“We see this competition not only as a tournament, but as a festival of chess, where people and ideas come together and where we build a basis for a stronger and more connected chess community.”
The FIDE President also emphasised the rapid growth of the competition. What began in Düsseldorf with 36 teams has now developed into a major international event, with the World Team Rapid and Blitz Championships and the newly introduced FIDE World Team Amateur Rapid Chess Cup bringing together more than 800 players across the full programme. “This event is built for spectators. It is fast, team-based, international and easy to follow, and I invite everyone to come, enjoy, learn and connect,” added Dvorkovich.
K.K. Chan, President of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, welcomed the international chess community to the city and described the event as an important moment for Hong Kong’s chess development. “Today is a statement: Hong Kong is open, ambitious, and ready to host the world,” said Chan. “This is a city that has always thrived on competition — in commerce, in culture, in ambition. Chess belongs here. And today, the very best players of this global game are here — in our city.”
