Three-Way Race for FIDE Presidency: Dvorkovich Seeks Third Term Amidst Strong Competition
Bengaluru: A Thrilling Three-Horse Race for FIDE Presidency
In a dramatic turn of events, the race for the presidency of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has intensified, with three prominent candidates vying for the top position. Incumbent president Arkady Dvorkovich announced on Monday his intention to seek a third term, setting the stage for a high-stakes election scheduled for September 26-27 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, during the prestigious Chess Olympiad.
Joining Dvorkovich in the contest are German entrepreneurs Jan Buettner and Wadim Rosenstein, both of whom have already declared their candidacies. Notably absent from the deputy president race this time is Indian Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, who previously held the position alongside Dvorkovich. Instead, Timur Turlov, the founder and majority shareholder of Freedom Holding Corp and president of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, will step in as Dvorkovich’s deputy.
Anand, a five-time world champion, expressed his continued support for Dvorkovich’s campaign, stating, “I will continue supporting the campaign and contributing my experience to FIDE’s work, especially in helping emerging and developing federations grow the game.” His expertise is expected to play a crucial role in shaping FIDE’s future initiatives.
Buettner, who made his entry into the chess ecosystem in 2024 by backing the innovative Freestyle Chess alongside world no. 1 Magnus Carlsen, has appointed British International Master Malcolm Pein as his deputy. Their campaign has already seen a public clash with Dvorkovich’s administration over the rights to organize the Freestyle Chess World Championship, highlighting the competitive nature of this election.
On the other hand, Rosenstein, who has partnered with Chinese businessman Gordon Tang as his deputy, brings a wealth of experience as a private organizer of chess events. He has been instrumental in the establishment of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships, showcasing his commitment to expanding the chess landscape.
As the election date approaches, the chess community is abuzz with anticipation. Each candidate brings a unique vision for the future of chess, and the outcome will undoubtedly shape the direction of the sport for years to come. With Dvorkovich’s incumbency, Buettner’s innovative approach, and Rosenstein’s organizational prowess, the upcoming FIDE elections promise to be a pivotal moment in the world of chess.