FIDE Presidential Race Begins: Wadim Rosenstein and Jan Henric Buettner Announce Candidacies Against Arkady Dvorkovich

Title: Race for FIDE Presidency Heats Up with Dual Candidacies from German Entrepreneurs

The race for the presidency of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) officially commenced on Friday, igniting excitement and speculation within the chess community. Wadim Rosenstein, a prominent German businessman, announced his long-anticipated candidacy, shortly followed by fellow German entrepreneur Jan Henric Buettner, who entered the fray in a surprising twist.

Both candidates are challenging incumbent FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, who has yet to confirm his intention to seek re-election at the upcoming General Assembly in Uzbekistan this September. However, insiders suggest he is likely to run.

Rosenstein was the first to declare his candidacy, introducing Chinese businessman Gordon Tang as his running mate for the deputy presidency. In his announcement, Rosenstein expressed his deep passion for chess, stating, “Chess deserves an organization that matches its greatness.” He emphasized the need for “stronger leadership, professional governance, faster decision-making, and a clear vision for the future,” pledging to unveil a comprehensive program with concrete proposals in the coming weeks.

“My vision is clear: FIDE should become one of the world’s most respected institutions in international sport,” Rosenstein declared, outlining his ambition to modernize FIDE’s digital infrastructure, attract new sponsors, and create a global chess ecosystem.

Shortly after Rosenstein’s announcement, Buettner revealed his candidacy, accompanied by International Master Malcolm Pein as his running mate. Buettner’s entry was unexpected, as he had been a vocal critic of the current administration. In his statement, he highlighted the importance of listening to national federations and emphasized his commitment to transparency and governance.

“Leadership begins by listening,” Buettner asserted, outlining his campaign’s focus on empowering federations, expanding opportunities for players, and accelerating digital innovation. Pein echoed this sentiment, praising Buettner’s entrepreneurial experience and passion for chess.

Rosenstein’s candidacy was anticipated by many, given his rising prominence in the chess world since entering top-level chess in 2022. He has been instrumental in organizing major events, including the WR Chess Masters and the FIDE World Rapid Team Championships. However, he has faced scrutiny over his ties to Russia, which he addressed by emphasizing his focus on the sport rather than political affiliations.

Buettner, on the other hand, made his mark in the chess community through his successful ventures in Freestyle Chess and securing significant funding for the Grand Slam Tour. His campaign aims to foster partnerships and create sustainable growth for chess globally.

As the election approaches, the chess community is abuzz with anticipation. The FIDE presidential election is set to take place during the General Assembly on September 26-27 in Uzbekistan, where each of FIDE’s national federations will cast their vote to determine the next leader of the organization. With two strong candidates now in the race, the future of FIDE hangs in the balance, and the chess world watches closely.