Astana, Kazakhstan. Timur Turlov has announced his candidacy for the presidency of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), with the election scheduled for September 26 and 27, 2026, during the organisation’s General Assembly in Samarkand.
Election bid
Turlov, chief executive officer of Freedom Holding Corp. and president of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, said his candidacy reflected his engagement in FIDE’s strategic policy discussions and his intention to contribute to the sport’s development.
“A federation with a century of history now finds itself at a critical crossroads, and the progress we have achieved cannot be reversed but must instead be accelerated, given fresh momentum and carried forward,” Turlov said.
The General Assembly will be held alongside the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.
Chess roles in Kazakhstan and internationally
Turlov has led the Kazakhstan Chess Federation since 2023. He has overseen the modernisation of chess in the country and invested more than $75 million in its development.
During his tenure, Kazakhstan hosted the World Men’s Chess Championship and the World Team Rapid and Blitz Championship. Almaty is also preparing to host the World University Chess Championship.
Since 2024, Turlov has served as president of the International School Chess Federation, a role focused on chess in education and youth development.
Programme priorities
Turlov said his decision to seek the FIDE presidency was based on what he described as a responsibility to the global chess community rather than personal ambition.
“I have numerous ventures in my life through which I can apply my abilities as a businessperson and leader, yet this decision springs from something entirely different, as I firmly believe that world chess now has a unique opportunity to take the next major step in its development, and if my experience can be useful to the international chess community it becomes my responsibility to assume this role,” he said.
His programme focuses on digital transformation and artificial intelligence, the expansion of school chess, and the financial sustainability of national federations.
