A prestigious opportunity for young talents
The Prague Chess Festival continues to set new standards for chess excellence, and this year, its commitment to fostering young talent took a remarkable step forward. In collaboration with the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, the festival invited ten talented girls to compete in the prestigious Futures Tournament—an event running alongside the renowned Super Tournaments, where top grandmasters like Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, Anish Giri, Vincent Keymer, and David Navara showcase their skills.
For these young players, it was more than just a tournament; it was a dream come true. Imagine the thrill of walking into the same playing hall as the world’s best, playing on the same stage, and knowing that the eyes of chess enthusiasts from around the globe were upon them. Each move on the board carries weight, but so does the experience of being treated like stars—something that is still rare for many young female players.
It is in moments like this that young talents can come to a life-changing realization: they belong here.
Learning beyond the board
Beyond the competition, the Prague Chess Festival ensured that the girls received an enriching and educational experience. On their free day, not for another match, but for an opportunity just as valuable—learning from one of the most influential women in chess.
A special program was organized, featuring an exclusive lecture and a simultaneous exhibition by WGM Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board and an esteemed ambassador of the Futures Tournament. Dana’s presence added immense value, as she shared her insights, experiences, and guidance with the young participants, reinforcing the message that women in chess have a powerful role to play at all levels of the sport.
Inspiring lecture by WGM Dana Reizniece
Seated in a quiet hall, the girls listened intently as Dana Reizniece took them on a journey beyond the 64 squares. She spoke not just as a grandmaster, but as a leader, a mentor, and a role model. Her words carried the weight of experience and wisdom, offering lessons that extended far beyond chess.
- Be unique but authentic—how to achieve it & why it is important
- “Reach the goals others only think of”
- Stay open-minded and remember that many skills you learn in chess can help you in life, even if you don’t become a top player
- The importance of rituals and habits in your life
It was truly an enriching experience for girls. Parents, too, listened closely, knowing that these words would resonate throughout their daughters’ journeys for years to come.
Plenty of seeds were certainly planted today, and we think they shall sprout into some inspiring stories, with the girls on the main stage – just as they are here in the Prague Festival.
A fierce battle in the simultaneous exhibition
Following the lecture, the girls were ready for a challenge of a different kind—a simultaneous exhibition against Dana herself. With ten boards arranged in a circle, Dana walked from one to the next, making her moves swiftly but thoughtfully. The girls, eager to prove themselves, fought with determination, each hoping to claim a victory against a grandmaster.
The battle lasted an astonishing four hours. Move by move, girls tried their best. Some seized their chances, punishing even the slightest missteps.
In the end, Dana secured a hard-fought 6:4 victory, a testament to both her strength and the remarkable talent of the young players. Reflecting on the experience, she shared:
“What a tough simultaneous chess game exhibition it was! This year, the Prague International Chess Festival invited 10 talented girls to play in their Futures Tournament along with top grandmasters! It took me 4 hours, and I hardly won with 6:4. I enjoyed seeing such good chess by the girls, stabbing me in the most vulnerable spots of the position and penalizing me for even a minor mistake.”
A step forward for women in chess
The Futures Tournament at the Prague Chess Festival stands as a shining example of how chess can bridge the gap between aspiring young players and the professional elite. More than that, it is a statement—a declaration that young girls in chess deserve the same grand stage, the same recognition, and the same belief in their potential.
For these ten girls, Prague is not just another tournament. It is a glimpse into a future where they belong at the top. It is a moment of validation, a spark that could ignite a lifetime of ambition.
The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess is really proud to collaborate with the organizers of this extraordinary event and remains committed to supporting such initiatives and expanding opportunities for girls worldwide, empowering them to dream big and achieve greatness in the world of chess.
Photos: Prague Chess Festival