"FIDE should become one of the world's most respected institutions in international sport!" — Wadim Rosenstein Runs for FIDE Presidency

Wadim Rosenstein

WR Chess CEO, entrepreneur

“Dear chess friends, today, I am announcing my candidacy for the presidency of FIDE.

I love chess. It has shaped my life, my way of thinking, and even the way I built my businesses. Chess deserves an organization that matches its greatness.

Today, FIDE has many dedicated people working hard for our sport. But dedication alone is not enough. We need stronger leadership, professional governance, faster decision-making, and a clear vision for the future. Our national federations deserve a governing body that listens, supports, innovates, and delivers.

That is why I have decided to run for President of FIDE. I am proud to do so together with my running mate, Gordon Tang. Together, we have built international companies, managed large organizations, attracted investment, and led teams across the world. We understand how successful organizations grow, how they create opportunities, and how they deliver results. It is time to bring this experience to FIDE.

Chess has enormous untapped potential. We must strengthen communication, modernize our digital infrastructure, attract new sponsors, improve marketing, invest in education, support our federations more effectively, and build a truly global chess ecosystem.

My vision is clear: FIDE should become one of the world’s most respected institutions in international sport. And my goal is non-negotiable: FIDE needs to empower every one of its member federations.

In the coming weeks, we will present a comprehensive programme with concrete proposals and measurable objectives. We will also introduce a diverse international team of experienced professionals, grandmasters, business leaders, investors, and respected public figures who believe that chess deserves more.

We will work to strengthen every federation, create new opportunities for players of every level, develop exciting new competition formats, increase investment in chess worldwide, and continue pursuing our long-term goal of bringing chess into the Olympic Games.

This election is not about personalities. It is about the future of chess. The time has come to think bigger. The time has come to lead better. The time has come for change.

I invite every federation, every player, every organizer, and every chess supporter to join us. Together, we will build the future of chess.”