Sweden’s chess community is buzzing with excitement over “Schackelit Sverige”, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering young elite players and increasing interest in chess worldwide. With strong support from local chess clubs SK Rockaden and SS 4 Springare, this program is set to provide Sweden’s rising stars with opportunities to compete on the international stage.

The mastermind behind the project, IM, FT & IA Vladimir Poley, along with Saida Trost, is on a mission to help young talents participate in norm tournaments—a crucial step toward earning International Master (IM) and Grandmaster (GM) titles. The series kicks off with its first tournament at the newly opened 4-star Hotel Stockholm North by First Hotels, running from February 17–21.

A new chapter for Swedish chess

Tournaments offering title norms have been rare in Sweden, but Schackelit Sverige aims to change that. This initiative marks the beginning of a four-tournament series throughout 2025, each designed to help players advance their chess careers.

The inaugural event, the Hotel Stockholm North by First hotels young talents tournament, is a 10-player round-robin (Berger format) with an average rating of 2471, offering both IM and GM norm opportunities. The second tournament is already scheduled for April 28 – May 2, and interest is growing rapidly!

The first event’s lineup features some of Sweden’s strongest players, including:

• IM Jung Min Seo, one of the country’s rising stars,
• IM Edvin Trost, fresh off a strong performance at Rilton Cup 2025, where he scored 7/9
• GM Vitalij Sivuk, two-time Swedish Champion 2023, 2024

While Svenska Schackakademien is on the way to become an officially a sponsor, the organizers hope to secure their support to expand the project further and offer even more opportunities for young players and to train under legendary veteran grandmasters and accelerate their development.

More than just titles 

The initiative is not just about collecting norms and titles. It’s about bringing the chess community together, fostering personal growth, and creating a fun, challenging environment where young players can thrive. Live broadcasts of the games will allow fans to follow the action from anywhere, while players can enjoy a comfortable and inspiring atmosphere at Hotel Stockholm North.

This initiative isn’t just about earning norms and titles—it’s about building a strong chess community, fostering personal growth, and creating an exciting, competitive environment where young players can thrive.

Live broadcasts will allow fans to follow the action from anywhere, while participants will enjoy a comfortable and inspiring setting at Hotel Stockholm North.

“After the Rilton Cup, where no one managed to secure a GM norm, I felt it was time to act,” says Vladimir Poley.  “This project came together quickly, but everything is now ready for an exciting first event next week.”

Read more:  schack.se/nyhet/sverige/2025/02/klart-med-titelturnering-pa-svensk-mark/  

Follow the journey 

Chess enthusiasts are invited to watch the games live in Upplands Väsby conveniently located between Stockholm City and Arlanda International Airport or follow the action online. Stay tuned for updates and don’t miss your chance to see Sweden’s future chess stars in action!

For more information and media inquiries, including photo requests, contact: 

poleychess@hotmail.com
saida.trost@gmail.com.

Photos and game coverage will be available throughout the tournament.