In August 2025, the World Schools Team Championship (WSTC) returns for its second edition in history and first in the United States
WORLD SCHOOLS CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP GOES GLOBAL
In August 2025, the World Schools Team Championship (WSTC) returns for its second edition in history and first in the United States. Organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), in collaboration with the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) and supported by Freedom Holding Corp., WSTC not only brings young players together for international chess exposure but also explores the role of chess in future education.
Building history
The inaugural WSTC was organized in August 2023 in Aktau, Kazakhstan, by FIDE and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation (KCF). The event brought together more than 400 students from 53 countries across four continents, competing in two age categories: up to 12 years old and 18 years old.
This idea came up in April 2023, when the two top players, Ian Nepomniachtchi and Ding Liren, were competing for the Chess Crown. During this time, the President of FIDE, Arkady Dvorkovich, and the President of KCF, as well as CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., Timur Turlov, talked about the ways to make chess more popular and agreed that the love for the game of chess should be instilled from childhood to help build culture, interest, and subsequent discipline.
Motivated by Timur Turlov’s passion for the game and willingness to support young chess players in Kazakhstan and worldwide, the initial concept evolved significantly. The project was launched in partnership with KCF and FIDE and was a great success.
The Great Return
Building on the energy and spirit of the 2023 event in Kazakhstan, this year’s championship promises even greater participation – with more countries, more teams, and more bright young talents coming together for a truly one-of-a-kind international competition, stated FIDE in its press release. “The inaugural edition in Kazakhstan was a huge success. In 2025, we’re taking it to the next level. We expect a record number of teams and look forward to welcoming young chess players from every continent”, noted Emil Sutovsky, CEO of FIDE.
The 2025 edition of the event will take place from 2 to 7 August at the renowned Episcopal High School, approximately 11 km south of downtown Washington, D.C. It is the first time WSTC is being held in the USA. The teams for the championship were nominated by their national federations, representing general educational institutions from all over the world.
The host federation of the event is the International School Chess Federation. The ISCF was launched in September 2024, after being proposed by Timur Turlov and endorsed by FIDE’s 2024 General Assembly as a new affiliated organization to FIDE. The mission of the Federation is to integrate chess into school systems worldwide and unite national school chess associations. After the launch, Turlov was appointed as the head of ISCF.
“Behind every young chess player is a story of effort and curiosity. Though they come from different countries, they share the love for learning, strategy, and challenge. We believe these stories deserve a global stage”, says Turlov.
Not Just a Game
Alongside the World Schools Team Championship, the Smart Moves Summit takes place for the first time. This educational conference will be held on 4–5 August 2025. Organized by the International School Chess Federation and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation under the patronage of FIDE, the event will explore how chess sharpens minds, fosters creativity and transforms learning in and beyond the classroom.
“Supporting the FIDE World Schools Team Championship and the Smart Moves Summit creates space for young minds to connect, grow, and be seen. At Freedom Holding, we’re proud to stand behind institutions that open opportunities for the next generation,” says Timur Turlov.