Freedom Holding Founder Timur Turlov to Run for FIDE President

by Press release
7/24/2026 – Timur Turlov, president of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and founder of Freedom Holding Corp., an international financial services and technology group, has announced his decision to run for president of the International Chess Federation, or FIDE. Viswanathan Anand, one of the world’s most accomplished grandmasters and a former world chess champion, will join Turlov’s ticket as a candidate for vice president.
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Turlov said his agenda would focus on three priorities:

  • integrating artificial intelligence into FIDE’s operations and developing a digital ecosystem that brings together players, national federations, databases and educational content on a single platform;
  • expanding chess education in schools, drawing on Kazakhstan’s experience, where chess is currently taught in more than 1,500 schools;
  • helping national federations develop sustainable sources of funding through partnerships, sponsorship programs and professional asset management.

"Joining any initiative means being prepared to assume greater responsibility when circumstances require it," Turlov said. "I sincerely believe that global chess has a unique opportunity to take the next step in its development. My own experience, together with that of my team in building a global financial and technology ecosystem, can help turn that opportunity into meaningful and lasting progress."

Turlov has served as president of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation since January 2023. Since 2024, he has also led the International School Chess Federation.

Companies associated with Turlov have invested a total of $75 million in supporting and developing chess.

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