**Timur Turlov Elected FIDE President, First Kazakh to Lead World Chess**
Timur Turlov has been elected as the new President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), making history as the first Kazakh national to hold this prestigious position. Turlov secured his election during a second-round runoff vote at the FIDE General Assembly, which took place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, coinciding with the Chess Olympiad.
Running on a joint ticket with five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand, who will serve as Deputy President, Turlov's election marks a significant milestone for Kazakhstan's burgeoning chess community and the broader Central Asian chess movement. His term will last for four years, extending through 2030.
Turlov is well-known in the business world as the founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., a Nasdaq-listed financial services and technology group. The company has established a presence across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, focusing on digitalizing brokerage, banking, and fintech platforms. In addition to his corporate role, Turlov has been actively involved in chess governance, having served as the President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation since 2023.
In his vision for FIDE, Turlov emphasized the importance of unity among member federations and the need for modernization within the organization. "The biggest dream we’re all working toward is getting closer to the Olympic programme. I want real unity within FIDE, with every federation seeing, over these next four years, the difference we can make together," he stated. He aims to enhance FIDE's professionalism, modernize its operations, and raise its global influence, leveraging his expertise in digitalization to build a robust platform for the chess community.
Turlov's election is particularly significant for Cyprus, where Freedom24, the European arm of Freedom Holding Corp., became the main partner of the Cyprus Chess Federation in 2023. This partnership has led to the organization of 26 chess tournaments on the island, including two stages of the FIDE Women’s World Grand Prix in Nicosia and the Candidates Tournament, which featured a €1 million prize fund. Additionally, the Freedom24 Chess Academy was inaugurated in Limassol in March 2025, contributing to the growing interest in chess among the local population, particularly among children.
As part of his campaign, Turlov has pledged over $8.5 million towards FIDE’s development, creating a dedicated multi-year fund separate from the federation's operating budget. This initiative aims to double the resources available to national federations and streamline access to grants. A key aspect of his program is the establishment of a unified platform for FIDE that would allow players to maintain a single profile encompassing ratings, online play, and educational tools. This approach mirrors the strategy that has propelled Freedom Holding Corp.'s growth by connecting international markets through technology.
In addition to promoting chess in education, Turlov has committed to enhancing governance within FIDE. His plans include regular publication of FIDE's financial statements and major commercial agreements, the introduction of independent external audits, and the appointment of specialists based on merit. He also aims to involve experts from around the world in FIDE's commissions, thereby strengthening the organization’s global outreach.
Furthermore, Turlov has promised to provide dedicated staff to assist national federations in securing sponsorships, navigating government partnerships, and gaining international media exposure. He has also prioritized the implementation of stronger anti-cheating measures to maintain the integrity of the game.
With Anand's extensive experience as Deputy President, having served in the role since 2022, the new administration is poised to bring continuity and deep institutional knowledge to FIDE. The Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE), based in Switzerland, serves as the global governing body for chess, representing approximately 200 member federations worldwide.
As Turlov embarks on his presidency, the chess community will be watching closely to see how his initiatives unfold and contribute to the growth and modernization of chess on a global scale.