Levan Pantsulaia and Nana Dzagnidze win 2025 Georgian Championship
Levan Pantsulaia and Nana Dzagnidze have been crowned the 2025 Georgian Chess Champions, securing their fifth and fourth national titles, respectively. The 84th Georgian Chess Championship and the 82nd Georgian Women’s Chess Championship, both 10-player round robins with classical time control, were held simultaneously from February 2-12 in Tbilisi, Georgia. The open section featured Georgia’s top players, except for 2024 champion Baadur Jobava, who opted not to defend his title. GM Levan Pantsulaia (pictured above) took the lead early with back-to-back victories and never relinquished it. Holding a solid point advantage over the competition, he secured the title by drawing his final three games, finishing clear first with 6.5/9—the only unbeaten player in the event. Giga Quparadze took silver, finishing just half a point behind, while Tornike Sanikidze strung together three consecutive wins in the final rounds to claim bronze. Final standings Open: 1 GM Pantsulaia, Levan 2522 6½ 2 GM Quparadze, Giga 2539 6 3 GM Sanikidze, Tornike 2442 5½ 4 GM Kacharava, Nikolozi 2526 5 5 GM Paichadze, Luka 2532 5 6 GM Gagunashvili, Merab 2541 4½ 7 IM Tutisani, Noe 2439 4½ 8 IM Petriashvili, Nikoloz 2450 3½ 9 GM Mchedlishvili, Mikheil 2568 2½ 10 IM Nigalidze, Gaioz 2378 2 Final standings Women: 1 GM Dzagnidze, Nana 2518 7 2 GM Khotenashvili, Bella 2419 6½ 3 IM Arabidze, Meri 2457 6 4 WGM Khurtsilava, Inga 2172 6 5 WGM Mikadze, Miranda 2133 5½ 6 WFM Mgeladze, Kesaria 2219 4 7 WCM Tsetskhladze, Mariam 2080 3½ 8 WFM Kirtadze, Anastasia 2218 3½ 9 WIM Vakhania, Aleksandra 2062 2 10 Kalandadze, Mariam 1987 1 Photos: Georgian Chess Federation
Olga Badelka to replace Regina Theissl-Pokorna in FIDE WGP 2024–25 series
WGM Regina Theissl-Pokorna, the Austrian nominee for the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2024-25, has withdrawn from the competition for personal reasons. Following the decision of the Austrian leg organizer, she will be replaced by IM Olga Badelka (pictured above), who will now compete in the WGP legs in Cyprus and Austria. In accordance with the WGP Series Regulations, the drawing of lots for WGP Cyprus (March 14-25, Nicosia) was conducted this afternoon by the tournament’s Chief Arbiter, IA Takis Nikolopoulos. The full pairings can be found below: FIDE Women’s Grand Prix Cyprus 2025 Pairings (PDF) Meanwhile, the third leg of the Women’s Grand Prix, set in the stunning city of Monaco, is just around the corner, kicking off next week. Renowned as a global hub for women’s chess, Monaco recently hosted the European Women’s Rapid and Blitz Championship, further cementing its reputation as a premier chess destination. This prestigious event will see ten of the world’s strongest female players competing for crucial Grand Prix points. Follow the games live and enjoy expert commentary from GM Alojzije Jankovic & IM Almira Skripchenko on YouTube. FIDE WGP official website: https://womengrandprix.fide.com/ Photo: Maria Emelianova
77th Montenegrin Championship: Nikita Petrov defends his title
GM Nikita Petrov successfully defended his national title, winning the 2025 Montenegrin Championship. Held at the National Library “Radosav Ljumović”, the 11-round Swiss tournament with classical time control took place from January 31 to February 9 in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. The event featured 50 of the country’s strongest players, including five Grandmasters and five International Masters. Top-seeded Petrov took the lead at the tournament’s midpoint and maintained a half-point advantage over FM Nemanja Vukčević heading into the final round. After Vukčević made a quick draw against Peko Đurović, Petrov (pictured below, left) needed only a half-point against Veljko Šćekić to clinch the title. However, he was not content with settling for less and defeated Šćekić, finishing clear first with an impressive 9.5/11. The champion scored eight wins, conceding only three draws throughout the event. Eighth-seeded Nemanja Vukčević remained in contention for gold until the very end and secured silver with 8.5/11, gaining an impressive 46 rating points and securing an IM norm. GM Denis Kadrić won his final-round game to complete the podium. Mateja Popovic became the most successful lady, while Ilija Milović was the best youngster in the event. Final standings: 1 GM Petrov, Nikita 2585 9½ 2 FM Vukcevic, Nemanja 2312 8½ 3 GM Kadric, Denis 2551 8 4 FM Djurovic, Peko 2265 7½ 5 FM Sukovic, Andrej 2264 7½ 6 GM Nikcevic, Nebojsa 2333 7 7 IM Kalezic, Blazo 2382 7 8 IM Podlesnik, Bogdan 2288 7 9 IM Vujosevic, Vladimir 2250 6½ 10 IM Tomic, Aleksandar 2309 6½ Complete final standings Photos: Šahovski savez Crne Gore Facebook
Shanghai and Chongqing to host 2025 FIDE Women’s World Championship Match
World Championship Matches are the pinnacle of chess, and this year we will witness the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship, featuring a highly anticipated rematch between two of China’s top Grandmasters: the reigning Champion, Ju Wenjun, and the Challenger, Tan Zhongyi. With regulations set to be finalized soon, here is all the information you need to know about what the match entails. The Match The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship match between Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi will follow a 12-game format. The first player to score 6.5 points will be declared the winner. The time control for each game is 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move 1. If the match is tied at 6-6 after all 12 games, a tiebreak will determine the champion. The tiebreak procedure typically involves a series of rapid and, if necessary, blitz games to ensure a decisive outcome. The Players JU WENJUN Ju Wenjun has been a dominant force in women’s chess, achieving numerous accolades throughout her career. She first claimed the Women’s World Chess Championship title in 2018 by defeating Tan Zhongyi by a score of 5½–4½. Later that year, she retained her title by winning the 64-player knockout tournament. Ju successfully defended her crown twice more: in 2020 against Aleksandra Goryachkina and in 2023 against Lei Tingjie. Photo: Lennart Ootes Her versatility is further highlighted by her victories in the Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship in 2017 and 2018, and the Women’s World Blitz Chess Championship in 2024. As a key member of the Chinese national women’s chess team, Ju contributed to gold medal victories in the 2016 and 2018 Chess Olympiads, as well as the Women’s World Team Chess Championships in 2009 and 2011. TAN ZHONGYI Tan Zhongyi has been a prominent figure in the chess world for over a decade. She began her chess journey at a young age, securing multiple youth titles, which laid a strong foundation for her future in the women’s elite. In 2017, Tan won the Women’s World Chess Championship, defeating GM Anna Muzychuk in rapid tiebreaks. She relinquished the title to Ju Wenjun in 2018 but continued to amass accolades, including winning the Women’s World Rapid Championship in 2022 and the Cairns Cup in 2024. She earned her spot in the 2025 championship by triumphing in the Women’s Candidates Tournament 2024 with a dominant performance. Photo: Lennart Ootes She is a five-time national champion, winning the titles in 2015, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Tan was also part of the 2016 gold-winning Olympiad team, where she also won an individual gold medal for board 4. This upcoming match between Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi is a testament to China’s dominance in women’s chess. Both players have demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, making this championship a highly anticipated event in the chess community. Schedule and Venues The title match is scheduled to take place from April 1 to 23, 2025, across two Chinese cities: Shanghai and Chongqing. Photo: Lennart Ootes Shanghai, the hometown of Ju Wenjun, is a global financial hub with a rich history of hosting international chess events. The city boasts several active chess clubs, including Chess in Shanghai, which organizes weekly tournaments and has been a cornerstone for chess players in the area. The Shanghai Chess League also contributes to the city’s vibrant chess scene by hosting regular competitions. Shanghai provides an ideal setting to commence the championship, and will host the first 6 games of the match. Chongqing, Tan Zhongyi’s hometown, offers a contrasting yet complementary backdrop to Shanghai. The city has gained recognition for its contributions to the chess community, having hosted significant tournaments such as the 2023 FIDE Women’s Candidates Final. Chongqing is a major center for chess in China, with numerous clubs and academies fostering talent and promoting the game. This makes it a fitting venue for the championship’s conclusion, celebrating the city’s growing prominence in the chess world. The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship Match not only promises a thrilling contest between two of the world’s best female chess players but also serves as a celebration of chess’s rich cultural heritage in China. Fans worldwide eagerly await this clash of titans, anticipating games that will be analyzed and remembered for years to come.
FIDE EDU announces its 22nd “Preparation of Teachers” course
Long been waiting to earn the prestigious FIDE title of School Instructor? The FIDE EDU 22nd edition of the “Preparation of Teachers” course is here to pave your way to success! When: February 28-March 2, 2025 Where: Online, conducted in English Presenters: FIDE Arbiter, Senior Lead Instructor Boris Bruhn and WIM, FIDE Instructor, SLI Anzel Laubscher Target audience: Teachers, chess educators, both novice and seasoned players with fundamental chess knowledge, and individuals with a passion for working with children. Bonus: Unlock exclusive, lifelong access to premium OPENING MASTER chess databases upon successful completion. Read the detailed course description here. Reserve your spot now by registering here. Registration closes on February 24, with only 20 spots available! Note: Titles are conferred during the subsequent FIDE Council meeting and will reflect on FIDE profiles approximately four weeks thereafter. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at edu.courses@fide.
FIDE Infinite Project concludes successful educational visit in Abu Dhabi
The International Chess Federation (FIDE), in collaboration with the Asian Chess Federation and the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO), successfully concluded its educational visit to Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in the global expansion of the FIDE Infinite Chess project. The initiative, designed to integrate chess into the learning environment of children with autism spectrum disorders, was held from February 2-6, 2025, with the support of the International Olympic Committee, FIDE Planning and Development Commission, and FIDE Social Commission. The visit provided an in-depth exploration of the official Infinite Chess methodology, providing a structured, step-by-step guide for teachers working in special needs centers and schools, equipping them with practical strategies for integrating chess into special education. Educators and trainers from around the world shared their expertise, offering insights into the unique training program developed in 2021. The seminar also featured hands-on sessions on how to effectively use the Infinite Chess Handbook. The educational visit also included interactive sessions at the Abu Dhabi Autism Center, where participants engaged directly with students and staff. Practical workshops explored key aspects of teaching chess to children with autism, from behavioral management to structuring engaging lessons. Educators and speakers included Ala Mishchanka, a special needs educational assistant and co-author of the project’s Handbook; Natalia Popova, WIM, FIDE Trainer, and leader of the two-year-long project teaching chess to children with autism spectrum, also a co-author of the project’s Handbook; Evguenia Charomova, National Chess Instructor, and Infinite Chess partner; Gulmira Dauletova, Executive Director of Kazakhstan Chess Federation and Infinite Chess partner; and Maria Tamkovich, IO, FIDE Infinite Chess Project coordinator. Their sessions covered essential topics such as behavioral challenges, classroom organization, and practical case studies demonstrating chess as an educational tool. Distinguished guests were FIDE Presiden, Arkady Dvorkovich; Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board and FIDE Infinite Chess project supervisor; Anastasia Sorokina, Leader of the FIDE Infinite Chess project, FIDE WOM Chair, and Chair of the Asian Chess Federation Social Commission; Andre Voegtlin, Chair of the FIDE Social Commission; Sami Khader, Chairman of the FIDE Trainer’s Commission; Abdulla Ismail Alkamali, Executive Director of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (UAE), Aysha Saif Al Mansouri, Director of Abu Dhabi Autism Center, Lou Zhou, Founder of Vanquour Wealth Management and Malcolm Pein ECU Vice President. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich highlighted the project’s global impact, stating, “Chess is a universal tool for society. It can be an integral part of everyday life, regardless of a child’s abilities… Children with special needs possess incredible potential to be successful, and if chess can help them achieve this, we are excited to support them through the Infinite Chess project. This project has already demonstrated positive results in many countries worldwide, and we hope the UAE can also benefit from the expertise provided during this seminar. We will continue our work and support of the Infinite Chess project worldwide.” Abdulla Ismail Alkamali, Executive Director of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, expressed his optimism for the project’s implementation in Abu Dhabi. “Mind games are important for children and can be used in different ways. It helps them think critically and understand what movement is the right movement in the game and in life. We have a number of experts from all around the world here with us and will benefit from this experience exchange.” He also emphasized ZHO’s commitment to supporting this initiative in Abu Dhabi. Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, acknowledged the vital collaboration with ZHO, saying, “FIDE is running numerous social projects worldwide for the refugees, inmates, children with autism spectrum. Chess has always been a great game to contribute to the community and make the world a better place. We are very grateful to ZHO and Mr Abdulla for the hospitality and support and hope today’s seminar will help Abu Dhabi become the brightest star in our Infinite Chess constellation.” The Abu Dhabi Autism Center offers specialized multidisciplinary services to support children from 3 to 15 years old with learning difficulties, helping them reach their full potential and achieve successful inclusion. Their team of experts provides essential services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychomotor therapy, special education, applied behavior analysis (ABA), psychology, and other specialized programs. As a leader in assessment, diagnosis, care coordination, family support, and education for children with learning difficulties, the center has made a significant impact in the UAE. In 2025, the number of students enrolled at the Abu Dhabi Autism Center stands at 197. Together with ZHO, the center has played a pivotal role in supporting children with learning difficulties, ensuring they receive the best possible education and care. As the FIDE Infinite Chess project continues to expand globally, this visit to Abu Dhabi has laid a strong foundation for its success in the UAE. With committed partners and growing expertise in the region, the initiative is set to make a lasting impact on the lives of children with autism, empowering them through chess. The FIDE Year of Social Chess continues to highlight the powerful role chess can play in education and social inclusion. The Infinite Chess project stands as a testament to FIDE’s commitment to using chess as a tool for development, inclusion, and empowerment. Through initiatives like these, FIDE is dedicated to ensuring that chess reaches every corner of society, helping individuals, regardless of their challenges, to thrive and achieve their full potential.
Ding Liren leads as Tata Steel top finishers join the race
Ding Liren continues to lead FIDE Circuit 2025, having accumulated 40.64 in the title match. However, following the conclusion of the Tata Steel Masters and Tata Steel Challengers, several players entered the race. Praggnanandhaa R secured 25 points and moved into second place in the standings after his triumph in Tata Steel Masters 2025. He is closely followed by his compatriot, World Champion Gukesh D (22.37), and Nodirbek Abdusattorov (18.42). The top finishers of Tata Steel Challengers–Thai Dai Van Nguyen, Aydin Suleymanli and Erwin L’Ami–also put themselves on the leaderboard. The race for a spot in the Candidates 2026 is gathering momentum–as many as six tournaments counting towards the FIDE Circuit 2025 will be held in February. We maintain a dedicated page on our website for the FIDE Circuit 2025, offering the latest information on eligible tournaments, the current standings, and regulations. Visit: FIDE Circuit 2025
Freestyle Chess Tour removes “World Championship” claim from its regulations
UPDATE: Today, February 04, the organizers of the “Freestyle Chess Tour” fully deleted from its Regulations the reference to the “World Championship” title. Following this change in the regulations, players wishing to participate in the 2025 “Freestyle Chess Tour” are no longer required to sign the waiver note. In recent days, FIDE has been engaged in extensive discussions with the “Freestyle Chess Tour” regarding the potential recognition of their event as a World Championship. Despite our willingness to collaborate—including offering a waiver to the participants of the planned 2025 competition, waiving the fee for the 2025 edition, and requesting an end to unfounded accusations against FIDE and undermining classical chess—no agreement was reached. The “Freestyle Chess Tour” has chosen not to acknowledge FIDE’s existing authority over the World Championship title and has opted to remain a privately organized tournament, primarily featuring hand-picked elite players, rather than an open and transparent qualification process. A true World Championship must be inclusive, with transparent qualification pathways that follow FIDE’s rules and regulations—established with the consensus of the global chess community—as seen in the FIDE World Championship cycle. Without these principles, the integrity of the title is at risk. Taking this into consideration, players wishing to participate in the 2025 Freestyle Chess Tour event are required to sign the waiver note by 18:00 CET, February 4, 2025, to remain eligible for the official FIDE World Championship cycle. We note that this document does not impose new requirements on the players but provides them with a one-off exception from their existing contractual obligations towards FIDE. However, if the “Freestyle Chess Tour” removes the “World Championship” title from their event, these restrictions will not apply. FIDE remains open to collaboration, but we are firm in our commitment to protecting the integrity and history of the World Championship and the entire chess community.
Call for Submissions: FIDE Veteran Support Program 2025
The International Chess Federation is pleased to announce the continuation of its support for chess veterans. Grants will be awarded to distinguished players, coaches, and organizers aged 65 and older. Anyone meeting this age requirement who has contributed to the development of chess and is facing an unstable financial situation is eligible to apply. As in previous years, we invite federations, clubs, and individuals to submit applications, including a CV of the nominee, to the FIDE Secretariat at office@fide.com. The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2025.
Praggnanandhaa R wins Tata Steel Masters 2025
Praggnanandhaa R has emerged as the champion of the Tata Steel Masters 2025, securing his maiden “Wimbledon of Chess” title. In a dramatic turn of events, the World Champion Gukesh D, who had led for most of the tournament and entered the final round as a joint leader with 8.5/12, suffered a crucial loss as White against his compatriot Arjun Erigaisi Meanwhile, Praggnanandhaa, the other co-leader, had a chance to claim the title outright but needed to hold an inferior position against Vincent Keymer. However, he was unable to do so, and as a result, both Gukesh D and Praggnanandhaa finished with 8.5/13, tying for first place. To determine the champion, a blitz tiebreaker was held. After the opponents traded blows in the first two games, Praggnanandhaa turned tables in the third sudden-death encounter to win down-a-pawn endgame and clinch the title. This victory marks a major milestone in Praggnanandhaa’s career, further solidifying his place among the chess elite. Nodirbek Abdusattorov netted 8/13 and came third. Final standings Masters The Challengers event saw the triumph of Thai Dai Van Nguyen, who scored an impressive 9.5/12. This stellar performance secured him a spot in next year’s Masters. Final standings Challengers Photos: Tata Steel Chess, Jurriaan Hoefsmit Official website: tatasteelchess.com/en