FIDE

Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) is the international organization that connects the various national chess federations around the world and acts as the governing body of international chess competition. It is usually referred to by its French acronym FIDE, which stands for the International Chess Federation. Founded on July 20, 1924, in Paris, France, FIDE's mission is to promote and regulate the game of chess and its disciplines globally. This includes setting the rules for competition, awarding titles, and organizing the World Chess Championship and Chess Olympiad.

History

The idea of an international chess federation was conceived in the early 20th century, with FIDE being officially established in 1924. The founding members were chess federations from 15 countries. FIDE's role and influence have grown significantly since its inception, and it now comprises an extensive network of national federations that represent chess players around the world.

Objectives and Functions

FIDE's primary objectives include promoting chess as a means of cultural and intellectual advancement, setting the standard rules for chess competitions, and improving the global chess community's cohesion. It also focuses on the development of young chess talents and the organization of world championships for men, women, juniors, and seniors.

World Chess Championship

One of FIDE's most notable functions is the organization of the World Chess Championship, which determines the world champion in chess. This prestigious event has a rich history and has featured legendary players such as Garry Kasparov, Anatoly Karpov, and Magnus Carlsen.

Chess Olympiad

Another significant event organized by FIDE is the Chess Olympiad, a biennial chess tournament in which teams from over 150 countries compete. It is one of the world's foremost chess tournaments, promoting international friendship and understanding through the game of chess.

Titles and Ratings

FIDE awards several titles to chess players, including Grandmaster (GM), International Master (IM), FIDE Master (FM), and Candidate Master (CM), based on their performance in sanctioned tournaments. It also maintains the FIDE rating system, which ranks chess players worldwide according to their game results.

Controversies

Throughout its history, FIDE has faced various controversies, including disputes over the World Chess Championship format and allegations of corruption within its leadership. These issues have led to criticism and calls for reform within the organization.

Current Structure

FIDE operates through a General Assembly, which is the supreme authority of the organization. It also has a Presidential Board and a Central Administration that handle day-to-day operations. The current president of FIDE is Arkady Dvorkovich, who was elected in 2018.

Future Directions

FIDE continues to work towards the promotion of chess globally, with a particular focus on youth and educational programs. It also aims to enhance the game's appeal as a spectator sport by incorporating modern technologies and media.