Timur Turlov is making a move for the top job in global chess. The fintech entrepreneur has announced his candidacy for FIDE President, with five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand running alongside him for Deputy President, DKNews.kz reports.
The ticket combines business leadership with elite chess experience. Turlov is offering financial strength and digital transformation, while Anand brings the authority of one of the game’s most respected champions.
Why Turlov wants to lead FIDE
Chess is enjoying a global surge. Online platforms have attracted millions of new players, school programmes have expanded the audience, and tournaments have become major digital products.
FIDE now faces a different challenge: turning that momentum into lasting development. National federations need stronger funding, modern technology, better competitions and equal access to resources.
“Strong Member Federations are the foundation of a strong FIDE,” Turlov said.
Turlov is the Founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. and President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. He also serves as President of the International School Chess Federation and Chairman of the Chess Association of Turkic-Speaking Countries.
That experience sits at the heart of his campaign. The programme focuses on institutional modernisation, investment in chess education and stronger international partnerships.
Five priorities for FIDE
The campaign will run under the motto “Moving Chess Forward. Together”. Its platform rests on five pillars.
The first is to build a strong, independent and transparent global institution. The second is to develop digital infrastructure that helps Member Federations manage their work and gain easier access to FIDE services and resources.
The third priority is financial. Turlov’s team wants to strengthen FIDE’s finances so the organisation can invest more in competitions, education, development programmes and support for Member Federations.
Equal opportunity is another core pledge. A federation’s size, location or financial capacity should not determine its influence or access to FIDE resources.
The fifth priority concerns tournament standards. The campaign proposes better organisation, larger prize funds and more opportunities for players to compete, receive coaching and access educational materials.
“Chess is growing faster than ever before. This growth requires a strong, well organised, sustainable, transparent and forward-looking organisation providing real value to Member Federations and the Chess Community. With my experience in business, governance, education and international cooperation, I believe can help shape the next stage of FIDE's development”.
Why Anand joined the ticket
Viswanathan Anand is running for Deputy President. The five-time World Champion would connect Turlov’s management agenda with the interests and experience of professional players.
The division of strengths is clear. Turlov brings finance, technology and institutional development; Anand brings chess credibility and a lifetime of experience at the highest level.
“Timur’s experience in leading a publicly listed international company, his commitment to technology and innovation, and his long-standing support for chess make him well positioned to lead FIDE through its next stage of development,” Anand said.
Anand believes the ticket can make FIDE more digital, financially resilient and inclusive while giving every region a stronger role in the organisation.
“Through his leadership, I believe FIDE can become even more digital, financially resilient and inclusive, while ensuring every region of the world has a stronger voice in shaping the future of our game”.
What comes next
Turlov and Anand will present a comprehensive programme over the coming weeks. It will cover digital transformation, chess in education, financial sustainability, competition standards, development initiatives and governance.
The campaign also plans to consult Member Federations directly. Their priorities and expectations are expected to shape the proposed future direction of FIDE.
