In a world often dominated by kinetic strategy, the 35th NATO Chess Championship offered a fascinating glimpse into a different kind of military might: intellectual prowess. Held from August 18 to 22, 2025, at the esteemed Polish Air Force University in Dęblin, Poland, this event brought together 115 players from across NATO nations. The air, thick with anticipation and the scent of freshly polished pieces, was charged with the silent battles of minds, culminating in a triumphant victory for Turkey.
A Gathering of Minds in Dęblin
The championship, a unique confluence of military discipline and strategic thinking, commenced with an opening ceremony that set a tone of both gravitas and lighthearted surprise. Brigadier General Pil. Dr. Krzysztof Cur, Commander of the Polish Air Force University, greeted participants. His introduction as “His Magnificence” – a title rarely heard in military sports – certainly became the day`s unofficial talking point, adding a touch of academic grandeur to the proceedings.
General Cur highlighted 2025 as a milestone year for the academy, marking its 100th anniversary. Radosław Jedynak, President of the Polish Chess Federation, then underscored the significant contributions of Colonel Sławomir Kędzierski to military chess, honoring him with a gold medal. Colonel Kędzierski himself emphasized Poland`s strong chess tradition and the invaluable role of chess in training “the most important organ in our body – the brain.” He concluded with a poignant reminder: “We are stronger and safer when we stand together,” perfectly encapsulating the dual spirit of the competition: sporting excellence intertwined with NATO unity.
Turkey`s Tactical Triumph
From the outset, the Turkish team emerged as the clear favorites, spearheaded by the formidable Grandmaster Batuhan Daştan, boasting a FIDE rating of 2562. Their performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of dominant, as they systematically outmaneuvered their opponents. With a remarkable 23 points in the team standings, Turkey secured the gold medal, a testament to their exceptional skill, preparation, and strategic depth.
Germany`s Resilient Campaign
While Turkey celebrated their victory, the battle for the silver medal was fiercely contested. Germany, a nation with a deep-rooted and celebrated chess tradition, ultimately clinched second place with 19.5 points, fending off strong challenges from Poland and the USA. This achievement was particularly notable given that the German team was competing without two of their top players. It served as a powerful reaffirmation of Germany`s enduring strength in the chess world, a country that consistently ranks among the top nations for its number of Grandmasters (96 registered in June 2025) and boasts one of the largest national chess associations, the German Chess Federation (DSB), with over 90,000 members.
A Grandmaster`s Glimpse: Interview with FM Robert Stein
We had the opportunity to speak with FM Robert Stein, one of the German Armed Forces team`s strongest members, to gain insights into their performance and his personal experience at the championship.
Q: Congratulations on another strong performance. Germany`s silver medal is impressive – how did the team feel given its history with gold medals?
Robert Stein: We always strive for gold, but we knew Turkey had an exceptionally strong team. Plus, we were missing two of our top players. To climb from third place before the final round to finish second was both a relief and a confirmation of our strength. It shows our resilience.
Q: How did you personally prepare for the championship?
Robert Stein: I train consistently throughout the year. Interestingly, just two weeks before the event, I won a GM round-robin tournament and achieved my second International Master (IM) norm – just half a point shy of the Grandmaster norm. So, I entered the championship with significant momentum.
Q: Is there a particular game that you would highlight?
Robert Stein: Absolutely. In Round 5, playing Marcin Pietruszewski from Poland with the Black pieces, we entered a Queen`s Gambit Declined. I managed to launch a fierce attack on the kingside, advancing to h3 and culminating in a checkmate. It was a classic, sporting finish that I`m quite proud of.
Q: Long games can be exhausting – how do you stay mentally fit?
Robert Stein: Hydration is key – I drink a lot. I also take short walks during breaks to clear my head. Ultimately, I rely heavily on my physical fitness. Training helps me maintain mental alertness during those extended, demanding games. It`s a stark reminder that even intellectual battles require a strong physical foundation.
Q: What would you do if you could change one rule or format?
Robert Stein: I would allow an additional 10 minutes after the 40th move. This small tweak, I believe, would significantly improve the overall quality of the endgame phase, giving players more time to craft truly elegant finishes.
Q: Looking to the future – what will you take with you into the next year?
Robert Stein: We are already preparing! We intend to win back the gold medal next year. It`s a clear declaration of intent from the German team.
Beyond the Board: Unity and Legacy
The closing ceremony, overseen by Brigadier General Hendrik Steffers from the Netherlands, marked not just the end of the competition but also a symbolic passing of the torch. The tournament`s distinctive Viking ship symbol was handed over to Latvia, the designated host country for the 2026 championship.
Since its establishment in 1989, the NATO Chess Championship has consistently served as more than just a competition. It is a unique platform for strategic engagement, alliance building, and fostering camaraderie among military personnel from diverse backgrounds. Germany`s performance this year, demonstrating resilience even without key players, underscores the enduring spirit of competition and collaboration that defines this remarkable event. The silent battles fought on the 64 squares continue to strengthen bonds and sharpen the minds that safeguard our collective security.
Marcus Blakely 
Gilbert Pendleton