The past five years at FIDE have been marked by a significant shift in the way the organization is managed and how chess is promoted worldwide

On October 3 2018 in Batumi, Georgia, at the 89th FIDE Congress, Arkady Dvorkovich was first elected as the President of the International Chess Federation. He won his second mandate in August 2022 at the Congress held in Chennai, India. Dvorkovich succeeded Kirsan Ilyumzhinov (who ran FIDE from 1995) as the head of the world’s governing chess body.

In his final pitch to the delegates in Batumi five years ago, Dvorkovich spoke about restoring dignity and responsibility within FIDE. He promised accountability and cutting bureaucracy, reducing fees from national federations as well as boosting their capacity to develop chess. Since taking over FIDE, Dvorkovich has put together an international team from across the globe and set out to deliver on his ambitions to reform chess on a global scale.

The achievements of the past five years can be encapsulated in key areas:

Modernization and Transparency: Over the past five years one of the primary goals has been to modernize FIDE's management structure and instill transparency. Reforms have been made to improve FIDE's governance, including changes in the electoral process, the establishment of new committees to oversee various aspects of FIDE's operations and independent auditing of the Organization’s finances. Emphasis was put on building a diverse team and upskilling their expertise, to better streamline the planning, organization and execution of major events and activities, ultimately boosting FIDE's credibility and accountability.

A Fivefold Budget Increase: FIDE’s budget has been increased fivefold, all the while reducing fees for national federations and players. A strategic outreach to partners and sponsors worldwide yielded seven-figure sums from broadcasting rights sales. As a result of these connected activities, FIDE's financial position is more stable than ever before.

Photo: Stev Bonhage

Enhancing the FIDE World Chess Championships: Since 2018 FIDE has successfully secured sponsors and organized high-profile events. Prize funds for both the World Championship match and the Women’s World Championship match surged, doubling and increasing by 150%, respectively. Increased prize funds, better playing conditions and higher media visibility of top chess events have been one of FIDE’s priorities.

Chess Promotion: With an international team, and thanks to more investment in chess, the International Chess Federation has worked diligently to promote chess worldwide. FIDE has launched and spearheaded initiatives to popularize the game, particularly in schools and among young people. Recognizing chess's educational and social benefits, FIDE has actively participated in chess-in-education programs. Financial support was provided for developing federations, catering to their practical needs, from seminars to travel subsidies and chess equipment.

Photo: Anna Shtourman

Promoting Gender Equality: FIDE has introduced initiatives to encourage more female participation. This includes supporting female players, coaches, and arbiters, increasing the number of chess events for women and increasing the prize funds. FIDE has aimed to foster an open debate and address issues related to gender disparities.

Focus on Inclusivity: FIDE has been providing more support for specific groups within the chess community. Special funds and awards for the elderly, programs like Chess for Children with ASD, increased funding for projects aiding people with disabilities, and initiatives like Chess for Freedom (aimed at people in prison) and Chess for Protection (aimed at refugees and the displaced) have demonstrated FIDE's commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.

Photo: Stev Bonhage

Digital Transformation: Acknowledging the importance of technology, FIDE has been keen on cooperating with digital platforms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, FIDE joined the chess world in adapting to the new circumstances and organized events online, including two Online Chess Olympiads. FIDE is also working hard on connecting chess to the esports world, looking for new platforms for chess promotion. The development of online chess platforms, streaming of chess events, and engaging with chess enthusiasts through social media and other digital channels have become one of the priorities for any FIDE event.

Hosting Major Chess Events Globally: Over the past five years FIDE has successfully organized major international chess events, such as the Chess Olympiad 2022 in Chennai, Grand Prix tournaments, world championship cycle competitions, and junior events. With a global outlook, FIDE aims to host more chess events in different regions, furthering global chess participation and diversity.

Photo: Lennart Ootes

New International Events: Innovative events such as the Grand Swiss, the World Rapid Team Championship, and global tournaments targeting corporations and businesses have significantly elevated the profile of the game, garnered considerable attention and heightened the visibility of chess, attracting more investment.

Arkady Dvorkovich: “We made FIDE better, but the best is yet to come”

Reflecting on the five years since taking office, Arkady Dvorkovich made the following remarks: “The past five years have been a challenging period, not just for chess but for the world as a whole. However, we have transformed FIDE into a chess powerhouse, a beacon for the game's development and promotion worldwide.

“With a fresh perspective centered on modernization, transparency, and global chess promotion, we have succeeded in making FIDE better, and the best is yet to come. We remain committed to promoting gender equality, addressing all disparities within the chess community, and leveraging new technologies to grow the game and attract more players.”