Chess: Is Russia losing its influence in the world federation?

Arkadi Dworkowitsch, a Russian economist and former deputy prime minister, has announced his candidacy for another four-year term as president of the World Chess Federation (FIDE), despite ongoing Western sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The announcement was made in late June, with Dworkowitsch stating that the FIDE must become more open, efficient, and responsive to member nations. This comes amid growing concerns about Russia's influence in global chess, even as it continues to hold significant power within the organization. Since taking office in 2018, Dworkowitsch has maintained his position despite international pressure. His tenure has been marked by a continued dominance of Russian interests within the FIDE, particularly through financial ties. One of the federation’s key sponsors, Timur Turlow, a financier who became a citizen of Kazakhstan in 2022—has expressed support for Dworkowitsch’s bid for re-election. Turlow, originally from Russia, plays a crucial role in funding the organization, which relies heavily on private contributions. However, Russia’s influence on the chessboard itself has diminished in recent years. World champions have increasingly come from countries such as China and India, reflecting a broader shift in global chess talent. Despite this, the FIDE remains deeply entangled with Russian financial interests, raising questions about whether the organization can truly represent the interests of all member states. The upcoming vote for FIDE leadership, scheduled during a congress in Uzbekistan, promises to be highly competitive. Two German candidates have entered the race, adding complexity to the election. Jan Henric Buettner, a former internet entrepreneur and co-founder of the “Freestyle” chess movement, has emerged as a surprise contender. Buettner aims to bring greater transparency and sustainable growth to the sport, emphasizing the need for new sponsors unconnected to Russia. Buettner’s campaign has drawn mixed reactions within the chess community. While some see him as a potential disruptor, others remain skeptical. Peter Heine Nielsen, coach of former world champion Magnus Carlsen, acknowledges that Dworkowitsch remains the favorite but notes that the political climate could change. Nielsen, who previously competed against Dworkowitsch in a team match involving Ukrainian players, suggests that Dworkowitsch’s reputation has been affected by repeated associations with EU sanctions. Buettner’s involvement in promoting Freestyle chess, an innovative format that randomizes starting positions to reduce reliance on memorized openings, has earned him recognition among younger players. However, his public persona has often leaned toward entrepreneurship rather than diplomacy, leading some to question his readiness for the responsibilities of a national sports federation leader. Meanwhile, the German Chess Federation (DSB) has expressed reservations about Buettner’s candidacy. President Paul Meyer-Dunker stated that he does not understand the rationale behind Buettner’s decision to run and believes it lacks prospects. Meyer-Dunker pointed out that Buettner had not engaged with the DSB prior to announcing his candidacy and had not collaborated with the federation on Freestyle initiatives. As the election approaches, the competition appears to be shaping into a three-way contest between Dworkowitsch, Buettner, and another German candidate. The outcome will likely depend on how effectively each candidate can mobilize support from the approximately 200 national delegations attending the congress. The stakes are high, not just for the future of chess governance but also for the representation of non-Russian voices within the world’s premier chess organization.