FIDE and World Chess launch Women’s Wednesday Online Tournament Series

January 23, 2024, Lausanne, SWITZERLAND — In a groundbreaking move to elevate women’s participation and recognition in the world of chess, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and World Chess are thrilled to announce the launch of the Women’s Wednesday Online Tournament Series “Swiss Queens Wednesday”. This weekly event, hosted on the FIDE Online Arena platform (chessarena.com), represents a significant stride in empowering women within the chess community.

Empowering Women in Chess: A Step Towards Inclusion and Diversity

As part of the FIDE 100th anniversary, it is fitting to launch a women’s tournament to fully celebrate the achievements of women in chess and mark 100 years as a pivotal moment in the sport. At the core of this initiative is a commitment to promoting gender diversity and providing a global stage for women to showcase their chess skills. This series is more than just a competition; it is a vibrant community where female chess players can connect and grow together in both personal and professional realms.

Innovative Online Format Meets High-Stakes Competition

The “Swiss Queens Wednesday” leverages state-of-the-art technology for fair play monitoring and global participation, making it a pioneering event in the chess world. FIDE Online Arena is proud to be the digital venue for this series, offering a seamless and sophisticated online chess experience.

Swiss Queens Wednesday Tournament: Details and Regulations

The “Swiss Queens Wednesday” takes place every Wednesday on the FIDE Online Arena (chessarena.com/tournaments/the-swiss-queens-wednesday-1), starting from January 31st at 17:00 Central European Time. The tournaments are open to all women chess players who hold FIDE or FIDE Online Arena titles and feature a Swiss pairing system with a 3+1 Blitz time control.

Prizes totaling 1,000 USD per tournament will be awarded, with a potential annual prize fund increase to $100,000. The tournament emphasizes fair play, with strict adherence to FIDE’s regulations and innovative anti-cheating measures.

Commitment to Fairness and Integrity

Participants are expected to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship. The Night Watch Fair Play Suite will analyze games, and players are required to join a monitored Zoom meeting during the tournament.

Building a Legacy for Women in Chess

This tournament series is more than just a competition. It’s a statement of FIDE’s unwavering dedication to empowering women in chess, not only on the board but also in leadership roles and personal development. It’s an opportunity for women to challenge stereotypes, inspire future generations, and demonstrate their strategic prowess on a global stage.

For female chess players, the tournament not only serves as a platform to refine their strategic prowess but also to enhance their showmanship abilities, with a strong encouragement for game streaming.

Dana Reizniece-Ozola, FIDE Managing Director, stated, „The Women’s Wednesday Online Tournament Series marks a significant milestone in FIDE’s ongoing commitment to gender equality in chess. This series isn’t just about playing a game; it’s about empowering women to take center stage in an arena they have long been a part of. We encourage participants to stream their games, showcasing not just their chess skills but also their unique personalities and perspectives. This is more than a tournament – it’s a movement towards a more inclusive and dynamic chess community.“

Ilya Merenzon, CEO of World Chess: „As we unveil the Women’s Wednesday Online Tournament Series, we’re not just setting up chess boards; we’re building a community. This initiative goes beyond the game. It’s about giving a voice and a stage to women in chess, encouraging them to showcase not only their strategic acumen but also their personalities and stories through streaming. I hope that every move will inspire someone watching. I am also looking forward to working with female athletes to collectively enhance chessarena.com, making it their preferred permanent home for online chess.“

About FIDE and World Chess

FIDE, the governing body of chess, is committed to promoting chess globally and fostering a diverse and inclusive chess community. World Chess (LSE:CHSS), FIDE commercial partner, is proud to work with FIDE in hosting this groundbreaking series on chessarena.com, FIDE’s official gaming platform.

For more information, please visit chessarena.com (chessarena.com/tournaments/the-swiss-queens-wednesday-1).