Press release by FIDE
The First Continental Chess Championships for Prisoners took place from May 13 to 23, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the FIDE Chess for Freedom initiative. Held for the first time on a continental level, the event brought together 77 teams from across the globe, offering incarcerated individuals a unique opportunity to compete in an organized, high-level chess environment. Organized under the auspices of FIDE, the championships showcased the growing impact of chess programs in correctional facilities around the world.
The tournament was run by a team of experienced officials: International Arbiter Nebojsa Baralic from Serbia served as Chief Arbiter, Ana Srebrnic from Slovenia as Deputy Arbiter, and Sabrina de San Vicente from Uruguay as Chief Fair Play Officer. The event was organized by International Organizer Mikhail Korenman from Chicago, whose dedication helped bring this ambitious project to life.
Africa
The African Continental Championship was the first to be held, featuring 11 teams from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya and Ghana, where Zimbabwe secured first place in both the Open and women's sections. Zimbabwe has consistently performed at the highest level in Chess for Freedom events, having participated in every edition over the past four years and earning a silver medal at the inaugural Intercontinental Championship in 2021. With strong support from the National Chess Federation, Zimbabwe remains a dominant force on the African continent.
In Ghana, a thriving program led by David Acheampong made a significant impact, fielding three youth teams that placed first and third. Kenya's representation included both female and youth teams, reflecting the country's growing commitment to the Chess for Freedom initiative. Special recognition goes to the Malawi Chess for Freedom program, which is supported by the nonprofit organization Gift of Chess. Through its partnership with the Malawi National Prison Services, the program has expanded into correctional institutions nationwide. Malawi earned second place across all three categories; Open, Women and Youth, demonstrating remarkable progress, thanks in large part to the efforts of Susan Namangale, who leads the initiative both in Malawi and across the continent.
Americas
The American Continental Championship featured 19 teams from across the Americas. El Salvador's men's and women's teams continued their stellar form from 2024 where they were podium finishers in the Intercontinental event, by winning first place in both sections. Colombia took home the bronze medal in the Open section. Trinidad and Tobago fielded teams in all three categories and triumphed in the Youth section. The US women's team, with a growing Chess for Freedom program in Kansas, took second place. Mexico, which recently concluded its own National Championship for Prisoners with 17 participating teams, and also hosted a workshop to introduce the Chess for Freedom program to other Latin American countries, secured third place in the women's section.
Europe
Europe was represented by 24 teams, the largest contingent of any continent. Serbia's strong national team emerged victorious in the Open section, followed by Armenia. In the women's section, Ukraine secured first place, with Latvia and Slovenia earning podium finishes. The Youth section saw England come out on top, trailed by Ukraine and Latvia.
Australia
Two closely matched teams from the Australian continent competed head-to-head throughout the tournament, with the more experienced Australian team ultimately claiming the continental title.
Asia
In Asia, Mongolia dominated the Open section, with India and Iran rounding out the top three. The Indian teams led the women's section, while Kyrgyzstan secured third place. In another victory repeat from the 2024 Intercontinental Championships, India took both top spots in the Youth section. The Iranian youth team took third place.
The First Continental Chess Championships for Prisoners marked a significant step forward in FIDE's mission to promote chess as a tool for social development and rehabilitation. By providing incarcerated individuals with a platform for high-level competition, the championships demonstrated the unifying and transformative power of the game. With momentum building, all attention now turns to the Fifth Intercontinental Chess Championship for Prisoners, scheduled for October 14–16, 2025.
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