July 20th is a date circled on calendars by chess enthusiasts worldwide, marking International Chess Day. This annual celebration commemorates the founding of FIDE in 1924 and serves as a global reminder of the game`s enduring appeal and influence. Following FIDE`s significant centennial in 2024, which laid groundwork for the next hundred years, the focus for International Chess Day 2025 sharpens around the theme: `Every Move Counts`.
The 2025 theme isn`t just a nod to the strategic depth of chess, where a single pawn push can alter destiny. It extends metaphorically to life itself, suggesting that every decision, every action, contributes to our journey. This resonates deeply with FIDE`s `Year of Social Chess` initiative, which views the 64 squares not merely as a battlefield but as a powerful tool for positive social change – promoting inclusion, fostering education, empowering individuals, and supporting mental well-being.
Building on the momentum of 2024`s historic Guinness World Record, which saw over 7.28 million games played globally in 24 hours, 2025 aims to channel that collective energy into vibrant, widespread celebrations. These events are designed to be inclusive, engaging, and to vividly showcase how chess connects people across diverse backgrounds.
Unleash Your Inner Chess Artist: Creative Chess
For those who see the chessboard as a stage and the world as their backdrop, FIDE presents the `Creative Chess` challenge. This initiative encourages players to set up and capture a game in the most unusual or symbolic location imaginable. Think mountaintops, serene lakesides, bustling city landmarks, or perhaps even somewhere truly bizarre – the possibilities are as vast as human imagination (and health and safety regulations) allow.
Between July 10th and 20th, participants are invited to share photos or videos of their uniquely situated games using the hashtag #InternationalChessDay. It`s a chance to demonstrate the universal presence and playful spirit of chess to a global audience.
The Digital Arena: A Global Online Tournament
Complementing the real-world festivities is a major online event: a 24-hour blitz tournament co-hosted by FIDE and Lichess.org. Beginning at 00:00 CEST on July 20th and running until the same time on July 21st, this tournament welcomes players of all skill levels from every time zone. Participants can join and play as many games as they wish within the timeframe.
Beyond the sheer joy of playing, there are appealing incentives. A random draw among participants offers a chance to win prizes ranging from vouchers covering travel and accommodation for the opening of the World Chess Olympiad 2026 in Uzbekistan, to FIDE merchandise vouchers, exclusive chess books, and even online masterclasses or simul events with top Grandmasters. It`s set to be a significant digital gathering point for the chess community.
Impact Beyond the Board: Over-the-Board Events and Teaching
FIDE is also strongly encouraging national federations and local clubs to organize their own over-the-board events on July 20th. The emphasis here is on inclusivity, specifically reaching out to diverse communities such as seniors, refugees, youth from underserved areas, and individuals with disabilities. These events underscore chess`s power to transcend barriers and build meaningful connections face-to-face.
Sharing the stories and images from these community events on social media using hashtags like #FIDESocialChess highlights the tangible social impact of the game.
Perhaps the simplest, yet most profound, way to celebrate remains the `Teach Someone to Play Chess` initiative. Passing on the knowledge of the game to a friend, family member, colleague, or neighbor is a direct way to share its benefits and potentially spark a lifelong passion.
Every Move, Every Person Counts
Whether you choose to stage a game atop a local landmark, join the global online blitz, organize an event for your community, or simply teach someone the basic moves, your participation in International Chess Day 2025 contributes to the larger celebration. `Every Move Counts` – not just in the game, but in promoting its reach and positive influence across the world. Let`s make the 2025 celebration a testament to the transformative power of chess.
Gilbert Pendleton 
Marcus Blakely