Freedom Holding Corp joins forces with FIDE for 2026
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the investment company Freedom Holding Corp aimed at promoting chess globally, advancing its development, and making the game more accessible. Under the agreement, Freedom Holding Corp will act as an official partner of FIDE in its chess development programmes throughout 2026. More than a standard sponsorship deal, this move stands out as a strategic partnership designed to bring chess to broader audiences across different continents.
The memorandum sets out concrete support in four main areas. The parties will cooperate on the organisation and sponsorship of international, continental, and regional tournaments. In addition, financial and material assistance is planned for players, coaches, and training centres. In developing chess ecosystems in particular, such support can be crucial for building stronger tournament structures, expanding training opportunities, and helping young players prepare in a more professional environment. In chess, sustainable success does not depend only on elite grandmasters; it is rooted in steady investment that begins at the grassroots level.
Another key dimension of the agreement lies in chess education and talent scouting. Educational programmes backed by financial support are expected to help spread chess instruction in schools, clubs, and local centres. Likewise, initiatives focused on identifying talent could make it possible to spot promising players at an early age and support them with proper coaching, training camps, and competitive opportunities. This approach reflects a long-term vision aimed not merely at funding today’s tournaments, but at systematically developing the master-level players of tomorrow.
The cooperation period covers April 6 to December 31, 2026. However, both FIDE and Freedom Holding Corp see this memorandum as the first step toward a broader and longer-term partnership. Given that chess has gained fresh momentum in recent years through digital platforms, educational projects, and international events, it is clear that institutional partnerships of this kind play a critical role in expanding the game at every level. The commitment of both sides to work “in good faith” also signals the potential for lasting projects that can contribute meaningfully to chess development worldwide.