FIDE Launches Excellence Awards to Celebrate Achievements in Chess Community
Press Release – June 1, 2026
FIDE introduces a new biennial awards program recognizing outstanding contributions across the global chess community. Nominations now open!
FIDE Launches Inaugural Excellence Awards to Celebrate Global Chess Achievements
June 1, 2026 – The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has officially announced the launch of the Excellence Awards, a new biennial program designed to honor outstanding contributions within the global chess community. The awards will recognize exceptional individuals, events, federations, teams, and initiatives that have made significant impacts in the chess world over the past two years.
The inaugural ceremony is set to take place in September 2026 in the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, coinciding with the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad. This prestigious event will serve as a platform to celebrate excellence in chess, culminating in a grand recognition of achievements that have shaped the sport since the last Olympiad.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “The Excellence Awards will shine a light on the remarkable talents and efforts that drive our community forward. We are excited to celebrate those who inspire and elevate the game of chess globally.”
Nominations Now Open
Nominations for the Excellence Awards are now open, inviting members of the chess community to submit candidates through the official FIDE Excellence Awards website. The awards will be presented across six regular categories and five discretionary categories, ensuring a comprehensive celebration of excellence both on and off the board.
The nomination process runs from June 1 to June 30, 2026. Participants can submit multiple nominations across different categories, provided each submission includes supporting information detailing the candidate’s achievements and impact.
Three-Stage Selection Process
The selection process for the awards will unfold in three stages:
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Stage One (June 1 – June 30, 2026): The chess community is invited to submit nominations online. The FIDE Excellence Awards Working Group will review these submissions and compile longlists.
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Stage Two (July 1 – July 15, 2026): The FIDE Excellence Awards Jury will evaluate the longlists and create official shortlists, each featuring ten nominees per category. These shortlists will be published on July 15, 2026.
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Stage Three: The FIDE Excellence Awards Panel will cast votes to determine the winners, who will be announced during the official ceremony in Samarkand.
A Celebration of Impact and Achievement
The FIDE Excellence Awards aim to recognize world-class players, innovative creators, and outstanding federations, as well as projects that leverage chess to foster positive societal change. This initiative underscores FIDE’s commitment to promoting the game and its values on a global scale.
For those eager to participate, nominations can be submitted here, with a deadline of June 30, 2026.
For more information about the awards and the nomination process, visit the official website: FIDE Excellence Awards.
As the chess community gears up for this exciting new chapter, the Excellence Awards promise to be a landmark event, celebrating the passion and dedication that continues to drive the game of chess forward.