Durrës, Albania, welcomed the world’s top youth chess players this week as the 2025 FIDE World Youth Chess Championship for the U14, U16, and U18 categories officially opened at the Grand Blue Fafa Resort. Hundreds of players, coaches, and guests from multiple countries are set for two weeks of competition on the Adriatic coast.
Significance of the Championship
Organized by the Albanian Chess Federation in partnership with FIDE, the championship is being presented by organizers as one of the most significant sporting events hosted in Albania, underscoring the country’s growing role in international chess and its drive to develop young talent.
The opening ceremony brought together senior figures from sport and government, including Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board; Erald Dervishi, President of the Albanian Chess Federation; Eduart Shalsi, Honorary President of the Federation; Fatos Çerenishti, a Federation board member; Safije Sadiki Shaini, Deputy Minister of Sports of North Macedonia; and Endri Hoxha, Albania’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports.
Speakers thanked FIDE and the European Chess Union for their support and framed the event as a springboard for expanding chess across Albania. They highlighted the role of youth championships in building the sport’s future and emphasized fair play, friendship, and discipline. Organizers also pointed to ongoing efforts to grow chess culture nationwide, while government representatives noted the unifying power of sport and the value of international cooperation in youth development.
With the tournament now underway, young competitors from around the world will test their skills in Durrës, turning the city into a focal point for youth chess and reaffirming Albania’s ambitions on the global chess stage. This championship not only showcases emerging talent but also positions Albania as a key player in fostering the next generation of chess champions.