FIDE vs. Freestyle
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is the only internationally recognized governing body of chess (in particular, by the International Olympic Committee), regulating all official international chess competitions. While we have always remained open to cooperation with private organizations and initiatives across the chess community, FIDE retains its supreme role with respect to the rules, titles, and ratings. FIDE's status and global responsibilities towards the chess community are distinct and non-negotiable.
FIDE does not oppose commercial platforms, projects, or privately managed clubs, such as the FCPC, engaging with players in their own capacity. However, the attempts by FCPC to present their project as a World Championship are in contradiction with the well-established status of FIDE and its authority over world championship titles in all relevant variations of chess - including Chess960/Freestyle chess, as outlined in the FIDE Handbook.
Moreover, the line of conduct adopted by FCPC threatens the execution of players' existing contractual obligations towards FIDE.
The steps taken by the FCPC project unavoidably lead to divisions in the chess world - and we remember all too well the unfortunate consequences of a similar split that happened in the not so distant past.
Although the formal status of 2025 Freestyle Chess series has yet to be determined, FIDE wants to ensure that all players can plan their schedules for 2025. That is why - as a matter of goodwill and to provide sufficient comfort to the players for the immediate future - FIDE took the decision to accommodate the 2025 Freestyle Chess series in the calendar and to refrain from invoking relevant legal clauses in previously signed contracts concerning players' participation in 2025 Freestyle events.
Nevertheless, FIDE retains all its legal rights related to the World Championship title and will be ready to challenge organizers and initiators of any series that decide to brand themselves as a "World Championship" without the approval of FIDE.
We are open to dialogue, and looking forward to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement, provided that the governing role and its well established authority of FIDE over the World Championships is respected by potential partners.
Should such an agreement not be reached, FIDE demands that the Freestyle series does not carry the status of a “World Championship”. FIDE will not hesitate to use all legal means against those who violate its rights - be it initiators, organizers and/or investors of the project.
As the 2025-2026 World Championship cycle is underway, all qualified players are expected to sign an additional contract, which will include a clause indicating that participation in any alternative world chess championships in any variation of chess not approved by FIDE (except for the Freestyle tour in 2025) would lead to their withdrawal from the two consecutive FIDE World Championship cycles.
As a part of the contracts, FIDE commits to running the cycle events at the highest level with substantially increased prize funds - the dates and locations of those are published in FIDE Calendar.
Nakamuras Reaktion:
Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Participants Agree on “Freestyle Chess Champion” Title
PRESS RELEASE
Weissenhaus, February 10, 2025 – At a Sunday evening meeting in Weissenhaus with organizer Jan Henric Buettner, 12 Freestyle Chess Players Club members unanimously decided that the 2025 Grand Slam Tour winner in December (South Africa) will be titled “Freestyle Chess Champion.” They also plan to form their own independent association with a qualified legal team to represent their interests.
The Sunday evening meeting, following the first day of the quarterfinals, included all Freestyle Chess Grand Slam participants in Weissenhaus and remote members of the Freestyle Chess Players Club. They agreed to temporarily avoid using “world” to counter FIDE’s unfounded claims of ownership over such word.
“This was never our intention, as we have always called our events ‘G.O.A.T. Challenge’ or ‘Grand Slam,’” said Jan Henric Buettner. “It’s important to note that this decision was made by the players, not by Freestyle—and certainly not by FIDE.” The title “Freestyle Chess Champion” will apply for the 2025 season. At year’s end, organizers and players will review and discuss the 2026 Tour, including the title at stake.
Another key outcome of Sunday’s roundtable in Weissenhaus was the players’ plan to establish an independent association representing top chess players, staffed with a qualified legal team. This move comes in direct response to recent clashes with FIDE.
Last month, FIDE demanded that players sign a legally questionable document, setting an inconvenient deadline right after the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee, where many were competing. The document required them to (i) acknowledge an alleged obligation not to compete in non-FIDE events crowning a World Champion or similar title and (ii) accept a ban from future FIDE World Championship cycles if they violated this rule.
The players, some still teenagers, were notified by FIDE’s Legal Director and were given no chance for legal counsel to review the demand. „These repeated harassments are outrageous,” said Buettner. “We strongly oppose FIDE’s coercive tactics, which pressure players to forgo their right to choose which events to play.“
“We were ready to take all necessary action to defend the freedom of the players,” Buettner added. But in Sunday’s meeting, players unanimously agreed to ignore FIDE’s demands, refusing to be forced into choosing between exciting new events and future FIDE participation.
Monday marks the second day of quarterfinals in Weissenhaus, the first of five tournaments in the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, which features a $750,000 prize fund.