The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has achieved recognition as a member of the Global Esports Federation (GEF), with Dana Reizniece-Ozola, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, being elected to the GEF Board

FIDE officially submitted its membership application to the Global Esports Federation on September 29. The GEF's mission revolves around uniting esports entities and events on a global scale. Recognizing the importance of embracing new forms of chess, online training, competitions and community building, FIDE sought to deepen its ties with the esports world.

It follows a successful cooperation earlier this year, where chess featured prominently in the 2023 Olympic Esports Series, attracting 42,000 participants from 219 countries during the qualifying stages for the chess competition.

At the General Assembly of the GEF, which took place in Riyad on December 12, FIDE's Dana-Reizniece-Ozola was elected to the Board of the organization.

"I feel honored to become a member of this very dynamic family and also represent chess and FIDE. We will promote the credibility, legitimacy and prestige of esports along with suggesting ideas on how to best integrate chess in the global esports movement and its events," Reizniece-Ozola said.

By affiliating with the Global Esports Federation, FIDE aims to forge stronger connections with the esports community. This involves developing innovative competition formats, sharing expertise with esports stakeholders in organizing events and fostering and advancing chess in the esports landscape.