On May 28, 2025, the elegant ballroom of the Sheraton Astana Hotel became the gathering place for Kazakhstan’s brightest chess talents, coaches, veterans, arbiters, media professionals, and public officials. The occasion — the KazChess Awards 2025 — is the country’s most prestigious chess awards ceremony, honoring outstanding achievements and contributions to the development of chess over the past year, DKnews.kz reports.
Ruslan Mazunin/KazChess
Organized by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation (KCF), the event recognized not only victories on the board but also the dedication and passion behind them.
Chess as a National Legacy
Opening the evening, KCF President Timur Turlov emphasized the cultural and strategic importance of chess in Kazakhstan:
“Behind every award are thousands of hours of hard work, belief in oneself, and support from loved ones. These are stories of perseverance and the spirit of champions — stories that inspire. We honored not only achievements but also the journey of each laureate. Over the past year, we’ve proudly witnessed our players reach new heights, thanks not only to their talent and grit but also to the tireless efforts of coaches, organizers, and supporters who often remain behind the scenes,” said Turlov.
Ruslan Mazunin/KazChess
KazChess Awards 2025 Winners
This year’s ceremony featured 15 categories, each recognizing excellence across different aspects of the chess world. The full list of award recipients includes:
- Best International Debut – Nuraly Bolashakov
- Best Regional Chess Federation Branch – Aktobe Region, Gulkasima Suyentayeva
- Junior Player of the Year (Boys) – Mark Smirnov
- Junior Player of the Year (Girls) – Alanna Berikkyzy
- Outstanding Athlete (Special Needs) – Alimzhan Ayapov and Samazhan Kettebekov
- Veterans of the Year – Vladislav Nasybullin and Alfiya Torebayeva
- Best Arbiter – Serikbai Temirbayev
- Chess Ambassador of the Year – Ivan Chervinsky (@alga.peterburg)
- Media Partner of the Year – Arman Korzhumbayev, Delovoy Kazakhstan
- Team of the Year – Kazakhstan Women’s National Team:
Bibisara Assaubayeva, Meruert Kamalidenova, Kseniya Balabayeva, Alua Nurman, Amina Kairbekova; Coaches: Pavel Kotsur and Alexander Moiseenko - Best Male Player – Kazybek Nogerbek and his coach Yerzhan Shakenov
- Best Female Player – Bibisara Assaubayeva
- Best Coach – Pavel Kotsur
- President’s Special Award – Elnaz Qaliakhmet
Ruslan Mazunin/KazChess
Special Honors: The “ Umit” and “Dara” Orders
The ceremony also featured the presentation of public merit awards that highlight individual achievements with broader social and symbolic significance.
Ruslan Mazunin/KazChess
The “Umit” (“Hope”) Order was awarded to:
- Edgar Mamedov – at age 14, the youngest grandmaster in Kazakhstan’s history
- Mark Smirnov
- Alanna Berikkyzy
Ruslan Mazunin/KazChess
The “Dara” (“Unique”) Order was presented to:
- Bibisara Assaubayeva – the second female in Kazakhstan’s history to earn the male grandmaster title
- Meruert Kamalidenova, Kseniya Balabayeva, Alua Nurman, Amina Kairbekova
- Pavel Kotsur and Alexander Moiseenko
- Kazybek Nogerbek and Yerzhan Shakenov
These honors reflect not only personal excellence but also profound contributions to Kazakhstan’s chess identity and future.
Ruslan Mazunin/KazChess
A Night of Music and Unity
The awards evening wasn’t just about trophies — it was a true celebration. The musical atmosphere was set by BMP Live Band, along with a heartfelt performance of “Bul Omirde” by singer Marsel Alseitov, which resonated with the audience.
The night concluded with a vibrant confetti salute and a group photo, symbolizing the unity and camaraderie of Kazakhstan’s growing chess family.
The History of KazChess Awards
First established in 2023, the KazChess Awards has quickly become a cornerstone tradition in Kazakhstan’s sports calendar. The inaugural event in Almaty featured 9 categories, laying the groundwork for a culture of fair recognition, transparency, and encouragement.
Among the first winners were national chess icons such as Bibisara Assaubayeva, Rinat Jumabayev, Zhansaya Abdumalik, Dinara Saduakassova, and Kazybek Nogerbek.
In 2024, the number of categories expanded to 12, and in 2025 to 15 — a clear sign of the country’s growing investment in the game.
Notably, in just the past year alone, Kazakh chess players earned 160 medals in international competitions:
- 55 gold
- 54 silver
- 51 bronze
This record-setting performance reflects the steady rise of Kazakhstan as a formidable force in global chess.
Ruslan Mazunin/KazChess
Looking Ahead
The Kazakhstan Chess Federation has made it clear — the journey is far from over. Plans moving forward include:
- Supporting young talent
- Upgrading training infrastructure
- Expanding digital tools for chess education and competition
- Hosting high-profile international tournaments
KazChess Awards is more than an event — it’s a statement. A symbol of recognition, a source of inspiration, and a roadmap for excellence in the generations to come.
KazChess Awards 2025 proved that in Kazakhstan, chess is not just a game. It is a passion, a tradition, and a shared national pride.
