Qazaq Queens Chess Fest
On March 7, 2025, Almaty became the center of the chess world. The city hosted the Qazaq Queens Chess Fest 2025, a women’s blitz tournament organized by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation (KazChess) with support from FIDE (International Chess Federation). The event, dedicated to International Women’s Day, brought together 95 players of all ages and skill levels, creating an exciting competition for the championship title.
More Than Just a Tournament
This was not just a chess event—it was a celebration of intelligence, strategy, and inspiration. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich officially opened the tournament, making the symbolic first move and highlighting the importance of women’s chess worldwide.
Later, he met with KazChess officials to discuss future projects in Kazakhstan and internationally. He also delivered a long-awaited lecture at NARXOZ University, sharing insights on chess and development.
Young Stars Shine
The tournament followed a 9-round Swiss system with a 3+2 time control. In an intense competition, 13-year-old WFM Aiaru Altynbek claimed victory with 8 points. Mariya Kholyavko took second place, while 11-year-old Zhansaya Sholpanbek finished third. All three winners are part of the Young Talent Support Programme.
The total prize fund was KZT 2 million (about $4,000), with the champion receiving KZT 500,000. Additional prizes were awarded to top performers in different age categories.
A Historic Year for Kazakhstan’s Chess
2024 was a record-breaking year for Kazakhstan’s chess players. The country won 160 international medals, including 55 golds. The most outstanding achievement was Kazakhstan’s women’s team winning silver at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest. These successes have inspired young female players, many of whom competed at the Qazaq Queens Chess Fest 2025.
Investing in Women’s Chess
Timur Turlov, President of KazChess, emphasized:
“Kazakhstan’s women are achieving new heights in chess. Their growing skills and victories are paving the way for our country to reach the top of world chess. We are committed to supporting them, nurturing their talents, and opening new career opportunities.”
Chess Meets Art
The festival also included an art exhibition featuring works by Kazakh artist Aituar Amirkhanova, exploring themes of women’s experiences and self-expression. A special guest, Inessa Nazarova, titleholder of Mrs. Supermodel Worldwide 2019, inspired participants with a motivational speech.
A Global Chess Movement
The Qazaq Queens Chess Fest 2025 was part of a worldwide initiative. On the same day, women’s chess tournaments took place in five countries:
- Wroclaw, Poland – IV Memoriał Apolonii Litwińskiej, honoring a Polish chess legend.
- Saint-Tropez, France – A simultaneous exhibition with 24 players led by the Ukrainian Prochaiev sisters, aged 15.
- Nairobi, Kenya – The 3rd Queens Rapid Chess Tournament, the largest women’s chess event in East Africa.
- Kampala, Uganda – The 4th Queens of Chess Rapid Tournament, featuring Africa’s top female players.
Kazakhstan continues to be a major hub for women’s chess, and this event strengthens the global movement uniting women through the game.
Women are changing the world of chess—and this is just the beginning.
Photos: FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
