The European Chess Union reported the passing of FIDE Vice President Georgios Makropoulos on Tuesday, September 15. Makropoulos was one of the most influential figures in Greek and international chess.

Georgios was one of the strongest Greek players during the 1970s and 1980s. He won the Greek Championship seven times: in 1971, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1980, and 1985.

Makropoulos served as the President of the Greek Chess Federation from 1982 until 2021. He contributed to hosting two Chess Olympiads in his native city of Thessaloniki in 1984 and 1988.

Georgios held various leadership positions in FIDE since 1986. He was FIDE Vice President from 1986 to 1990 and from 2022 to 2026. Makropoulos was FIDE Deputy President from 1996 to 2018.

Makropoulos was well known at major world tournaments and FIDE congresses. His long experience, organizational knowledge, and extensive network made him one of the key figures in the administration of international chess.

Credit: Sebastian Reuter