The International Chess Federation has introduced the FIDE Excellence Awards, a new program held every two years to honor standout achievements across the global chess community. The awards cover accomplishments from one Chess Olympiad to the next. The first ceremony is scheduled for September 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, during the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad.
Nomination Process and Categories
Nominations are open and can be submitted via the official awards website. Honors will be given in six regular categories and five discretionary categories, recognizing contributions both on and off the board.
FIDE says the initiative is intended to spotlight not only top-level competitive results but also tournament organization, federation initiatives, education, innovation, media work, and projects that deliver meaningful impact worldwide.
Entries must relate to achievements within the current Olympiad cycle. Multiple nominations are allowed across different categories, and each submission should include information describing the nominee’s accomplishments and influence.
Selection will unfold in three stages:
- Stage one runs from June 1 to June 30, 2026, when the chess community can submit nominations. The FIDE Excellence Awards Working Group will review entries and compile longlists.
- Stage two, from July 1 to July 15, 2026, sees the FIDE Excellence Awards Jury assess the longlists and choose official shortlists of ten nominees per category, to be published on July 15.
- In the final stage, the FIDE Excellence Awards Panel will vote to decide the winners, who will be revealed at the ceremony in Samarkand in September 2026.
The program aims to recognize world-class players, emerging creators, high-performing federations, and initiatives that use chess to drive positive social outcomes, celebrating excellence across the sport’s global community.
For more information about the FIDE Excellence Awards and to submit nominations, visit the official FIDE website today.