Press release by FIDE
Following a review of the nominations for the 2026 Svetozar Gligorić Trophy, the FIDE Gligorić Trophy Award Commission has decided to award the trophy to two recipients:
While tactics decide the game in concrete moments, strategy guides the entire battle. Understanding how to improve your pieces, create weaknesses, execute maneuvers, and steer the game toward favorable structures is what defines strong players.
After exploring the fundamentals of calculation in his first ChessBase course, International Master Kostya Kavutskiy now turns to the other half of chess mastery: positional play.
This course offers a structured and practical introduction to the core elements of positional chess.
Free video sample: Introduction
Free video sample: Strategic Classic: Bondarevsky - Smyslov
Sebastian Poltorak (Poland) – For his exemplary sportsmanship during the 2025 European Chess Club Cup. In his game against Aleksandar Inđjić, when his opponent became unwell and had to leave the playing hall for medical reasons, Poltorak agreed to a draw rather than seeking a competitive advantage from the situation.
GM Tin Jingyao (Singapore) – For his exemplary fair play during the 2025 Almaty Region Open (Qonayev Cup). In round six, his opponent arrived after the default time due to heavy traffic. Although Tin Jingyao was entitled to claim a win by forfeit, he graciously chose to allow the game to be played.
The Commission considers both cases to be exceptional examples of fair play and sportsmanship, where respect for the opponent prevailed over the competitive result.
The Svetozar Gligoric Trophy is an award given by FIDE to the individual who displays exemplary behavior promoting the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship in chess.
To be eligible for the Svetozar Gligoric Trophy 2026, candidates must have demonstrated the following accomplishments during the period from September 2024 to September 2026:
- Outstanding gesture or action of sportsmanship during a sporting event.
- Outstanding contribution to the popularization of values and principles of Fair Play.
- Outstanding initiatives on enforcement of integrity and high ethical values.
In this insightful video course, Grandmaster David Navara shares practical advice on when to calculate deeply in a position — and just as importantly, when not to.
In this insightful video course, Grandmaster David Navara shares practical advice on when to calculate deeply in a position — and just as importantly, when not to.
Free sample video: Introduction
Free sample video: Invisible moves
The Svetozar Gligoric Trophy recognizes sportsmen who exercise the fundamental values of fair play both during and beyond the game. It represents a mindset rather than mere behavior, rooted in the following concepts:
- Fairness – To enjoy the victory is not enough. Triumph must include fairness and honesty.
- Respect – Written rules are mandatory. Unwritten rules of respect to all are obligatory.
- Friendship – Rivalry in sports does not exclude friendship.
- Team spirit – A genuine consideration for teammates.
- Equality – Competing on equal terms is essential.
- Tolerance – The willingness and ability to accept what you may not agree with.
- Care – True champions care about each other.
The winner of the Svetozar Gligoric Trophy is selected by the FIDE Gligoric Trophy Award Commission.
Please note that this award pertains solely to nominee's accomplishments during the period September 2024 – September 2026 and is not a recognition of lifelong career accomplishments.
The Commission's decision is final and not subject to appeal. The members of the Commission are not required to give justification unless they choose to do so.
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Become a master of chess strategy – get Robert Ris’s complete bundle now at a special price!
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