FIDE Elections 2026: Viswanathan Anand Steps Aside as Arkady Dvorkovich Begins Third-Term Bid for Chess Presidency

FIDE elections 2026 have entered a new phase after global chess body president Arkady Dvorkovich announced his decision to seek a third term, while Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand confirmed that he will not run for the deputy president position this time.

The decision reshapes the leadership race at the International Chess Federation (FIDE), where three major candidates are now competing for the top position. Alongside Dvorkovich, entrepreneurs Jan Buettner and Wadim Rosenstein have already announced their campaigns, making the upcoming election one of the most closely watched contests in recent chess administration history.

The elections are scheduled for September 26-27, 2026, during the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Viswanathan Anand steps away from FIDE deputy president race

Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world chess champion and one of India’s most respected sporting figures, had previously served as FIDE deputy president after winning the 2022 election alongside Dvorkovich.

However, Anand has decided not to seek another term in the same role. Instead, he indicated that he will continue contributing his experience and supporting initiatives aimed at expanding chess globally.

“I will continue supporting the campaign and contributing my experience to FIDE’s work, especially in helping emerging and developing federations grow the game,” Anand said.

Anand’s decision does not remove him from chess administration completely. His global reputation and experience are expected to remain valuable for FIDE’s development plans.

Arkady Dvorkovich launches third-term FIDE presidency bid

Arkady Dvorkovich has officially announced his attempt to secure another term as FIDE president.

Since taking charge of the organisation, Dvorkovich has focused on increasing chess visibility, expanding international competitions, and strengthening FIDE’s global presence.

For the upcoming election, Dvorkovich will contest with businessman Timur Turlov as his deputy presidential candidate.

Who is Timur Turlov and why is he part of Dvorkovich’s team?

Timur Turlov is a businessman and the founder and majority shareholder of Freedom Holding Corp. He is also involved in chess development through his role as president of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.

His inclusion signals Dvorkovich’s focus on combining chess administration experience with financial and organisational expertise.

The partnership comes as FIDE continues to explore ways to grow chess commercially while maintaining its traditional competitive structure.

Three-way battle for FIDE leadership begins

The 2026 election has developed into a competitive three-way race between Dvorkovich, Jan Buettner, and Wadim Rosenstein.

Each candidate represents a different vision for the future direction of global chess.

Jan Buettner’s campaign and Freestyle Chess influence

German entrepreneur Jan Buettner entered the chess ecosystem through his involvement in Freestyle Chess, a format promoted alongside world No.1 Magnus Carlsen.

Buettner has announced British International Master and tournament organiser Malcolm Pein as his deputy candidate.

His campaign has also been connected to discussions surrounding the future organisation of Freestyle Chess events and their relationship with traditional FIDE structures.

Wadim Rosenstein’s chess event background

Wadim Rosenstein has built his reputation through organising chess events and supporting competitive formats.

He has been associated with WR Chess and played a role in the development of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships.

His campaign focuses on private-sector involvement and modernising chess competitions.

Why the FIDE election matters for global chess

FIDE’s leadership decisions affect more than administrative matters. The organisation controls major areas including world championships, international rankings, player development, and federation support.

The election comes at a time when chess is experiencing rapid growth due to online platforms, streaming, and increased interest among younger audiences.

The next FIDE president will face important questions:

• How can chess continue growing worldwide?
• How should traditional tournaments adapt to modern audiences?
• How can developing chess nations receive stronger support?
• What role should private organisers play in global chess?

Comparison: Traditional FIDE approach vs new chess business models

Unique insight: Chess leadership is entering a new era

The 2026 election reflects a larger transformation in chess. The game is no longer limited to traditional tournaments; it has become a global entertainment product with online communities, sponsorship opportunities, and new competitive formats.

The challenge for FIDE will be finding the right balance between preserving chess traditions and embracing innovation.

Future outlook after Anand’s decision

Although Viswanathan Anand will not contest the deputy president position, his influence in global chess is expected to continue.

His role in promoting chess development, especially in emerging regions, remains significant.

Meanwhile, the election battle between Dvorkovich, Buettner, and Rosenstein will determine the direction of world chess leadership for the next term.

Conclusion

FIDE elections 2026 represent a major turning point for international chess. With Arkady Dvorkovich seeking another term and Viswanathan Anand stepping away from the deputy president race, the leadership landscape has changed significantly.

The contest will not only decide FIDE’s next president but also shape how chess evolves in an era of digital growth, new formats, and increasing global popularity.