Checkmate: The World Schools Team Championship Has Come to a Glorious End!
The 2025 World School Team Championship has officially come to a thrilling close, marking the end of a tournament that captivated the global chess community with its intensity, brilliance, and unyielding spirit.
Over the course of the tournament, young chess talents from around the globe demonstrated exceptional skill, focus, and resilience. These players were not merely competitors, they displayed the mindset and discipline of professionals, challenging themselves and one another at the highest level of play. Every move conveyed a story of commitment, strategy, and an unrelenting drive to excel.
The tournament was organized by the International School Chess Federation in collaboration with FIDE, and hosted at Episcopal High School.
"When I think about the events which took place over the past few days - about this championship and the Smart Moves Summit – I feel a profound sense of hope. Thanks to the initiative and generous support of Timur Turlov and Freedom Holding, we have started a new chapter for chess. This project is about more than just games – it's about making chess a fundamental part of education for every child and young person.”– said Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE, during the closing ceremony. This is an opportunity for a groundbreaking change in both chess and education, and FIDE is fully committed to this goal. I am delighted to announce that this is why I will strongly recommend to the FIDE Council to make 2026 the Year of Chess in Schools. This is our commitment to a new generation, and our promise to help build a smarter, more thoughtful world."
From the first opening to the final checkmate, each round was fiercely contested. With stakes high and pressure mounting, participants consistently rose to the occasion, delivering performances that impressed even the most seasoned observers.
After a week of intense competition and inspiring sportsmanship, Team India emerged as the champions of the International School Chess Teams Championship, claiming the first-place trophy with remarkable poise and strategic brilliance. Kazakhstan secured a well-deserved second place, showcasing exceptional teamwork and talent throughout the tournament. The United States rounded out the podium in third place, delivering strong performances on home soil and demonstrating the growing strength of scholastic chess across the country.
In addition to the team triumphs, the championship celebrated exceptional individual performances across all five boards. On Board 1, Gabriel Gabadadze of Georgia secured first place, followed by Kirill Gorkov of Estonia in second, and Edgar Mamedov of Kazakhstan in third. Board 2 honors went to Imangali Akhilbay of Kazakhstan (1st), Lionel Gut of Switzerland (2nd), and Aljaz Svecko of Slovenia (3rd). On Board 3, Edisa Berdibaeva of Kyrgyzstan took the top spot, with Tori Porat of the United States and Zarina Nurgaliyeva of Kazakhstan close behind. Board 4 was led by A R Ilamparthi of India, followed by Murodali Saifiev of Tajikistan and Aida Alvanjyan of Armenia. Finally, among reserves, Pranav K P of India earned first place, with Teodor Malaschitz of Slovakia in second and Arnav Solan of the United States in third.
US Chess Board Member, David Hater, in his address expressed his gratitute to Freedom Corporation, and the CEO Timur Turlov: "His commitment has made this event a success."
As the event draws to a close, the achievements of these young players stand as a testament to their preparation, perseverance, and passion for the game. Beyond titles and trophies, they have set new benchmarks for excellence, inspiring peers and spectators around the world. The championship showcased not only emerging talent, but also the strength of international camaraderie and sportsmanship.
“This championship has shown that chess is a true global language - one that unites young minds, schools, and entire nations,” noted Timur Turlov, President of International School Chess Federation. He added: “We are proud that over 50 teams from across the world came together not only to compete, but to learn from each other, to build friendships, and to grow. I’m especially happy that our newly formed International School Chess Federation was able to organize this World Championship and host the Smart Moves Summit in its very first year. I truly believe this is just the beginning. My sincere thanks to FIDE and all our partners for their trust and support — together, we are shaping the future of chess in education.”
Alongside the championship, the 2-days Smart Moves Summit brought together global experts, educators, and ministers to discuss the role of chess in modern education and its integration into national curricula.
As the general partner of the championship, Freedom Holding Corp. continued its tradition of supporting meaningful initiatives that connect countries and inspire young minds through the power of chess and education.
Congratulations are extended to all participants, coaches, and teams whose efforts contributed to the success of this memorable event. With such remarkable talent on display, the future of chess appears exceptionally bright!
Until next time, the game goes on.
Over the course of the tournament, young chess talents from around the globe demonstrated exceptional skill, focus, and resilience. These players were not merely competitors, they displayed the mindset and discipline of professionals, challenging themselves and one another at the highest level of play. Every move conveyed a story of commitment, strategy, and an unrelenting drive to excel.
The tournament was organized by the International School Chess Federation in collaboration with FIDE, and hosted at Episcopal High School.
"When I think about the events which took place over the past few days - about this championship and the Smart Moves Summit – I feel a profound sense of hope. Thanks to the initiative and generous support of Timur Turlov and Freedom Holding, we have started a new chapter for chess. This project is about more than just games – it's about making chess a fundamental part of education for every child and young person.”– said Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE, during the closing ceremony. This is an opportunity for a groundbreaking change in both chess and education, and FIDE is fully committed to this goal. I am delighted to announce that this is why I will strongly recommend to the FIDE Council to make 2026 the Year of Chess in Schools. This is our commitment to a new generation, and our promise to help build a smarter, more thoughtful world."
From the first opening to the final checkmate, each round was fiercely contested. With stakes high and pressure mounting, participants consistently rose to the occasion, delivering performances that impressed even the most seasoned observers.
After a week of intense competition and inspiring sportsmanship, Team India emerged as the champions of the International School Chess Teams Championship, claiming the first-place trophy with remarkable poise and strategic brilliance. Kazakhstan secured a well-deserved second place, showcasing exceptional teamwork and talent throughout the tournament. The United States rounded out the podium in third place, delivering strong performances on home soil and demonstrating the growing strength of scholastic chess across the country.
In addition to the team triumphs, the championship celebrated exceptional individual performances across all five boards. On Board 1, Gabriel Gabadadze of Georgia secured first place, followed by Kirill Gorkov of Estonia in second, and Edgar Mamedov of Kazakhstan in third. Board 2 honors went to Imangali Akhilbay of Kazakhstan (1st), Lionel Gut of Switzerland (2nd), and Aljaz Svecko of Slovenia (3rd). On Board 3, Edisa Berdibaeva of Kyrgyzstan took the top spot, with Tori Porat of the United States and Zarina Nurgaliyeva of Kazakhstan close behind. Board 4 was led by A R Ilamparthi of India, followed by Murodali Saifiev of Tajikistan and Aida Alvanjyan of Armenia. Finally, among reserves, Pranav K P of India earned first place, with Teodor Malaschitz of Slovakia in second and Arnav Solan of the United States in third.
US Chess Board Member, David Hater, in his address expressed his gratitute to Freedom Corporation, and the CEO Timur Turlov: "His commitment has made this event a success."
As the event draws to a close, the achievements of these young players stand as a testament to their preparation, perseverance, and passion for the game. Beyond titles and trophies, they have set new benchmarks for excellence, inspiring peers and spectators around the world. The championship showcased not only emerging talent, but also the strength of international camaraderie and sportsmanship.
“This championship has shown that chess is a true global language - one that unites young minds, schools, and entire nations,” noted Timur Turlov, President of International School Chess Federation. He added: “We are proud that over 50 teams from across the world came together not only to compete, but to learn from each other, to build friendships, and to grow. I’m especially happy that our newly formed International School Chess Federation was able to organize this World Championship and host the Smart Moves Summit in its very first year. I truly believe this is just the beginning. My sincere thanks to FIDE and all our partners for their trust and support — together, we are shaping the future of chess in education.”
Alongside the championship, the 2-days Smart Moves Summit brought together global experts, educators, and ministers to discuss the role of chess in modern education and its integration into national curricula.
As the general partner of the championship, Freedom Holding Corp. continued its tradition of supporting meaningful initiatives that connect countries and inspire young minds through the power of chess and education.
Congratulations are extended to all participants, coaches, and teams whose efforts contributed to the success of this memorable event. With such remarkable talent on display, the future of chess appears exceptionally bright!
Until next time, the game goes on.
