Chess: A Catalyst for Education and Personal Development in Young Minds
Chess: A Game of Strategy and Life Skills at the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026
Stellenbosch, South Africa – The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is redefining the role of chess, transforming it from a competitive sport into a powerful educational tool aimed at fostering critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills among young people. This vision was vividly showcased during the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026, where international chess leaders gathered with local learners to highlight the game’s potential to unlock educational opportunities.
At Paul Roos Gymnasium, around 50 students from underserved schools in the Stellenbosch area participated in a community outreach program designed to inspire children from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. The initiative aimed to demonstrate how chess can serve as a catalyst for personal development and social mobility.
Prominent figures from the global chess community, including FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, entrepreneur and chess patron Timur Turlov, and renowned chess coach Robert Katende, engaged with the students throughout the event. They emphasized how chess cultivates discipline, creativity, and decision-making skills that extend far beyond the chessboard.
“Chess is not just a game; it’s a tool for life,” said Dvorkovich. “Our mission is to ensure that every child has access to the opportunities that chess can provide.”
Empowering the Next Generation
Timur Turlov, the founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., echoed this sentiment. His company, which operates across various global markets, has increasingly invested in educational initiatives that deliver measurable social impact. Turlov believes that the strategic thinking required in chess mirrors the mindset needed for effective leadership and entrepreneurship.
“Children need more than just literacy and numeracy; they must develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” Turlov stated during his visit to Stellenbosch. “Chess teaches them to anticipate consequences and make informed decisions.”
A Q&A with Timur Turlov
Q: How has chess influenced your business decisions as a CEO?
Turlov: “Chess has helped me understand my own decision-making. Just like in chess, when I’m stressed or tired, I tend to make the wrong moves. I’ve learned to postpone important decisions until I’m in the right frame of mind.”
Q: What initiatives have had the greatest impact on school chess participation in Kazakhstan?
Turlov: “The digital approach has been transformative. Since introducing our program in South African schools, over 60,000 children have enrolled. We’ve empowered teachers and introduced educational games and digital tools to enhance learning.”
Q: How do you see the acquisition of ChessBase changing chess education?
Turlov: “We aim to develop ChessBase into a mobile-first platform accessible on smartphones. By integrating AI, children can learn from and play against professional players, even in remote areas.”
The Future of Chess
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich outlined three major trends that will shape the future of chess over the next decade.
Q: How do you see chess evolving?
Dvorkovich: “First, we need to make chess more attractive as a spectator sport. Second, faster formats are gaining popularity, as audiences prefer shorter games. Finally, streaming and influencers are introducing new audiences to chess, making it more appealing to younger generations.”
These developments are not merely about modernizing the game; they are part of a broader strategy to use chess as a global educational tool. The outreach program in Stellenbosch exemplifies how partnerships between international sporting organizations, schools, and the private sector can equip young people with the critical skills they need to thrive in life.
As the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 wraps up, the message is clear: chess is more than a game; it’s a pathway to empowerment and opportunity for the next generation.