FIDE Extends Bidding Deadline for 2030 Chess Olympiad
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has officially extended the bidding deadline for hosting the 2030 Chess Olympiad until September 1, 2026. The decision was made after several national federations requested more time to secure the necessary funding for their bids.
A Global Celebration of Chess
The Chess Olympiad is the biggest team event in the chess world. The tournament lasts for 15 days, including arrival and departure days, and brings together thousands of players, officials, and fans from across the globe.
The most recent Chess Olympiad was held in Budapest, Hungary. It saw massive participation from around the world. A total of 188 federations registered teams in the Open section, while 169 federations competed in the Women’s section. These numbers highlight the truly global nature of the event.
Additional Events During the Olympiad
The host of the 2030 Chess Olympiad will also organize two important events alongside the main tournament:
- FIDE Chess Olympiad 2030 – Competition for People with Disabilities
- FIDE Congress 2030
Organizers of the disability competition must be prepared to host at least 100 teams. The selected host city will be responsible for conducting all three events successfully.
Growing Importance of the Olympiad
FIDE now includes more than 200 member federations, and the organization continues to grow every year.
As chess expands worldwide, the Chess Olympiad becomes larger and more significant with each edition. Organizers are encouraged to provide facilities that can accommodate the maximum possible number of teams.
Regulations for the Event
The official regulations for the 2030 Olympiad competitions will be approved by September 30, 2026. The regulations will largely follow the structure used for the 2028 FIDE Chess Olympiad.
Hosting requirements for the FIDE Congress 2030 will also be included in the official guidelines.
Who Can Apply to Host?
Any FIDE member federation can submit a bid. An organizer approved by a national federation is also eligible to apply. Bidders planning to host additional FIDE events along with the Olympiad may receive priority during the selection process.
Bidding Process
Complete bid applications must be submitted to office@fide.com by June 15, 2026, at 18:00 CET. Applications must follow the official format and include all required documents.
The organizer’s responsibilities, including financial commitments, will be detailed in the final regulations and additional conditions.
Final Host Selection
The final decision on the host city will be made during the FIDE General Assembly at the next Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in September 2026.
The applicant receiving the highest number of votes will earn the right to organize the prestigious 2030 Chess Olympiad. Hosting the Chess Olympiad is a major opportunity for any nation to showcase its passion for chess on the world stage.
Photos: FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
