Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. and President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, has announced he will run for President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The leadership elections will take place on 26 and 27 September 2026 in Samarkand, during FIDE's General Assembly and alongside the 46th World Chess Olympiad. The announcement follows Turlov's earlier nomination for the post of FIDE Deputy President.
A campaign built on continuity, not ambition
Turlov framed his decision as a response to a pivotal moment for the federation. "Today, a federation with a century of history stands at a crossroads. The progress we've made cannot be stopped or erased. I believe it must be intensified, given fresh energy, and carried forward. That is why I have decided to put forward my candidacy for President of the International Chess Federation," he said.
Turlov has led the Kazakhstan Chess Federation since 2023, overseeing a modernisation of the country's chess sectorand investing more than 75 million US dollars in the game's development. Under his leadership, Kazakhstan has hosted the Men's World Chess Championship match and the World Rapid and Blitz Team Championship, with Almaty set to host the World University Chess Championship. He has also served as President of the International School Chess Federation since 2024.
He said the decision was not driven by personal ambition. "I have plenty of projects in my life where I can realise my potential as an entrepreneur and leader. The decision stems from something entirely different. I sincerely believe that world chess today has a unique opportunity to take the next step in its development, and if my experience can be useful to the international chess community, then this responsibility is worth taking," he noted.
Digitalisation and AI at the centre of Turlov's programme
Turlov's platform rests on three pillars: digitalisation and AI, chess in schools, and the financial sustainability of national federations.
His central digital proposal is a unified FIDE platform offering every player a single account with rating history, tournament records, online competitions and educational content, with equal access for all federations. The platform would also incorporate AI-based tools for game analysis, coaching support and fair play control. The concept draws on KazChess ID, the unified digital ecosystem currently being completed by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. "If this approach works at the national level, there is no reason why it cannot be scaled up to the international federation," Turlov explained.
Chess in schools and financial sustainability for federations
On education, Turlov intends to build on both Kazakhstan's experience and the practices of the International School Chess Federation. Kazakhstan's national Chess in Education programme already covers more than 1,500 schools and over 60,000 pupils.
On finances, Turlov proposes helping national federations develop sustainable income sources through partnerships, sponsorship programmes and professional asset management.
Anand confirmed as running mate
Turlov confirmed that Viswanathan Anand, FIDE Deputy President since 2022, will stand as his candidate for Deputy President. "Vishy needs no introduction in the chess world. He is one of the greatest chess players in history and a man who is highly respected on every continent. In recent years he has proven himself to be a very strong leader with a deep understanding of how FIDE works. His participation in our team is a guarantee of continuity and the preservation of the best work that has already been done. For me personally, it is a great honour that Vishy has agreed to join our team," Turlov said.
He also described the campaign in broader terms, positioning Kazakhstan as a "middle power" bridging FIDE's roughly 200 national federations. "FIDE unites around 200 national federations representing different cultures, regions and interests, and here it is especially important to find balance and solutions that serve the entire chess community. I am confident that I can bring to the federation's work the principles of balance and respectful dialogue that are the hallmark of Kazakhstan's foreign policy," he said.
Freedom24's chess partnership in Cyprus
Freedom24, the European subsidiary of Freedom Holding Corp., has been a long-standing strategic partner of the Cyprus Chess Federation, supporting the development and popularisation of chess on the island. The partnership has helped bring major events to Cyprus in recent years, including the FIDE Women's Grand Prix in 2023 and 2025, the Cyprus Open Chess Championships, and the 2026 FIDE Candidates and Women's Candidates Tournaments, described as the largest chess event ever held in the country.
The cooperation also extends to chess development and education. The Freedom24 Chess Academy opened in Limassolin March 2025. According to Cyprus Chess Federation President Criton Tornaritis, the federation now has more than 2,000 members, most of them children.
