The First Continental Chess Championships for Prisoners took place from May 13 to 23, 2025. This event marked a significant step in the FIDE Chess for Freedom initiative by bringing the competition to a continental level for the first time. A total of 77 teams from across the globe participated, providing incarcerated individuals with a unique opportunity to engage in organized, high-level chess competition. Hosted under the guidance of FIDE, the championships highlighted the growing positive influence of chess programs within correctional facilities worldwide.
The tournament was managed by an experienced team of officials. International Arbiter Nebojsa Baralic from Serbia served as the Chief Arbiter, with Ana Srebrnic from Slovenia as Deputy Arbiter, and Sabrina de San Vicente from Uruguay as Chief Fair Play Officer. The event`s successful organization was overseen by International Organizer Mikhail Korenman from Chicago, whose commitment was instrumental in bringing this ambitious project to fruition.
Africa
The African Continental Championship was the first competition held. It included 11 teams from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya, and Ghana. Zimbabwe excelled, securing first place in both the Open and women`s sections. Zimbabwe has consistently demonstrated high performance in Chess for Freedom events, having participated in every edition over the past four years and earning a silver medal at the inaugural Intercontinental Championship in 2021. Supported strongly by their National Chess Federation, Zimbabwe remains a leading participant on the African continent.
In Ghana, a successful program led by David Acheampong made a notable impact, entering three youth teams that finished first and third. Kenya`s participation included both female and youth teams, reflecting the country`s increasing dedication to the Chess for Freedom initiative. Special acknowledgment is due to the Malawi Chess for Freedom program, which receives support from the nonprofit organization Gift of Chess. Through its collaboration with the Malawi National Prison Services, the program has expanded nationwide. Malawi achieved second place across all three categories—Open, Women, and Youth—showing significant progress, largely thanks to the efforts of Susan Namangale, who directs the initiative in Malawi and across the continent.
Americas
The American Continental Championship featured 19 teams from across the continent. El Salvador`s men`s and women`s teams maintained their excellent form from the 2024 Intercontinental event, where they achieved podium finishes, by winning first place in both sections. Colombia earned the bronze medal in the Open section. Trinidad and Tobago entered teams in all three categories and claimed victory in the Youth section. The US women`s team, benefiting from a growing Chess for Freedom program in Kansas, secured second place. Mexico, which recently organized its own National Championship for Prisoners with 17 participating teams and hosted a workshop to introduce the Chess for Freedom program to other Latin American countries, finished third in the women`s section.
Europe
Europe was represented by the largest group, with 24 teams participating. Serbia`s national team emerged victorious in the Open section, followed by Armenia in second place. In the women`s section, Ukraine took first place, with Latvia and Slovenia finishing second and third, respectively. The Youth section saw England triumph, ahead of Ukraine in second and Latvia in third.
Australia
Two closely matched teams from the Australian continent competed throughout the tournament. The more experienced Australian team ultimately won the continental title.
Asia
In Asia, Mongolia dominated the Open section, with India and Iran placing second and third. The Indian teams led the women`s section, while Kyrgyzstan secured third place. Repeating their success from the 2024 Intercontinental Championships, India claimed both top spots in the Youth section. The Iranian youth team finished third.
The First Continental Chess Championships for Prisoners represented a significant step forward in FIDE`s mission to use chess as a tool for social development and rehabilitation. By offering incarcerated individuals a platform for high-level competition, the championships demonstrated the unifying and transformative capabilities of the game. With this momentum, attention now shifts to the Fifth Intercontinental Chess Championship for Prisoners, scheduled for October 14–16, 2025.
Elton Marrow