Stockholm becomes a meeting point for the chess world
On April 18 at Avicii Arena in Stockholm, the second day of Sweden’s Chess Party brought together different generations of the chess community under one roof. From rising young talents to seasoned masters, and global names such as Magnus Carlsen, Judit Polgar, Levy Rozman, Pia Cramling, Anna Cramling and Andrea Botez, the event turned into a showcase of modern chess at its broadest. With 25 events across two days and more than 7,000 participants, the festival has quickly emerged as one of the most vibrant and high-energy gatherings on the international chess calendar.
One of the highlights of the day was the Little Star Girls Blitz, a tournament dedicated to girls under 18. Opened by Swedish Grandmaster Pia Cramling, the blitz event stood out for its warm atmosphere, placing encouragement alongside competition. The goal was not only to fight for standings, but also to help young girls build a positive connection with chess, gain tournament experience, and feel like a natural part of the chess community. This approach closely reflects the broader international initiative led by the FIDE Women’s Commission, which aims to inspire more girls around the world to discover and enjoy the game.
Running at the same time, the Queen’s Party was one of the clearest expressions of the festival’s inclusive spirit. Open to women of all levels, from complete beginners to those eager to improve, the event showed that chess is not reserved for elite competitors alone, but belongs equally to anyone willing to learn and grow. Between rounds, participants were treated to a talk by Judit Polgar, widely regarded as one of the greatest female players in history. Her presence carried both inspiration and symbolism, especially for younger players, as her career long ago proved that gender barriers in chess can be challenged and overcome.
Another major pillar of the festival was a large open tournament featuring around 1,000 players. Open regardless of age, rating, experience, or previous achievements, it highlighted the universal nature of chess. The event’s educational and grassroots dimension was further reinforced by Schackfyran. Considered one of the world’s largest class chess competitions, it is built on the idea that every student matters; each year, around 25,000 fourth-grade pupils from more than 1,000 classes take part. This clearly shows how Sweden positions chess not only as a competitive sport, but also as a tool for education, social interaction, and inclusion.
Chess Party was far more than a stage for famous names. It also stood out as an important project for expanding chess at the grassroots level, increasing access for women and children, and allowing the next generation to share the same space as role models. With world champions and leading online personalities on one side, and children setting up the pieces for the first time on the other, the festival offered an encouraging picture of chess’s future. Stockholm’s celebration made it clear that contemporary chess is no longer confined to tournament halls alone, but is increasingly growing into a cultural event capable of bringing large communities together.