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The International Chess Federation (FIDE) issued a comprehensive statement on Monday following the news that no agreement had been reached between FIDE and Freestyle Chess over the use of the “World Championship” term for their upcoming events.
This development comes after initial reports suggested that Freestyle Chess co-founder Jan Henric Buettner and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich were moving toward an amicable agreement. In March 2024, Magnus Carlsen, the World No. 1 chess player, along with Buettner, co-founded the Freestyle Chess Players’ Club (FCPC) and announced the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, which is set to begin on February 6.
FIDE's Strong Opposition to "World Championship" Term
Freestyle Chess organizers have expressed their intention to use the “World Championship” label for their tournament, but FIDE has firmly opposed this plan. In response, FIDE has urged players to sign a contract stating they will not participate in any non-FIDE World Championship events. Amid this controversy, Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand recently announced his withdrawal from the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour.
FIDE's Official Statement on the Matter
FIDE released a detailed statement addressing the ongoing discussions with Freestyle Chess. According to the global chess governing body:
“In recent days, FIDE has been engaged in extensive discussions with the 'Freestyle Chess Tour' regarding the potential recognition of their event as a World Championship. Despite our willingness to collaborate—including offering a waiver to the participants of the planned 2025 competition, waiving the fee for the 2025 edition, and requesting an end to unfounded accusations against FIDE and undermining classical chess—no agreement was reached."
The statement further emphasized that Freestyle Chess had chosen to not acknowledge FIDE’s authority over the World Championship title, opting instead to keep the tournament private and exclusive, featuring a selection of top players rather than adopting an open and transparent qualification process. FIDE expressed disappointment over this decision, stating:
“The 'Freestyle Chess Tour' has chosen not to acknowledge FIDE’s existing authority over the World Championship title and has opted to remain a privately organized tournament, primarily featuring hand-picked elite players, rather than an open and transparent qualification process.”
Players' Waiver Requirements and FIDE's Conditions
In light of this dispute, FIDE has requested that players sign a waiver by February 4, 2025, to remain eligible for the official FIDE World Championship cycle. The waiver does not impose new requirements on the players but grants them an exception to their existing contractual obligations with FIDE. FIDE explained:
“A true World Championship must be inclusive, with transparent qualification pathways that follow FIDE’s rules and regulations—established with the consensus of the global chess community—as seen in the FIDE World Championship cycle. Without these principles, the integrity of the title is at risk."
Additionally, FIDE specified that these restrictions would no longer apply if Freestyle Chess removes the “World Championship” label from their event. The statement concluded with FIDE’s stance on potential collaboration:
“However, if the 'Freestyle Chess Tour' removes the 'World Championship' title from their event, these restrictions will not apply. FIDE remains open to collaboration but we are firm in our commitment to protecting the integrity and history of the World Championship and the entire chess community.”
The Future of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour
The ongoing dispute leaves the future of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour uncertain. As the February 6 start date approaches, all eyes will be on whether Freestyle Chess will alter their approach to the title or continue with the use of the “World Championship” label, potentially causing further division within the global chess community.
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