The chess clubs of these universities have existed for more than a century and a half. Their teams represent not only leading educational institutions but an entire era in the history of university chess.

Hosting this tournament continues Kazakhstan’s large-scale cooperation with FIDE. In November 2025, Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich to discuss the further development of cooperation, hosting major international competitions in Kazakhstan, and implementing joint chess projects. The President of Kazakhstan emphasized that chess is not just a sport but an essential part of intellectual culture, upbringing, and education. Particular attention in the country is paid to developing chess infrastructure and promoting the game among children and youth.

“Hosting the first FIDE championship of this kind is a high honor and a great responsibility. Therefore, the choice of Kazakhstan speaks to the trust our country enjoys in the world today. It is also important that university chess builds a foundation for cooperation far beyond sports. Those sitting at the board here will be leading companies and government institutions in just ten years. Connections born during student years often prove to be the most enduring, and this is perhaps the main result that will remain outside the standings. Almaty is the perfect choice for such a story. It is the republic’s largest student hub, and the city knows how to speak to young people in their language. We want the participants to see not only strong tournament organization but also a hospitable Kazakhstan. Years from now, some of them will be deciding where to launch a project or open a business, and it will be wonderful if they remember our country with warmth,” emphasized Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.

Representatives from universities across North and South America, Europe, and Asia will meet at a single venue. The organizers are also working to expand the geography of participants to ensure that university teams from all continents are represented in the finals.

“This championship will bring together universities with outstanding academic and chess histories. Almaty will welcome representatives of universities whose chess clubs have existed for over 150 years. In total, 79 teams from 49 countries competed in the qualifying stages. This scale confirms the high international status of the tournament and strengthens Kazakhstan's position as a country capable of hosting world-class intellectual competitions,” noted Darmen Sadvakasov, First Vice-President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.

The participation of American universities, renowned for their strong collegiate chess programs, is of particular interest. Saint Louis University, Webster University, and the University of Texas at Dallas have repeatedly won major intercollegiate competitions in the United States. Kazakhstan will be represented at the home championship by Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and the Kazakh National University of Sports.

“Conditions are being created in Kazakhstan for young people to receive a quality education, develop their abilities, and achieve high results. Chess shapes strategic thinking, discipline, responsibility, and decision-making skills. For our university students, a home world championship is a unique opportunity to gain competitive experience at the highest level and prove that Kazakhstani youth can compete on equal terms with representatives of the world's leading universities,” said Gulmira Dauletova, Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.

The final stage will gather 16 teams: eight of them won slots through the online qualifiers, while another eight received special invitations from FIDE and the organizers.

In the first stage, the participants will be divided into four groups. The top two teams from each group will advance to the playoffs, where they will continue the battle in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and decisive medal matches.

Each match will be played across four boards. According to the regulations, each team's active lineup must include at least one man and one woman. The total prize pool for the championship will be €50,000.

In addition to the world university team championship, another striking international event will take place in Almaty on August 4–5: the national chess team of Kazakhstan will face the World Youth Team (under 18).

Each encounter will feature seven chess players: six main players and one reserve. Women's and men's teams will be represented in the under 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 age categories.

A total of 24 young chess players will participate, playing on 12 boards. For Kazakhstani athletes, this will be a unique opportunity to test their skills against the strongest peers from around the world, and for spectators, a chance to see the future stars of world chess in action.

The championship will be more than just a fight for the world title; it will serve as a meeting place for young intellectual leaders representing the leading educational centers of different countries. Hosting it will strengthen the positions of Almaty and Kazakhstan on the global chess map and provide a new impetus to the development of university sports in the country.

The event is organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, the Akimat of Almaty, Freedom Holding Corp., and Lichess.org.

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