#AmateurCompetitions – International Chess Federation

FIDE World Amateur Rapid & Blitz Championships in Nigeria: Registration now open

editor_d — Tue, 12 May 2026 11:17:37 +0000

All FIDE Member Federations and eligible players are invited to participate in the inaugural FIDE World Amateur Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships 2026, open to players with a FIDE rating under 2300.

The event will be held in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, from August 1 (arrival) to August 8 (departure), 2026.

The Championships are open to players registered by their national federations. FIDE Member Federations have the right to enter an unlimited number of players.

There will be separate Open and Women’s Championships across the following FIDE rating categories: under 2300, under 2000, and under 1700. A separate Women’s Championship will be organized in each category provided that there are at least twenty players from at least two continents.

The Championships will be conducted using the Swiss System, with the number of rounds determined based on the final registration numbers.

The time controls:

Rapid: 15 minutes plus 10-second increment from move one
Blitz: 3 minutes plus a 2-second increment from move one

All participants who need to apply for a Nigerian visa must request an invitation letter no later than June 30, 2026.

The registration deadline for participants and accompanying persons is also June 30, 2026.

Invitation letter, regulations, schedule (PDF)

E-mail: worldamateur_rb@fide.com

FIDE Amateur World Championships 2026: Bids received and under review

editor_d — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 09:58:07 +0000

The FIDE Events Commission has received multiple bids for the 2026 World Amateur Championships. By the deadline of January 26, 2026, four bids were submitted for the 2026 World Amateur Championships and one bid for the 2026 World Amateur Rapid & Blitz Championships.

Bids for the World Amateur Championships (new format):

UAE, Fujairah: proposed dates October 15–22, 2026
Spain, Sitges: proposed dates October 29 – November 5, 2026
China, Shenzhen: proposed dates October 15–25, 2026
Nigeria, Abuja: proposed dates September 1–8, 2026

Bid for the World Amateur Rapid & Blitz Championships (new tournament):

Nigeria, Abuja: proposed dates May 31–June 8, 2026

The evaluation process is now underway. FIDE will announce the selected hosts in due course.

Winners crowned at FIDE World Amateur Championship 2025

editor_d — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 13:36:58 +0000

The FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship 2025 concluded yesterday in Vrnjačka Banja, the Serbian capital of tourism. The event attracted 284 players from 51 national federations, culminating in the crowning of winners across all six sections.

The best female chess players in the U1700 event are Mouza Nasser Alshamsi, (UAE) scoring 7/9 followed by Ayala Kuanyshbay (Kazakhstan) and Disha U A from India.

The open section U1700 saw the triumph of Medet Dyahaparov (Kyrgyzstan) who claimed gold with an excellent score of 8/9. Pathak Anshu Kr (India) and Dulguunjargal Dashdavaa (Mongolia) tied for second place on 7.5/9, with the former clinching silver on tiebreaks.

The top female finishers in the U2000 tournament are Khuslenzaya Baldanjantsan from Mongolia (8/9), Wang Minging of Germany (7/9), and Karina Daniela Ferreira Kanzler from Brazil (5.5/9).

In the open section U2000, the first place was won by Dejan Jakovljević from Serbia with 8/9. Vo Hoang Quan from Vietnam (7.5/9) took silver, while Arlan Abuzyarov from Kazakhstan completed the podium with 7/9.

Tsogtsaikhan Saikhanchimeg from Mongolia (5.5 points), Anna Ivaschenko (4.5 points) and Nadezhda Antonova from Tajikistan (4 points) became the best female chess players in the U2300 competition.

The most tightly contested tournament was the U2300 Open section, which ended in a three-way tie for first. Ivan Kudrin (FIDE), Sergei Krivenko, and Sergei Pogorelskikh (both Serbia) all scored 7/9, with Kudrin claiming gold, Krivenko silver, and Pogorelskikh bronze based on tiebreak scores.

The closing ceremony featured a performance by a local chorus and the presentation of trophies and diplomas. It was attended by Saša Jevtić, Tournament Director; Ozgur Solakoglu, a representative of the International Chess Federation (FIDE); Andrija Jorgić, President of the Chess Federation of Serbia; and Boban Đurović, President of the Vrnjačka Banja municipality, who officially declared the competition closed.

In his address, Solakoglu thanked the organizers for the exceptional level of organization and announced that Vrnjačka Banja will host two more FIDE championships in 2026.

“Over these nine days, we witnessed extraordinary glory in honor of chess. From the first move to the last round, players from around the world showed not only skill and determination, but also the true spirit of amateur competition — where passion and respect for the game shines above all else. Congratulations to our winners. Thank you to every participant. You have made this championship lively, competitive and memorable. Whether you won or learned something new, you contributed something truly special. To our hosts — the Chess Federation of Serbia, the city and people of Vrnjačka Banja, arbiters, volunteers and staff — you created an atmosphere in which chess could flourish and friendships could be established,” said Solakoglu.

Andrija Jorgić, President of the Chess Federation of Serbia, expressed his pride in hosting the event. “Do not forget that chess is a knight’s game,” he said, “and that the one sitting across from you is not an enemy, but an opponent at the chessboard.”

Photos: Savo Tufegszic

Official website: worldamateur2025.fide.com

FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship 2025 kicks off in the Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia

editor_d — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 20:20:18 +0000

The FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship was officially opened in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia. The event, held across three rating categories – U1700, U2000, and U2300 (both Open and Women’s sections) – has brought together around 300 players from over 50 countries. All competitions are nine-round Swiss tournaments with a classical time control.

The opening ceremony took place in the hall of the Zepter Hotel and began with the national anthem of the Republic of Serbia, performed by the city choir Abrašević. The audience was then welcomed by Jasmina Trifunović, representing the Municipality of Vrnjačka Banja; Özgür Solakoğlu, representative of FIDE; and Andrija Jorgić, President of the Chess Federation of Serbia.

“We are proud that Vrnjačka Banja has become one of the centers of chess events by organizing the European Individual Championship, the European Club Cup, the European Club Cup for Women, and the FIDE World School Chess Championship. Chess has become part of our cultural identity. In our Central Park, in a symbolic space we call the Chess Corner, stands a statue of the chess queen, unveiled in honor of this ancient game and of Vrnjačka Banja as the queen of continental tourism,” said Jasmina Trifunović in her welcoming speech.

She emphasized that by hosting the World Amateur Championship, Vrnjačka Banja continues its tradition of chess and strengthens its reputation as a prestigious destination for top chess events.

Next, FIDE delegate Özgür Solakoğlu addressed the participants, noting that this championship celebrates the spirit of amateur chess – a reminder that the love of the game belongs to everyone, not only to grandmasters and professionals.

“Here, each move, each game, and each handshake reflect the very essence of what chess represents: respect, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence. This championship celebrates the heart of our sport – the passion and dedication of amateur players from all over the world. You come here not only to compete, but to share your love of chess, to make new friends, and to experience the joy and challenge that only this game can bring,” said Solakoğlu.

In his address, Andrija Jorgić, President of the Chess Federation of Serbia, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Sports – the Federation’s most important partner in building a stronger and more recognized chess scene in Serbia – as well as to the Municipality of Vrnjačka Banja for its generous support.

“I would like to thank the International Chess Federation and its President, Arkady Dvorkovich, for their trust in us to organize this event. I believe we will justify that trust and that Serbia will host many similar competitions in the future. Although I have been leading the Chess Federation of Serbia for less than a year, I am proud of all the tournaments and successes we have achieved,” said Jorgić, who also commended the Serbian national team for winning bronze at the recent European Chess Championship in Georgia.

Following the ceremony, Jorgić and Trifunović made the first symbolic move, marking the start of the first round.

Photos: Savo Tufegszic

Official website: worldamateur2025.fide.com

FIDE World Championships 2026: Call for bids

KN — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 12:07:59 +0000

FIDE Events Commission announces “Call for Bids FIDE World Championships 2026” and invites FIDE member federations to participate.

The bid deadline is September 15, 2024, 15:00 CET.

There are eight competitions on the list:

World Youth U14, U16, U18 Championships
World Junior U20 Chess Championships
World Cadet & Youth Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships
World Schools Team Chess Championships
World Senior Chess Championships (50+, 65+ Individual)
World Senior Team Chess Championships (50+, 65+)
World Amateur Chess Championships
World Disabled Chess Championships

Dear bidders, you can find more details about the procedure including the Bid, Bid Form, Bid Form Annex, and Deposit Fees, HERE.

World Amateur Championship 2024: Registration is open

KN — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 22:14:12 +0000

All FIDE Member Federations and eligible players with FIDE rating under 2300 are invited to participate in the FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship 2024.

The competition will take place in Rhodes, Greece, from October 26 to November 5, 2024.

The event is open to players registered by their national federations. FIDE member federations have the right to send as many players as they wish.

The Championship will be held in FIDE rating categories U 2300, U 2000 and U 1700. There will be separate Women’s Championship(s) if there are at least ten players from at least two continents in each category.

All competitions will be 9-round Swiss tournaments with classical time control (90 min +30 sec).

The registration deadline for all players, accompanying persons and delegation members is September 9, 2024.

FIDE World Amateur Chess Championships 2024 official website will be launched soon: worldamateur2024.fide.com

E-mail: worldamateur@fide.com

Invitation letter and regulations (PDF)

Photo: hhotels.gr/

World Amateur and World Senior Championships 2024: Call for bids closed

KN — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 14:08:42 +0000

The call for bids for the World Amateur and World Senior Championships 2024 is completed. The deadline was December 21, 2023.

On December 1, 2023, the FIDE Events Commission reopened the procedure “Call for Bids FIDE World Amateur Championships 2024 and World Senior Championships 2024”.

Three bids were received by the deadline: 2 for the World Amateur Chess Championships (from the Chess Federation of Greece and the US Chess Federation) and 1 for the World Senior Chess Championship 2023 (Portuguese Chess Federation).

Call for Bids: World Championships 2024

KN — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 10:24:50 +0000

FIDE Events Commission would like to announce the procedure “Call for Bids FIDE World Championships 2024” and invite FIDE member Federations to participate.

The deadline to bid is December 21, 2023.

There are two competitions:

1. World Senior Chess Championships 2024

2. World Amateur Chess Championships 2024

Dear bidders, more details about the procedure, including the Bid Form and Bid Form Annex, Bid and Deposit Fees you, can find HERE.

Please pay attention to the General Regulations for FIDE Competitions (EVE) effective from December 1, 2023. The new document contains significant changes in the bidding process for official chess events.

Winners crowned at World Amateurs Championship 2023

KN — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 01:37:56 +0000

The World Amateur Chess Championship 2023 is in the books. Organized by the Omani Chess Committee, in partnership with the International Chess FederationThe event took place in Muscat, Oman from November 2 to November 11 in the main sports hall at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bawshar.

The Kazakhstani player, Abilmansur Abdilkhair, clinched the title in the amateur chess championship in the Open U-2300 category. The event saw the dominance of Mongolian players: Dashtogtokh Amarsaikhan secured gold in the Open U-2000; his countryman Ganbat Danzanjunai came out on top in the Open U-1700 section, Norovsambuu Badamkhand won Women U-2000, while in the Women U-1700 categpru, Bat-Amgalan Anujin of Mongolia wrestled the title in fierce competition with her compatriot Tsogdelger Anudari, thanks to the direct encounter win. Bauyrzhan Amash from Kazakhstan became the champion in the U-2300 category.

Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labor, was the chief guest of the Closing ceremony attended by several dignitaries, national chess federations’ officials and ambassadors from participating countries.

The tournament saw incredible battles of 389 players representing 64 countries from all over the planet. This diverse lineup added an atmosphere of a truly global competition.

Each round commenced with an inaugural move made by one of the distinguished attendees, including Her Highness Sayyida Hujaija Jaifer Al Said and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. In addition, the tournament had extensive media coverage across FIDE social media platforms and the Omani Chess Committee. There were also several pieces on the championship in the Arabic and English newspapers.

In the Open U-2300 category, Abilmansur Abdilkhair of Kazakhstan delivered an exceptional performance and secured the top position, scoring 8/9. In the final round, he faced Naranbold Sodbilegt of Mongolia and dominated throughout, netting a crucial point. Kartavya Anadkat of India and Egyptian Marco Fadi tied for second place on 7/9, with the former taking silver thanks to better tiebreaks.

Dashtogtokh Amarsaikhan from Mongolia steamrolled the competition in the Open U-2000 category, winning all nine games. He particularly shone in the battle with Alikhan Khazhatuly from Kazakhstan, a highly challenging encounter for both players. R Sham of India came second, netting 7.5 points, while the bronze medal went to another Indian player, Ragavesh Velavaa (6.5/9).

In the Open U-1700 category, Ganbat Danzanjunai of Mongolia emerged as the winner, notching up 8/9. The decisive confrontation with the Indian player Batra Deepak in the final round saw an exciting clash on the king’s side, but when the dust settled, the opponents agreed on a draw. Vadim Pak from Kyrgyzstan scored 7.5/9 and tied for second place with his compatriot Medet Dzhaparov but claimed silver by dint of better tiebreaks.

In the Women U-1700 category, players from Mongolia occupied the entire podium. Bat-Amgalan Anujin beat Kenyan Wanjiru Kimani in a crucial last-round encounter to claim gold. Her fellow countrywoman Tsogdelger Anudari scored an equal amount of points with the champion but had to settle for silver after losing the direct encounter, while bronze goes to Baldanjantsan Khuslenzaya (7/9).

In the Women’s U-2300 category, the Kazakhstani Bauryzhan Arnash claimed the title with 5 points. Balandin Naymanova of Bulgaria took silver, while Lukina Aleksandra (FID) won the bronze.

In the Women U-2000 category Norovsambuu Badamkhand (Monglia) lifted the trophy, while Desandhi Dhihansa Gamage (Sri Lanka) and Niki Nadernia (Iran) finished second and third respectively.

The closing ceremony, attended, among others, by FIDE Executive Director Victor Bologan and President of Omani Chess Committee Ahmed Al Bulushi, featured a visual presentation showcasing all nine days of the championship, including the most notable games. Then Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain took the stage and awarded the winners in all categories, organizing committee members, and companies contributing to the championship’s success.

Official website: worldamateur2023.fide.com/

Results and standings: worldamateur2023.fide.com/result/

Live games:

Open U-2300
chess24.com/en/watch/live-tournaments/fide-world-amateur-championship-2023-u2300#live

Open U-2000:
chess24.com/en/watch/live-tournaments/fide-world-amateur-championship-2023-u2000#live

Open U-1700:
chess24.com/en/watch/live-tournaments/fide-world-amateur-championship-2023-u1700#live

Women U-1700
https://chess24.com/en/watch/live-tournaments/fide-world-amateur-championship-2023-w1700#live

Live broadcast (English/Arabic): youtube.com/@Omanchesscommitteeoman

About 2023 World Amateur Chess Championship

FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship 2023 is organized by the Omani Chess Committee together with the International Chess Federation, with the financial support of Gold sponsors: Syool, Apollo Hospitals, Oman LNG. Bank Muscat, Otaxi, Oronamin C Drink as well as Diamond sponsors: Asyad, OMIFCO, and Oman Airport.

World Amateur Championship 2023: Round 8 recap

KN — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 14:44:36 +0000

The eighth round’s first move was made by the Hussein Abdullah Al Khouri, the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chess Club, at the main hall of the Sultan Qaboos Complex in Bowsher, Muscat.

Round 8 saw players from Mongolia and Kazakhstan lead in all five categories. The rankings remain subject to change, especially in direct confrontations between the frontrunners.

Round 8 has not brought any significant changes in the Open U-2300. Abilmansur Abdilkhair still leads with 7 points, half a point ahead of his closest competitors. He made a draw in an exciting game against Indian Kartavya Anadkat. Following him in the standings is the Mongolian player Naranbold Sodbilegt with 6.5 points. These two players are the main contenders for the title the U-2300 category.

In the Open U-2000, Dashtogtokh Amarsaikhan of Mongolia secured the title after scoring his eighth straight win this time over the Indian player Ragavesh Velavaa. Heading into the final round the trio of closest competitors – Sham, R, Alikhan Khazhatuly and Pernekhan Ravil – are trailing the champion by 1.5 points.

In the Open U-1700, significant changes occurred in the eighth round, after Ganbat Danzanjunai of Mongolia defeated Aleksandr Martynov (FIDE) in a thrilling battle to take the lead. Aleksandr moved to the second position with 7 points after leading in the first seven rounds. The fate of the title will be decided in the final ninth round.

In the Women U-1700 category it came down to the wire as well. The race is on with Bat-Amgalan Anujin from Mongolia sharing the lead with her teammage Tsogdelger Anudari on 6.5 points after drawing her Round 8 game against Arun Aditi of India.

Text: WACC 2023 media team

Photos: Entisar Nasser Al-omiiri, Hamed Al-Mabsali, Abduallah Al-Rashdi, Salma Hamood, Salem Al-Salhi