Budapest gets ready for the 2024 Chess Olympiad

Budapest is set to proudly host the 2024 Chess Olympiad, a monumental event to take place from September 10 to 23.

The highly anticipated 45th Chess Olympiad is bringing together acclaimed heavyweights and rising stars, promising a showcase of chess brilliance from top-tier players from all across the globe.

The event will be another milestone in Hungary’s rich chess history. With 12 team medals from Chess Olympiads, Hungary is one of the most successful chess nations. Home to many great chess players, from Géza Maróczy to Andor Lilienthal and from Laszlo Szabo to Lajos Portisch, Andras Adorjan, Zoltan Ribli and Peter Leko, including the most recognizable Hungarian chess marvels – the Polgar sisters (Judit, Susan and Sofia) – it is no surprise that chess is at home in Hungary.

Photo: Jorge Franganillo

The Olympiad will take place at the BOK Sports Hall, one of Hungary’s most modern event centers that hosts over 120 events annually and can accommodate up to 10,000 people.

In a historic move toward inclusivity, the 2024 Chess Olympiad will welcome a team of refugees, as officially approved by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This groundbreaking decision aims to promote diversity and support displaced individuals, reinforcing chess as a tool for positive change.

As part of the event’s commitment to gender equality, the organizers and FIDE will seek to increase the participation of women’s teams.

The Budapest Chess Olympiad will not only be a battleground for the world’s chess teams but will also feature other events, including cultural programs and events for children. Concurrently, the FIDE Congress will be hosted alongside the Olympiad, accompanied by marking 100 years since the formation of FIDE.

„We are proud and happy that Hungary will play host to the 45th Chess Olympiad, given the country’s astonishing chess legacy and place in today’s chess world. It is also nice to see the Chess Olympiad return to Europe. The organizers, in collaboration with FIDE, aspire to make this Olympiad a memorable and inclusive experience for participants and spectators and make them truly feel like they are at home in Hungary,“ said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich.

„One of the best things in chess is that it’s international. Just like music, or love. The Olympiad brings us all together and tells us once again that chess is not just black and white. Owing to the sports strategy of our government, Hungary has become a professional host to a series of world events in recent years. It is an honour to have the Chess Olympiad in this line, and we’ll do our best to make it memorable for all our guests.“ – added Dr Zoltán Polyánszky, President of the Hungarian Chess Federation.

With a huge commitment from the Hungarian Chess Federation and the government, the Chess Olympiad 2024 promises to be a testament to Hungary’s chess legacy, welcoming players from around the globe to engage in the noble game of strategy and intellect.

The registration portal will be launched soon and the organizing committee will start pre-registration of teams and Congress delegations. Logins and passwords for the registration portal access will be sent to the official e-mail addresses of national federations. The detailed registration will be available on the same website from March 10, 2024

Regulations of 45th Chess Olympiad (pdf)