1/3/2026 – The 2025 Hong Kong International Open Chess Championship, organized by the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, concluded successfully at Wan Chai's Queen Elizabeth Stadium. The event attracted over 400 players from 30 regions, including Australia, the United States, Germany, Korea, India and Southeast Asia. The total prize fund was boosted by nearly 20% from the previous edition, with over 80 titled players competing for the title.

1/2/2026 – The Kakuma Chess Club continued its steady growth in 2025, reaching more than 2,300 children and young people across the Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps. Supported by FIDE and international partners, the programme combined structured chess training, girls' empowerment initiatives and competitive opportunities, while focusing on life skills, wellbeing and social cohesion. This report outlines the year's activities, achievements and partnerships, highlighting how chess is being used as an educational and protective tool in challenging environments. | Photos: FIDE

1/2/2026 – The year 2026 will once again be a major year for chess, with a wide range of top-class tournaments. Here is a list of the dates of the major tournaments, as far as they have already been confirmed. The list will be continuously updated as new dates are announced.

12/30/2025 – Tuesday marks the final day of the World Blitz Championships in Doha. Both the open and the women's sections will be decided in four-player knockouts once the first stage (Swiss opens lasting 19 and 15 rounds respectively) come to an end. The time control throughout is 3+2. | Follow the action live with expert commentary starting at 12.00 CET (6.00 ET, 16.30 IST)

12/27/2025 – Only 13 of FIDE's 201 member federations are currently led by women, but that number reflects a gradual shift in chess governance. In this feature, Milan Dinic speaks with four women presidents of national chess federations, exploring how they reached leadership roles and what women can contribute to chess beyond competition. Their stories highlight different paths into administration and reflect broader changes in how the game is organised, governed and represented worldwide.

12/25/2025 – We wish all chess friends and readers a merry and peaceful Christmas. For a musical accompaniment, Grandmaster Jonathan Levitt provides a special Christmas song. | Photo: Buffy

12/23/2025 – The Tech Mahindra Global Chess League returns for its third season from 14 to 23 December, continuing its franchise-based format that combines elite male and female players. Featuring a team structure, the league again brings together established stars and juniors, with the title to be decided through a double round-robin stage followed by a two-match final. | Follow the action live starting at 11.00 CET (5.00 ET, 15.30 IST)

12/22/2025 – As the World Rapid and Blitz Championships approach, Doha will host the leading figures of women's chess alongside the wider elite. From established world champions to Grand Prix winners and fast-time-control specialists, the women's field reflects both depth and continuity at the top of the game. This article outlines the key contenders arriving in Qatar, tracing recent results, rivalries and form, and setting the context for how women's chess has developed ahead of one of the season's flagship events. | All photos: FIDE

12/19/2025 – Alongside the established elite, the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Doha will feature a remarkable group of rising talents from around the world. Teenagers and even younger players will compete on equal terms with the game's biggest names, many already boasting grandmaster titles and major international results. This article highlights the most promising young contenders in both the Open and Women's events, offering a snapshot of the next generation set to test itself on the world stage in Qatar.

12/18/2025 – The race for qualification in the FIDE Women's Events 2024–2025 is nearing its conclusion, with seven places in the Women's Candidates 2026 already decided. One final spot remains open, setting up a close contest ahead of the Women's Rapid and Blitz Championships in Qatar. Bibisara Assaubayeva currently leads the chase, but several experienced and emerging players remain within reach, ensuring a tense finish to the two-year qualification cycle.

12/17/2025 – At the European Team Championship 2025, Ukraine’s men won gold and the women won silver — an exceptional achievement under difficult circumstances. In an in-depth interview, team captain Alexander Beliavsky and coach Adrian Mikhalchishin reflect on the role of team spirit, emerging talent, and resilience in one of the most remarkable successes in Ukrainian chess history. | The photos in the text come from the Ukrainian team

12/14/2025 – Available now, but only until 24 December: The bundle for winners: ChessBase'26 & Fritz 20 in a Christmas bundle. Instead of 268.80 €, only 229.90 €. Extend your chess horizons with ChessBase'26 and train intelligently with Fritz 20! Get yours now!

12/13/2025 – FIDE and Norway Chess have confirmed the qualification routes for the Total Chess Tour 2026, the pilot event of a new world championship concept combining Fast Classic, Rapid and Blitz. The initiative, approved by FIDE, aims to identify the most versatile elite players and will lead into a full championship cycle from 2027. With places allocated through world titles, major championships and rating lists, the new Tour is set to add a distinctive pathway to the top level of competitive chess.

12/11/2025 – Today marks the end of the 2025 Freestyle Grand Slam Tour. Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian will battle it out in the final for the tournament victory, while Vincent Keymer and Javokhir Sindarov will play for third place. Arjun Erigaisi will face Fabiano Caruana in the match for fifth place, while Hans Niemann and Parham Maghsoodloo will play for seventh place. Follow the games live with commentary. | The matches start at 12.00 CET (6.00 ET, 16.30 IST)

12/7/2025 – FIDE has announced the passing of Casto Abundo, Executive Director of the Asian Chess Federation, whose five decades of service left a lasting mark on the global chess community. A respected arbiter and organiser, he played key roles in major international events and helped strengthen the institutional framework for chess across Asia. His leadership, dedication and ability to unite federations are widely recognised, and his legacy will continue to guide future generations.

12/3/2025 – Tomorrow (4 December) marks the official start of the Freestyle Finals in South Africa. The opening press conference at The Silo Hotel in Cape Town will be followed by a diving chess competition. From 8 December, the Grand Slam Finals will begin at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, featuring Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, Vincent Keymer and Javokhir Sindarov, among others. | Photos: Freestyle Chess

12/2/2025 – Curious outcome: Although Alexey Sarana lost to both the runner-up and the third-placed player, he still secured victory at the KazChess Masters in Almaty by a full point. In a very strong field, the reigning World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin entered the final two rounds as the favourite: after seven of nine rounds he was leading the standings with 5 points and a half-point advantage. But he lost the direct encounter with Sarana in round 8. Murzin also failed to win his last game, allowing Sarana to pull away. | Photo: Alexey Sarana at the Tata Steel Tournament 2025 | Photo: Lennart Ootes

11/30/2025 – The European Blitz and Rapid Chess Championships are being held in Pristina, Kosovo, from 28 to 30 November. The Rapid Championship concluded on Friday and Saturday; the Blitz Championship follows on Sunday, with thirteen rounds of blitz chess (3+2) on the schedule. Vasyl Ivanchuk, Baadur Jobava, Jorden Van Foreest, Rasmus Svane and Christian Bauer are among the many top European players in the field. Follow the action live with commentary from 10:30 local time.