Today, the opening ceremony of the World Chess Championships for children aged 6 to 12 took place in Almaty. More than 850 young chess players from 88 countries will participate.
Kazakhstan has repeatedly hosted both youth and adult international chess competitions of the highest level, including World Championships and men’s world title matches. Since these tournaments have been highly praised by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the Kazakhstan Chess Federation (Kazchess) was entrusted with the right to host the next such tournament – FIDE World Cadet Chess Championships 2025.
The opening ceremony was held today at the main arena of the Baluan Sholak Sports and Concert Complex (44 Abay Avenue), where the championships will take place from 19 to 30 September. It was attended by Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev, Akim of Almaty Darkhan Satybaldy, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, and President of KazChess Timur Turlov.
Welcoming the participants and guests of the championships, KazChess President Timur Turlov emphasised:
“Not a single chess tournament, and perhaps not a single sporting event in the history of our country, has ever brought together such a large line-up of participants. This is a truly historic moment for Kazakhstan’s chess and for our nation. But we welcome our guests not only as hosts, but also as one of the strongest chess powers in the world and the main favourite of the tournament.”
Following the musical and dance performances, the National Anthem of Kazakhstan and the FIDE anthem were performed by popular Kazakhstan’s artists.
Kosherbayev, Satybaldy, Dvorkovich and Turlov then approached the boards to make the ceremonial first moves for White and Black in the games Tumelo Lwenyeka (Zambia) vs Danis Kuandykuly (Kazakhstan, O12) and Zhansaya Sholpanbek (Kazakhstan) vs Emma Zhou (Australia, G12).
The presenters declared the championship open, and the first round began.
In total, from 19 to 30 September, 11 rounds will be played under the Swiss system with a classical time control of 90 + 30 (90 minutes per game with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from the first move).
At the conclusion of 11 rounds, world champions, silver medallists and bronze medallists will be determined in six age groups for boys (Open) and girls: O8, G8, O10, G10, O12 and G12.
The rest day is scheduled for 25 September. On this day, participants will be able to visit the Shymbulak ski resort – where a Minecraft-style chess knight unveiled on International Chess Day (20 July) serves as a reminder of the event – as well as take part in the World Chess Solving Championship and a blitz tournament with a $2,000 prize fund.
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