“Schackelit Sverige: Fostering Young Elite Players and Building a Strong Chess Community in Sweden”

Sweden’s Chess Community Launches Groundbreaking Initiative to Foster Young Elite Players

The chess community in Sweden is abuzz with excitement over the launch of “Schackelit Sverige”, a revolutionary initiative aimed at nurturing young elite players and boosting interest in chess globally. Spearheaded by IM, FT & IA Vladimir Poley and Saida Trost, this program has garnered strong support from local chess clubs SK Rockaden and SS 4 Springare, with the goal of providing Sweden’s up-and-coming stars with opportunities to compete on the international stage.

The primary objective of this project is to help young talents participate in norm tournaments, a crucial step towards earning prestigious titles such as International Master (IM) and Grandmaster (GM). The series kicks off with its first tournament at the newly opened 4-star Hotel Stockholm North by First Hotels, scheduled to run from February 17–21.

This initiative marks a new chapter for Swedish chess, as tournaments offering title norms have been scarce in the country. The four-tournament series planned for 2025 aims to assist players in advancing their chess careers and gaining valuable experience on the competitive circuit.

The inaugural event, the Hotel Stockholm North by First Hotels young talents tournament, features a 10-player round-robin format with an average rating of 2471, offering both IM and GM norm opportunities. The lineup includes some of Sweden’s top players, such as IM Jung Min Seo, IM Edvin Trost, and GM Vitalij Sivuk.

While Svenska Schackakademien is on the verge of becoming an official sponsor, the organizers are hopeful to secure their support to expand the project further and provide more opportunities for young players to train under seasoned grandmasters and accelerate their development.

Beyond just earning titles, the initiative aims to bring the chess community together, promote personal growth, and create a stimulating environment where young players can thrive. Live broadcasts of the games will allow fans to follow the action from anywhere, while participants can enjoy a comfortable and inspiring setting at Hotel Stockholm North.

Chess enthusiasts are encouraged to watch the games live in Upplands Väsby or follow the action online. Stay tuned for updates and witness Sweden’s future chess stars in action. For more information and media inquiries, contact poleychess@hotmail.com or saida.trost@gmail.com. Photos and game coverage will be available throughout the tournament, promising an exciting and engaging experience for all involved.