Every year on July 20th, the global chess community comes together to celebrate International Chess Day, marking the founding of FIDE in 1924. The previous year, 2024, was a significant milestone – FIDE`s centennial anniversary, which not only celebrated a century of chess history but also set the direction for the next hundred years. A key outcome of that celebration is FIDE`s reinforced dedication to long-term objectives, spanning from worldwide growth and better accessibility to enhancing chess`s positive influence on society.
For 2025, FIDE has launched the `Year of Social Chess`, an initiative focused on leveraging the game as a means for inclusion, education, empowerment, and mental wellness. The chosen theme for International Chess Day 2025, `Every Move Counts`, serves as a powerful reminder that in chess, just as in life, every decision we make shapes our journey.
In 2024, as part of the centenary commemoration, the global chess community achieved a Guinness World Record for the most chess games played within 24 hours, totaling over 7.28 million games across more than 350 events worldwide. In 2025, the aim is to maintain this momentum through widespread celebrations, inclusive events, and creative storytelling that highlights chess`s unique power to connect people.
Creative Chess
FIDE encourages chess enthusiasts everywhere to participate in promoting the game in the most imaginative ways possible. It`s time to engage in Creative Chess.
Set up a game in an unusual or symbolic location you can imagine – perhaps on a mountaintop, underwater, at a local landmark, or any other creative setting. Host your game or tournament between July 10th and 20th, and share your photos or videos using the hashtag #InternationalChessDay. Alternatively, you can send them to the designated FIDE email address. Your content has the potential to be seen globally and featured on FIDE`s social media channels and during their YouTube broadcast on July 20th.
Let`s demonstrate to the world just how vibrant, enjoyable, and limitless chess can be.
Global Online Tournament with Lichess.org
Join the largest-ever `Social Chess Day` online blitz tournament, co-hosted by FIDE and Lichess.org. This 24-hour event features a 5+3 time control and begins at 00:00 CEST (Zurich time) on July 20th, concluding at 00:00 CEST on July 21st. Players of all skill levels are invited to participate from any time zone and can join at any point, playing as many games as they wish.
All participants will be entered into random prize draws, with potential rewards including:
- Vouchers for attending the Opening Ceremony and the first round of the World Chess Olympiad 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan (includes two nights of hotel accommodation).
- Gift vouchers for FIDE merchandise (€100 value).
- Copies of the exclusive chess photography book “Chess Players.”
- Access to a group or individual online masterclass with a top Grandmaster.
- Invitations to participate in a top-GM online simul on Lichess.
Global Over-the-Board Events
We strongly encourage national federations and local organizers to set up inclusive, in-person chess events on July 20th. These events could involve various community groups, such as seniors, refugees, young people from underserved areas, or individuals with disabilities. Such gatherings effectively showcase how chess breaks down barriers and builds connections between people from different backgrounds.
Please share the stories and photos from your events on social media by tagging FIDE and FIDE Social Commission and using hashtags such as #FIDESocialChess, #FIDESocialChessAward, #SocialChess, and #SocialChessDay.
`Teach Someone to Play Chess` Initiative
One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to celebrate International Chess Day is by teaching someone how to play. Whether it’s a friend, a sibling, a neighbor, or a colleague, pass on the wonderful gift of chess. Your single action could inspire the start of their lifelong journey with the game.
Let`s Make Every Move Count
Whether you introduce someone to chess, organize a community event, or share your own chess story with the world – your participation makes a difference. Together, let`s celebrate the truly transformative power of chess on International Chess Day 2025.
Gideon Holt 
Elton Marrow