The German Chess Federation (DSB) reported how €86,000 was raised for German GM Matthias Bluebaum to prepare for the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026. The information was published on the official DSB website on March 23.
The Federal Chancellery sent Matthias €36,000, the German Chess Federation contributed €25,000, and the Württemberg Chess Federation gave €1,500. €21,000 was raised through crowdfunding, and €2,500 came from the state program Spitzensportland Baden-Wurttemberg.
DSB Vice President of Finance Alexander von Gleich commented:
Alexander von Gleich
DSB Vice President of Finance“We wanted him to have opportunities comparable to his competitors, and at such a top tournament, that requires exactly this level of funding.
Matthias should simply play freely and perform at his best, having a good team around him.”
German entrepreneur and Freestyle Chess founder Jan Buettner provided his estate Weissenhaus, which hosted the FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship 2026, to Matthias Bluebaum’s team for a long training camp.
ChessBase provided Bluebaum and his seconds with free access to a supercomputer for preparation, and supported them with other products.
The FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 will take place from March 28 to April 16, at the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort in Pegeia, Cyprus. Matthias Bluebaum (2698) qualified by finishing 2nd at the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025.
Credit: ChessBase
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