Timur Turlov, president of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., has been elected president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The election took place on September 26 in Samarkand during the organization’s General Assembly.
The election was decided in the second round, with Turlov receiving 110 of 196 votes, Kazakh media outlet Kursiv reports. His running mate on the presidential ticket was five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, who had served as FIDE Interim President since July 2026.
For Turlov, the victory marked the culmination of a campaign centered on large-scale modernization of the organization. Even before the vote, he promised to make FIDE more technologically advanced, more financially sustainable, and more visible outside the professional chess community.
From a Development Fund to a Digital Platform
One of the central elements of Turlov’s platform was the creation of a dedicated chess development fund. During the campaign, he initially spoke of more than $6 million in support, but by the day of the election he had outlined a $28 million fund over four years, saying he would personally guarantee the financing. The money would be used to support national federations, tournaments, player travel, coaching, and other development initiatives.
His proposal went beyond increasing funding for major tournaments. Turlov proposed expanding support for national federations, particularly those that lack the resources to organize competitions, develop young players, train coaches, and build modern infrastructure.
Another key priority is the digital transformation of FIDE. Turlov repeatedly emphasized that he intends to use his entrepreneurial experience to build a more modern digital ecosystem around chess.
This would include the development of a unified FIDE platform and digital services capable of bringing together players, federations, tournament organizers, and audiences. In Turlov’s vision, the federation should not merely administer international competitions but also strengthen its role in the rapidly growing world of online chess.
“I want FIDE to become more digital, professional, and modern, to increase its standing and influence, and to find its place in today’s world,” Turlov said during the campaign.
Chess as a Global Brand
His platform also called for stronger marketing and communications at FIDE. Turlov proposed working more actively with sponsors, the media, and new audiences to increase the commercial appeal of international chess.
Under this approach, FIDE would develop not only as a sports governing body but also as a global brand, with clearer and more compelling offerings for spectators, partners, and digital platforms.
This is particularly relevant to chess given the rapid growth of its online audience. In recent years, digital platforms and streaming have significantly increased the number of people who follow major tournaments or play chess online. One of the new leadership team’s challenges will be to engage this audience and build a more sustainable ecosystem around FIDE.
The Ambition: Bringing Chess Closer to the Olympics
One of Turlov’s most ambitious goals may be to move chess closer to Olympic inclusion.
“The biggest dream we’re all working toward is getting closer to the Olympic program,” he said before the election.
Turlov also said he wants to achieve greater unity within the organization and ensure that national federations feel the practical impact of the changes during his four-year presidential term.
His platform therefore centered on several priorities: funding, technology, marketing, support for national federations, and raising the international status of chess.
Who Ran Against Turlov
In the election, Turlov competed against German entrepreneur Jan Henric Buettner and businessman Wadim Rosenstein. Their presidential tickets listed Malcolm Pein and Gordon Tang, respectively, as candidates for deputy president.
The campaign featured public debates. During one of them, Rosenstein left early. The European Chess Union later issued a separate statement reaffirming its institutional neutrality and distancing itself from his campaign.
FIDE presidential elections are held every four years. National chess federations participate in the election, with each federation entitled to one vote. Voting is conducted by secret ballot.
