International Chess Day 2025 takes place on Sunday, July 20, marking another year in honour of one of the world’s oldest and most intellectual games. Celebrated annually on this date since 1966, International Chess Day commemorates the founding of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1924. With a growing global following, chess continues to inspire strategy, discipline, and cultural unity in 2025.
What Is International Chess Day?
International Chess Day is a global observance dedicated to celebrating the art, science, and sport of chess. It encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to explore the game, attend events, and participate in tournaments—either online or in person. The day promotes chess not only as a recreational activity but also as an educational tool that enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
International Chess Day 2025 Theme
While the official theme for International Chess Day 2025 is expected to be announced by FIDE closer to the event, past themes have centred around inclusivity, peace, and digital learning. In recent years, the rise of chess streaming, online tournaments, and youth engagement has made the game more accessible than ever.
Expect 2025’s celebration to build on these trends, emphasising digital transformation, gender equality, and youth empowerment through chess.
A Brief History of International Chess Day
Chess dates back over 1,500 years, with origins believed to be in India as the game chaturanga. Over the centuries, it evolved through Persia, the Islamic world, and medieval Europe into the modern game we know today.
In 1966, UNESCO proposed celebrating a global chess day, and FIDE declared July 20 as International Chess Day to coincide with its founding. In 2019, the United Nations General Assembly formally recognised the date as an official international observance.
How the World Celebrates Chess in 2025
Here’s how International Chess Day 2025 is being celebrated around the globe:
1. FIDE-Sponsored Global Events
FIDE will once again host and promote worldwide activities, from blitz tournaments to chess lectures, open games in public parks, and special masterclasses from grandmasters. Many of these events will be available to stream online, making them globally accessible.
2. Online Chess Tournaments
Platforms like Chess.com, Lichess, and Chess24 are expected to run exclusive online tournaments for International Chess Day 2025, offering free entry and participation to players of all levels.
3. Chess in Schools Campaigns
Schools in various countries are incorporating chess into their 2025 curriculum with support from national federations and NGOs. Chess is proven to improve memory, maths ability, and emotional resilience in young learners.
4. Special Broadcasts and Livestreams
Top chess streamers and YouTube personalities will hold special streams to commemorate the day. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and even TikTok are seeing an influx of chess creators engaging with younger audiences.
5. Inclusive Chess Initiatives
From wheelchair-accessible tournaments to women’s and girls’ events, International Chess Day 2025 puts diversity and inclusion front and centre.
Chess in the Modern World
Chess has enjoyed a renaissance in the 21st century. Thanks to the success of Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit, lockdown-fuelled online playing, and a new generation of tech-savvy grandmasters, chess has become more popular than ever.
-
Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Hou Yifan are household names among fans.
-
Chess mobile apps have crossed 100 million downloads worldwide.
-
Schools and universities are investing in chess clubs as a tool for student development.
In 2025, with AI-powered training tools, virtual reality chess simulators, and AI-generated strategy analysis, the game has entered a new digital frontier.
Why Chess Matters
International Chess Day isn’t just about celebrating kings and queens on a board. It’s about the universal language of strategy, focus, and respect.
Here are 5 key benefits of playing chess:
-
Improves cognitive function and memory.
-
Boosts concentration and patience.
-
Encourages foresight and strategic planning.
-
Teaches resilience and sportsmanship.
-
Fosters global friendship through universal rules and digital platforms.
How to Participate in International Chess Day 2025
Want to join the celebration? Here are some great ways to get involved:
-
Play a game of chess with friends or family.
-
Join an online chess tournament on Chess.com or Lichess.
-
Watch a livestream of a chess match or coaching session.
-
Introduce a child to chess and teach them the basics.
-
Share your game on social media with the hashtag #InternationalChessDay.
-
Attend a local chess event or support your national federation.
Whether you’re a grandmaster or just starting out, International Chess Day 2025 is the perfect time to make your move.
Final Thoughts
International Chess Day 2025 is more than just a celebration of a board game—it’s a recognition of a global tradition that transcends language, borders, and generations. Whether online or offline, in schools or senior centres, in clubs or competitions, chess connects people in meaningful and powerful ways.
So on July 20, 2025, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the 64 squares—and the countless lives changed by the game of chess.