. 50 of Minsk finished with a perfect match score after defeating Green Village School of Israel. Riga State Gymnasium No.1 swept Osnovna sola Bojana Ilicha Maribor, while in the crucial match for third place LEPL Georgia, Kutaisi Andria Razmadze Physico prevailed over the local team Yerevan’s basic school N 77. A web of friendships Beyond the intense chess battles on the chessboards of Tsaghkadzor, the World Schools Team Championship 2026 celebrated the power of global connection through a deeply symbolic “Threads that connect” side event. In this heartwarming activity, young chess prodigies from across Europe stood in a large circle, sharing their reflections and tossing colorful balls of yarn across the room while holding onto their piece of the string. As the yarn traveled from hand to hand, it created a magnificent, intricate web, a striking, tangible visualization of international networking and shared community. This playful yet profound exercise beautifully reminded our future grandmasters that just like their strategic choices on the board, their paths, cultures, and newfound friendships are all interconnected in one grand, supportive network. School Champions crowned in Tsaghkadzor amid tears, triumphs, and anthems. The European Stage World Schools Team Championship 2026 concluded with an unforgettable, high-energy closing ceremony hosted at the 88 Hotel & Spa. Bringing together young players, captains, parents, and international chess dignitaries, the event celebrated four days of intense boundary-crossing competition, ultimate triumphs, and cross-cultural camaraderie. The Master of Ceremonies opened the evening by thanking the young players for building friendships across borders, emphasizing that the global chess community is “one big family.” Special recognition was paid to Freedom Group of companies, the event’s main sponsor and General Partner of the International School Chess Federation (ISCF). The MC also expressed deep appreciation to the tournament’s key co-organizers: the Armenian Chess Federation, the Chess Academy of Armenia, the European Chess Union, and the venue host, 88 Hotel & Spa. The official segment of the evening began with the national anthem of Armenia. The audience remained respectfully standing before the proceedings transitioned seamlessly into the official FIDE anthem. Following the protocols, the energy in the hall skyrocketed during the screening of the tournament’s highlight film, titled “How It All Happened.” Young players filled the room with thunderous shouts and laughter, following the MC’s prompt to “make some noise” whenever they spotted themselves on screen. Individual board triumphs Chief Arbiter Vahagn Khachatryan took the stage to announce the individual category medalists, who were presented their awards by an esteemed lineup of academic and chess royalty. Reserve Board awards were presented by Mariam Ispiryan, Pro-rector of the Armenian State Pedagogical University. Lile Svanadze from LEPL Georgia, Kutaisi Andria Razmadze Physico-Mathematical Public School N41 Catalan Julen Arbizu from Ikastola San Fermin Maksymilian Wylezinski from Azymut Szkola Podstawowa Fundacji Sternik Board 4 awards were presented by Grandmaster and Honored Coach of Armenia, Arman Pashikyan. loana-Cristiana Pomirleanu from C.N. Costache Negruzzi Katrina Yakovleva from Gymnasium No. 50 of Minsk Adam Ben Avi from Green Village School Board 3 awards were presented by Varduhi Sargsyan, Executive Director of the Chess Academy of Armenia Krisjanis Lazars from Riga State Gymnasium No. 1 Platon Kiritshenko from Tallinna Tonismae Reaalkool Kiryl Babeikin from Gymnasium No. 50 of Minsk Board 2 awards were presented by Lilit Mkrtchyan, Rector of the Armenian State Pedagogical University Daniel Beniosev from Riga State Gymnasium No. 1 Mikita Mazanik from Gymnasium No. 50 of Minsk Adrian Kornilov from Tallinna Tonismae Reaalkool Board 1 awards were presented by Ion-Serban Dobronauteanu, Director of Youth Chess of the European Chess Union. Damir Bulgak from Gymnasium No. 50 of Minsk Tin Biti from OS Spansko Oranice Uros Vuckovic from Mathematical Grammar School Following the individual honors, the Tournament Director of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championships 2026, Nadzeya Krauchuk, delivered a brief address congratulating the field on their tactical excellence. The podium The culmination of the 60-minute ceremony belonged to the three best school teams in Europe, who took their places on the podium to thunderous applause. Smbat Lputian, founder of the Chess Academy of Armenia and Vice President of the Armenian
Small Nations Chess Association restarts activities and elects new Board
Members of the Small Nations Chess Association (SNACA) convened in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, for the Association’s General Assembly, where they agreed to revitalize SNACA’s operations, approved new statutes, and elected a new Board to serve a two-year term. SNACA now includes 35 member federations from four continents, reflecting the growing international community of chess federations represented within the Association. As part of its renewed agenda, SNACA is planning to organize its first individual championship in 2027, marking an important milestone in the Association’s development and future activities. The General Assembly in Samarkand represents a new chapter for SNACA as it continues to strengthen cooperation among small nations and provide opportunities for their chess communities to participate in international events. Contact: Email: smallchessnations@gmail.com
“Theory and Practice of Chess Education” conference begins in Tsaghkadzor
Alongside the 2026 World Schools Chess Championship – Europe, the International Scientific Conference “Theory and Practice of Chess Education” officially commenced in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, running from October 1–2, 2026. Serving as a cornerstone event during this pivotal year for chess education, the conference brought together experts to discuss cutting-edge tools and methodologies. The primary objective is to explore innovative approaches and establish strategies for implementing chess across various educational settings globally. The event opened with inspiring welcome speeches from key leaders in the field. Lilit Mkrtchyan, representing the Armenian State Pedagogical University, welcomed attendees alongside Andrey Vodianov, Chief Operating Officer of the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), who emphasized the mission to “build bridges” globally. Smbat Lputyan, Director of the Chess Scientific Research Institute, outlined the core philosophy of the event by framing chess through its multifaceted lenses of sport, science, education, art, and culture. He highlighted the evolution of the game from a competitive sport into a multidisciplinary field, emphasizing its profound impact on youth development and critical thinking. A major highlight of the conference was the signing of an Official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ISCF, represented by Andrey Vodianov, and the Armenian State Pedagogical University, represented by Lilit Mkrtchyan. This milestone agreement marks a crucial step in turning visionary ideas into practical applications by bridging international chess education initiatives with prestigious academic institutions. Organizers and participants alike expressed great optimism, hoping that this ceremony marks a strong opening for a long, cooperative, and highly successful new era for chess education worldwide.