In August 2025, the World Schools Team Championship (WSTC) returns for its second-ever edition — and for the first time, the event will be hosted in the United States. Organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), and proudly supported by Freedom Holding Corp., the championship aims not only to unite young chess enthusiasts worldwide but also to explore the growing impact of chess on modern education.
Laying the Foundation
The inaugural WSTC was held in August 2023 in Aktau, Kazakhstan. Co-organized by FIDE and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation (KCF), the event brought together more than 400 students from 53 countries across four continents. Players competed in two age groups: under 12 and under 18.
The idea was born in April 2023, during the World Chess Championship match between Ian Nepomniachtchi and Ding Liren. At that time, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and Freedom Holding Corp. CEO Timur Turlov, who also leads the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, discussed new ways to make chess more accessible to younger generations. They agreed that cultivating a love for the game at an early age is essential for building a global chess culture rooted in strategy, learning, and discipline.
Inspired by Timur Turlov’s commitment to youth chess and his long-term vision, the project was rapidly developed and launched through a collaboration between KCF, FIDE, and Freedom Holding Corp. The success of the first edition laid the groundwork for its international expansion.
From Kazakhstan to Washington, D.C.
Building on the momentum of 2023, the 2025 edition of the WSTC promises to be even more ambitious. According to FIDE, this year’s championship will feature a record number of participating countries and teams.
“The inaugural edition in Kazakhstan was a huge success. In 2025, we’re taking it to the next level. We expect to welcome young chess players from every continent,” said FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky.
The tournament will be held from August 2 to 7 at the prestigious Episcopal High School, just outside downtown Washington, D.C. Teams were nominated by their national chess federations and represent leading educational institutions around the world.
This year’s host, the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), was officially founded in September 2024 following a proposal by Timur Turlov and formal endorsement from the FIDE General Assembly. The ISCF’s mission is to integrate chess into school curriculums globally and to unite national school chess associations under a shared vision. Turlov was appointed as the founding president of the ISCF.
“Behind every young chess player is a journey of effort, strategy, and curiosity. Though they come from different nations, they share a common passion for learning. We believe these stories deserve a global stage,” said Timur Turlov.
Chess as a Tool for Education
In addition to the main tournament, the first-ever Smart Moves Summit will take place from August 4–5, 2025. This educational forum is organized by ISCF and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, under the patronage of FIDE. It will explore how chess can enhance cognitive development, improve academic performance, and foster lifelong learning.
The Smart Moves Summit will gather educators, policymakers, chess professionals, and technology leaders to examine how chess can empower the next generation of strategic thinkers.
“At Freedom Holding Corp., we believe in supporting initiatives that open doors for future leaders. Backing the WSTC and Smart Moves Summit reflects our commitment to educational innovation and international cooperation,” said Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp.
A Global Platform for Young Talent
More than just a game, chess is becoming a universal language of logic, perseverance, and creativity. Through events like the World Schools Team Championship, Freedom Holding Corp. continues to champion opportunities for youth development and cross-border collaboration.
By supporting global educational and sports initiatives, Freedom Holding Corp. reinforces its mission to empower the next generation — not just in finance, but across society.