Today, on International Chess Day, we celebrate a century since the establishment of the Fédération Internationale des Échecs – FIDE, which took place here, in Paris, in 1924. During the past 100 years, FIDE has sought to safeguard, develop, and promote chess. From standardizing the game rules and tournament regulations to introducing the rating system, awarding titles, and organizing new events and competitions, FIDE has always been at the forefront of the chess world.

As we look towards the future, we should reflect on the remarkable journey of chess over the past 100 years, celebrated globally this year with the FIDE100 project. We honor the famous players and coaches and the remarkable individuals who helped build FIDE and unite the chess world. Thanks to their efforts, chess is now played by millions of people worldwide – from enthusiasts to professionals, both online and over the board, all sharing a passion for the game.

The achievements of the past century inspire us to aim higher and push harder to ensure that chess continues to thrive for generations to come.

May the next 100 years of FIDE bring more success for chess and even more chess to the world. Let us always remember and live by our motto: Gens Una Sumus – We Are One Family.

And finally - to celebrate International Chess Day, today we are organizing the Guinness World Records attempt - for most games played online and over the board in 24 hours. I hope you will join us and enjoy!

FIDE President
Arkady Dvorkovich

You can find the video of this congratulatory speech on the FIDE YouTube Channel.