FIDE Unveils New World Cadets Cup to Enhance Youth Chess Development

FIDE Unveils Revamped World Cadets Cup to Elevate Youth Chess Competitions

Last Updated: February 24, 2026, 12:17 IST

In a significant move to enhance youth chess development, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has announced the launch of the FIDE World Cadets Cup, a newly rebranded event that will serve as a qualification platform for the prestigious FIDE World Cadets Championships. This initiative aims to provide young players with a clear pathway to success and foster international competition among the brightest emerging talents.

The FIDE World Cadets Cup will feature three age categories: under 8, under 10, and under 14, kicking off in June 2026 in Batumi, Georgia. The event promises to attract the strongest young players from around the globe, offering them a unique opportunity to compete against their peers from different nations.

Previously known as the World Cadet Championships, the event has undergone a facelift to ensure greater transparency and clarity in its operations. The inaugural edition will run from the third week of June until the end of the month, with separate tournaments for boys and girls across all age categories.

Each participating nation can nominate one player per section, allowing for a total of six players per country, in addition to the head of delegation. Notably, the top three players from previous editions of both the World Cadets Championships and the World Cadets Cup, along with champions from the Continental Cadet Championships, will receive invitations to compete.

Akaki Iashvili, Chair of the FIDE Events Commission and President of the Georgian Chess Federation, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This event is an important opportunity for young players to test themselves on the world stage and to experience international chess at the highest organizational level.” He added, “Georgia is proud to welcome the global chess community to Batumi once again, and we look forward to hosting the next generation of champions in a city with a deep love for the game.”

The competition will reserve three spots for the winners of the FIDE Cadets World Cup, while four spots will be allocated for players nominated by each continent’s federation head. Additionally, the event organizers have the right to nominate one player from the host nation.

Registration for the FIDE World Cadets Cup will close on April 15, 2026, ahead of the Cadet Championships, which will feature 48 players across various sections and categories, set to commence in November.

As the chess world eagerly anticipates this revamped championship cycle, the FIDE World Cadets Cup stands as a beacon of opportunity for young chess enthusiasts, paving the way for future champions on the international stage.