Celebrating 100 Years of FIDE - International Chess Federation

Today, 20th of July, 2024, as the President of the Romanian Chess Federation, I participated in the festivities commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of FIDE.

The opening festivities began at the place where FIDE was created, the town hall of the 9th arrondissement in Paris. The ceremony was attended by the presidents of all the founding federations and members of the FIDE executive committee, led by President Arkady Dvorkovich. The founding members re-signed the FIDE charter along with President Dvorkovich.

In his speech, the FIDE President highlighted that FIDE has grown from just 15 members to 201 members in 100 years, becoming one of the largest international organizations. The founding countries are: Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Czechoslovakia, Finland, France, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia.

This was followed by a visit to the Montmartre Cemetery, where Pierre Vincent, considered the founder of FIDE, is buried. The formation of the federation was initiated by Pierre Vincent, a French journalist and passionate promoter of chess. The first FIDE president was Alexander Rueb, a dutch lawyer and diplomat from 1924 - 1929.

The centennial celebration ceremony will conclude with the lighting of the FIDE torch. The FIDE torch arrives from Romania, where the lighting ceremony was a special event organized at the Arc de Triomphe, with a military band and the presence of over 500 children from around the world. More details about this historical ceremony, you may find here.

The FIDE torch will be re-lit here in Paris, to mark FIDE's centenary and the Olympic celebrations in Paris.

Romania is a founding member of the International Chess Federation, alongside 14 other countries. The young Lieutenant Ion Gudju, 27 years old, represented Romanian chess clubs at the founding of FIDE, when the first Chess Olympiad also took place in Paris. Ion Gudju volunteered in World War I, then graduated from the Faculty of Sciences in Bucharest and pursued doctoral studies (specializing in chemistry) at the Collège de France and the Sorbonne. He concluded his military career with the rank of major general in the "Aviation" arm. In 1982, he was named Honorary Vice President of FIDE. Ion Gudju initiated the establishment of the Romanian Chess Federation in January 1925.

FIDE was founded in Paris on July 20, 1924, in the context of the Paris Olympics. The initial goal was to unite various national chess federations under a single international body to oversee and promote chess worldwide. From the beginning, FIDE adopted the motto "Gens una sumus," which means "We are one people," reflecting its commitment to promoting international friendship and understanding through chess.

Over the past century, FIDE developed into one of the largest international institutions with 199 registered members, the national chess federations and other 11 affiliated institutions.

FIDE has introduced several key initiatives and events that have significantly influenced the world of chess:

World Chess Championships: FIDE took over the organization of the World Chess Championship in 1948. This move standardized the competition and ensured consistent regulations, bringing greater prestige and recognition to the title.

Chess Olympiads: Starting in 1927, the Chess Olympiads have become a cornerstone of FIDE's activities. These biennial team events showcase the best players from around the world, promoting international competition and camaraderie.

Chess for Youth and Women: FIDE has been instrumental in promoting chess among youth and women. The establishment of various age-group championships and the Women's World Chess Championship has encouraged broader participation and talent development.

Online and Rapid Chess: With the advent of the digital era, FIDE has embraced online chess platforms and rapid chess formats. This has expanded the game's reach, making it accessible to a global audience and attracting new generations of players.

Today, FIDE continues to be at the forefront of innovation and chess promotion. It supports educational initiatives, uses chess as a tool for social development, and strives to maintain the integrity and fairness of the game. FIDE's efforts have led to the recognition of chess as a sport by the International Olympic Committee and its inclusion in various multi-sport events.

As FIDE enters its second century, the organization is poised to tackle new challenges and seize opportunities to further popularize chess. This includes leveraging technology to enhance player experiences, promoting chess in schools, and continuing to support the professional development of players worldwide.

The 100-year celebration of FIDE is not only a reflection on past achievements but also a celebration of the vibrant and dynamic future that awaits chess. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of the game and the community that has formed around it, united by a shared passion and the motto "Gens una sumus."

The FIDE centenary is a significant milestone in the history of chess. It is a celebration of one hundred years of dedication to the game, its players, and its fans. As we commemorate this historic occasion, we also look forward to the continued growth and evolution of chess, guided by FIDE's vision and leadership.

Over the past 100 years, Romania has contributed by organizing several top-tier international chess events entrusted to Romania by FIDE and has been at the forefront of FIDE's most important moment. Romania was the first to organize the world Youth Championship in 1988.

Happy Birthday #FIDE100. The game is just begining!