On March 7, 2025, Almaty became the focal point of the chess world as it hosted the Qazaq Queens Chess Fest 2025, a women’s blitz chess tournament organized by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation (KazChess) with support from the International Chess Federation (FIDE). Dedicated to International Women’s Day, the tournament brought together 95 participants of various ages and skill levels, uniting them in a spirited competition for the championship title.
More than just a sporting event, the tournament was a true celebration of intellect, artistry, and inspiration. The event was officially opened by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, who made the symbolic first move, emphasizing the global significance of women’s chess and reinforcing support for the initiative.
Later, the FIDE President had a productive meeting with top officials from KazChess, where they discussed joint projects both in Kazakhstan and internationally. He also fulfilled a long-standing promise by delivering a lecture at NARXOZ University.
The rise of new Champions
The tournament followed a 9-round Swiss system with a 3+2 time control. In a gripping battle, 13-year-old WFM Aiaru Altynbek emerged victorious scoring an impressive 8 points. Mariya Kholyavko secured second place, while 11-year-old Zhansaya Sholpanbek claimed third. All three winners are recipients of the Young Talent Support Programme scholarships.
The tournament’s prize fund amounted to KZT 2 million (approximately $4,000), with the champion receiving KZT 500,000. Additional cash prizes were awarded to the top finishers and best players in various age categories.
A Year of Triumph for Kazakhstan
2024 marked a historic milestone for Kazakhstan’s chess scene. Across international competitions, the country’s juniors, adults, and seniors won 160 medals, including 55 golds. The most remarkable achievement came from Kazakhstan’s women’s team, which secured silver medals at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest. These victories have inspired a new generation of female players, many of whom participated in the Qazaq Queens Chess Fest 2025.
Supporting women’s chess
Timur Turlov, President of KazChess, emphasized:
“Kazakhstan’s women are shining brighter in chess than ever before in our country’s history. We witness their growing skill and professionalism each year. With their victories, they are paving a new path for Kazakhstan to reach the pinnacle of world chess. This motivates us to invest even more in supporting our remarkable female players. The Kazakhstan Chess Federation remains committed to expanding opportunities for women in chess. We will continue to nurture their talents and open new career prospects for them.”
Chess and Art: When Boundaries Blur
As part of the tournament, an art exhibition showcased paintings by Kazakhstan’s artist Aituar Amirkhanova, whose works explore themes of women’s experience and self-expression. A special guest at the event was Inessa Nazarova, titleholder of Mrs. Supermodel Worldwide 2019, who inspired participants with her motivational speech.
Kazakhstan and the world: Women’s Chess without borders
The Qazaq Queens Chess Fest 2025 became part of a global chess movement, with similar women’s tournaments taking place simultaneously in five countries:
- Wroclaw, Poland – IV Memoriał Apolonii Litwińskiej, honoring the legendary Polish chess player.
- Saint-Tropez, France – a simultaneous exhibition match with 24 opponents, led by the Ukrainian 15-year-old quad sisters, the Prochaievs.
- Nairobi, Kenya – the 3rd Queens Rapid Chess Tournament, the largest women’s chess competition in the region.
- Kampala, Uganda – the 4th Queens of Chess Rapid Chess Tournament, bringing together Africa’s strongest female players.
Kazakhstan has reaffirmed its role as a key hub for women’s chess, and the Qazaq Queens Chess Fest 2025 has solidified its place in an international movement that unites women worldwide through the game of chess.
Women are changing the chess world—and this is just the beginning.