Kazakh Billionaire Timur Turlov Announces Candidacy for FIDE Presidency with Anand as Deputy Amidst Dvorkovich’s Suspension

Moscow-Born Kazakh Billionaire Timur Turlov Announces Candidacy for FIDE Presidency

In a dramatic turn of events in the world of chess, Timur Turlov, a billionaire originally from Moscow, has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). Turlov, who has made significant contributions to the chess community, will be joined by renowned Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand as his deputy.

Turlov’s announcement comes on the heels of European Union sanctions imposed on current FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, which have rendered Dvorkovich’s planned re-election campaign untenable. The sanctions were enacted due to Dvorkovich’s alleged support for actions undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty. In response, Dvorkovich has voluntarily suspended his duties, passing the reins to Anand, who has pledged to ensure continuity for the global chess community.

Anand, a chess legend and FIDE Deputy President since 2022, expressed his commitment to the organization, stating, “I want to thank Arkady for his leadership and for putting the interests and stability of chess first.” His acceptance of the interim presidency marks a pivotal moment, as he had initially planned to step back from FIDE duties after the upcoming elections.

Turlov, who has been a prominent figure in the chess world since relocating to Kazakhstan in 2011, emphasized the need for revitalization within FIDE. “A federation with a century of history stands at a crossroads,” he remarked, asserting that recent progress must be intensified and carried forward with renewed energy.

Having renounced his Russian citizenship in 2022 amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Turlov has since taken on leadership roles, including the presidency of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and the newly established International School Chess Federation (ISCF). His company, Freedom Holding, has been a major sponsor of chess events, including the upcoming 2024 World Rapid & Blitz Championships in New York, and has invested over $75 million into the sport.

In his candidacy announcement, Turlov praised Anand as “a great champion and a legend of world chess,” expressing his honor in sharing a vision for the future of chess with him. The duo aims to foster an “open and uniting” approach to FIDE’s governance.

The FIDE presidential election is set to take place during the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, this September. Turlov will face competition from fellow candidates Wadim Rosenstein, Jan Henric Buettner, and former FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, who has garnered support from the Russian Chess Federation despite its current suspension.

As the chess community watches closely, the upcoming election promises to be a pivotal moment for the future of the sport, with Turlov and Anand poised to lead FIDE into a new era.