Anastasia Sorokina

WIM and IA 🇦🇺
FIDE Trainer, Organizer and Lecturer
Candidate for FIDE Treasurer ♟️

[Wadim Rosenstein @WadimRosenstein]

I am pleased to welcome Hisham Al Taher to our WR2026 team.

I would also like to thank my colleague and friend, Her Highness Sheikha Hend Faisal Al Qasimi, for bringing another strong and experienced personality to our team.

Hisham is well known across the chess community for his long experience, professionalism, creativity and, above all, his friendly character and ability to connect with people.

In accepting my invitation, Hisham was very clear about one thing: this should be a fair and respectful competition. He respects all candidates, many of whom are long-standing colleagues and friends, and believes that whatever our different choices may be, we remain one chess family.

Hisham joins us solely in his personal capacity. His participation and views are his own and do not represent or imply the position or endorsement of any federation, organisation or institution with which he is affiliated.

Welcome to the team, Hisham!

[WR 2026 @WR2026official]

Chess has heard "we'll make it Olympic" before. And many times right before an election.

Real progress looks less exciting: years of steady work, stronger relationships inside the Olympic Movement, and a sport presented at a truly professional level.

That is exactly how the WR 2026 programme frames it. Olympic inclusion as a long-term ambition with a working plan behind it, not a slogan that comes out of the drawer every four years.

Slower to say. Far more likely to happen.

[WR 2026 @WR2026official]

Another amazing day at the 46th Chess Olympiad Expo for our FIDE Presidential Candidate @wadimrosenstein! 🇺🇿♟️

He continues to show up day after day to meet with the global chess community and discuss things such as creating clear criteria for the Development Fund and how to attract stronger long term investment in chess.

The WR2026 team looks forward to seeing everyone again tomorrow! ⭐️

[WR 2026 @WR2026official]

Day 1 at the 46th Chess Olympiad Expo Centre is officially in the books! ♟️🇺🇿

The venue itself is a marvel! A huge congratulations to the local Uzbekistan organizers for a job well done.

Seeing how deeply this country’s chess tradition runs, and the champions it has produced, was humbling.

We couldn’t be prouder of our WR Chess booth which is modern, interactive, and full of energy.

Day 1 was a day of great conversations, great games, and a fantastic first day connecting with the chess community from all over the world. ⭐️

[Wadim Rosenstein @WadimRosenstein]

To His Excellency
Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Your Excellency,

I wish to convey to you personally, and to the people of the Republic of Uzbekistan, my profound respect. I would also like to express my sincere regret regarding the situation that has arisen in connection with FIDE and the organization of chess events in Samarkand.

It is deeply regrettable that the internal organizational difficulties of an international sports federation could cast a shadow over a country that has made every effort to welcome the international chess community with the highest standards of hospitality, professionalism, and dignity.

Having known Uzbekistan for many years, I wish to state unequivocally that these difficulties are not the responsibility of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Under your leadership, Uzbekistan has become one of the region’s leading nations - a country distinguished by its extraordinary historical and cultural heritage, dynamic development, and steadily growing international standing.

For centuries, Samarkand has served as a meeting place for peoples, cultures, and civilizations. Today, it continues this remarkable tradition by welcoming representatives of the international community from across the world.

It would therefore be entirely unjust for any mistakes or internal organizational shortcomings on the part of FIDE to be used to call into question Uzbekistan’s reputation as the host country.

Responsibility for FIDE’s decisions and organizational failures must not be transferred to the Republic of Uzbekistan. The name of Uzbekistan must not be invoked as justification for errors committed by others, nor should anything be permitted to undermine the dignity and reputation of the country and its people.

As a candidate for the presidency of FIDE, I consider it my duty to state this position publicly and unambiguously.

Uzbekistan deserves the gratitude of the international chess community, not criticism for circumstances beyond its responsibility.

Uzbekistan deserves recognition and respect, not attempts to associate the country with the failures of an international sports organization.

I will do everything within my power to ensure that this position is clearly understood throughout the international chess community.

The reputation of a great nation must never be made hostage to the internal problems of any international sports organization.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Wadim Rosenstein
Candidate for President of FIDE

[Wadim Rosenstein @WadimRosenstein]

FIDE MUST NOT DISRUPT THE ELECTION PROCESS

Over many years of organizing and attending events in Uzbekistan, I have never experienced a serious logistical failure, unexplained accreditation delays, or a failure by the host country to honor its commitments. On the contrary, Uzbekistan has consistently treated organizers, participants, and international guests as genuine partners.

From Tashkent to Samarkand, the professionalism, warmth, and hospitality of the Uzbek people have contributed enormously to the successful delivery of major international events. That commitment deserves recognition and respect.

For this reason, the current organizational difficulties surrounding the Samarkand Olympiad should not be presented as an Uzbekistan problem. Questions concerning the administration of FIDE events, communication with delegates, accreditation procedures, scheduling, and the organization of the electoral process are matters for FIDE to address and explain.

Uzbekistan has repeatedly demonstrated that it is capable of hosting major international events. It would therefore be unfair to make the host country responsible for failures that arise from the internal organization and decision-making of FIDE.

This becomes particularly serious because a FIDE election is approaching.

We are now hearing discussions about the possibility of moving the FIDE Congress and the electoral proceedings away from Uzbekistan. If such a proposal exists, FIDE must explain openly and transparently the reasons for it.

Any last-minute change to the venue, procedures, accreditation arrangements, or timetable of an election must not create an advantage or disadvantage for any candidate or federation.

The integrity of an election depends not only on the counting of votes. It depends on equal access, predictable rules, transparent procedures, timely information, and equal treatment of every federation and every candidate.

Uzbekistan must not become a scapegoat for problems that are not of its making.

And the delegates of the national chess federations must not become hostages to organizational failures or internal political struggles.

The solution is not to move the problem from Samarkand.

The solution is to fix the problem within FIDE.

We therefore call upon FIDE to guarantee, without delay:

— that the Congress and elections will proceed according to the established rules and announced timetable;
— that all candidates and national federations will receive equal treatment and equal access;
— that any proposed changes will be communicated immediately, transparently, and with a clear justification;
— and that no administrative or organizational decision will interfere with the free and fair expression of the will of FIDE’s member federations.

The chess world deserves clarity.

The delegates deserve respect.

Uzbekistan deserves fairness.

And FIDE has a responsibility to ensure that its elections are conducted transparently, predictably, and without interference.

Do not blame Uzbekistan.
Do not manipulate the process.
Do not disrupt the election.
Let the federations decide.

[Wadim Rosenstein @WadimRosenstein]

I am proud to welcome Zurab Azmaiparashvili, President of the European Chess Union, to our team.

Zurab is one of the most experienced and respected leaders in international chess - a Grandmaster, former European Champion and FIDE Vice President. As ECU President, he has played a major role in developing and strengthening chess across Europe.

His decision to join us sends a powerful message: experienced chess leaders believe in our vision for a professional, transparent and federation-focused FIDE.

Welcome to the team, Zurab. Together, everything is possible!

[Wadim Rosenstein @WadimRosenstein]

Dear FIDE Member Federations,

Throughout this campaign, Gordon Tang and I have listened carefully to federations from every continent. The message has been clear: federations need more resources, better infrastructure and direct, practical support.

That is why Gordon and I have jointly decided to present a clear €10 million investment programme built on three pillars:

•⁠ ⁠€4.5 million distributed directly to national federations across every continent to cover their most pressing needs.

•⁠ ⁠€3.5 million invested specificaly in federation infrastructure, including digitalisation, IT systems, federation services and institutional modernisation.

•⁠ ⁠€2 million dedicated to global development programmes supporting youth, women’s chess, education, inclusive chess, social impact.

This is a decision we made together because we share the same conviction: FIDE must serve its members and give every federation the tools to develop chess in their own country.

The allocation of these resources will be governed by clear, transparent and objective criteria, avoiding bureaucracy. Federations must know what support is available, how decisions are made and how the funds are used.

Our principle is simple:

More resources and direct support to empower federations.

FIDE belongs to its national federations.

Together with Gordon Tang, I am committed to putting federations first - not only in words, but through measurable action.

Together, we can build a stronger, more modern and more inclusive FIDE.

[WR 2026 @WR2026official]

Behind every national federation are people who keep chess alive in their country. They organise tournaments, answer players, find funding, solve problems and often do far more than anyone sees.

But too much of their time is wasted. They try to find the right person, wait weeks for an answer and have the same question passed from one person to another. When nothing gets done, nobody seems to be responsible for the final result.

Everyone talks about professional management. But unfortunately, federations do not always see it in practice. What is needed is simple: qualified people in the right positions, clear responsibilities, measurable objectives and work that is actually completed.

This is what the WR 2026 programme proposes.

If you work with a federation, tell us honestly: what wastes most of your time today?

[WR 2026 @WR2026official]

Ask someone at a national federation how they get an answer from FIDE. Very often, the answer is simple: they know whom to call. That works until that person leaves.

A federation should not need the right personal contact to get a request handled. It should know who is responsible, what information is needed, where the request stands and when to expect an answer.

The WR 2026 programme proposes one clear process: every request is recorded, responsibility is assigned, and the federation is kept informed until the issue is resolved.

How does it work for your federation today? Is there a clear process or does everything still depend on knowing the right person?

[Anastasia Sorokina @SorokinaChess]

I think that FIDE needs meaningful change and I truly believe that with the @wr2026official team and @WadimRosenstein as President, it is the best path to changing the future of chess and putting the federations first. ✨♟️

[WR 2026 @WR2026official]

Good chess-in-schools programmes already exist around the world. But too often, what works in one country stays there — while another federation has to start again from zero.

WR 2026 proposes bringing that knowledge together: giving teachers practical tools, understanding what genuinely helps children, and helping federations turn successful projects into lasting programmes.

If we can prove what works, federations will have a much stronger case when they ask education ministries to give chess a permanent place in schools.

Chess in schools does not need more disconnected initiatives. It needs a system.

[Antoaneta Stefanova @StefanovaChess]

I joined the @wr2026official team because I truly believe @wadimrosenstein is the best person to become FIDE President ♟️

He truly loves chess and has the drive and energy to change chess for the better! ⭐️

[WR 2026 @WR2026official]

Chess can be a tool for education, inclusion and opportunity. But meaningful social impact requires more than good intentions.

WR 2026 proposes a research-led approach to development: start with real needs, work with credible partners, use evidence, ensure proper safeguarding and measure impact.

This means being clear about where chess can genuinely make a difference, and building programmes around evidence and practical results.

The goal is to identify the areas where chess can make a real and measurable contribution.

[Wadim Rosenstein @WadimRosenstein]

I was delighted to receive words of encouragement from the highly respected Joachim Herrmann, Bavarian State Minister of the Interior, for Sport and Integration!

Support from government institutions is extremely important. Thank you, dear Joachim!

Together, everything is possible!

[WR 2026 @WR2026official]

FIDE should not limit its commercial ambition to chess-related or technology partners. Chess has the reach, positive image and intellectual value to attract credible international partners from a much wider business field. That creates an opportunity, but only if it is approached professionally.

That can include industries such as aviation, banking and financial services, education, media, hospitality, logistics, fashion, energy and technology.

Major partnerships should be developed professionally and be subject to appropriate reputational, legal and governance review.

For WR 2026, commercial growth is not an end in itself. It must serve chess, players, development and Member Federations.

[Wadim Rosenstein @WadimRosenstein]

I had the honor of meeting a true legend of Europe and the world - Horst Teltschik, a man who made an enormous contribution to the reunification of Germany.

His experience and international standing are extraordinary. Mr. Teltschik gave me his blessing for my candidacy for FIDE President and promised his full support at both the European and international level.

Dear Horst, thank you once again for your trust and confidence!

Together, everything is possible!

[Wadim Rosenstein @WadimRosenstein]

Ahead of tomorrow's debate, I found this dedication from @DanielRensch, CEO of @chesscom, in my copy of “Dark Squares“, he gifted me last month in Paris. An amazing book.

“Here’s to the future FIDE President!”

Motivational words to read again tonight as I prepare for tomorrow's discussion.

Tune in - it will be interesting.

See you all at the debate!

[WR 2026 @WR2026official]

Too many girls leave chess during their teenage years, or never fully find their place in it, because they lack peers, role models, safe environments or visible pathways.

Wadim Rosenstein has already been working to build those pathways. In 2026, the WR Women's Chess Tour has brought four continental legs to Tokyo, Punta Cana, Maputo and Saint-Tropez, with the Grand Final to follow in Stuttgart on 22–23 November.

The WR 2026 Programme proposes going further, including targeted girls' programmes, group coaching and mentoring, more women trainers and arbiters, safer playing environments, stronger role models and improved conditions in women's competitions.

Women's chess should be both a sporting priority and a development priority.

The goal is not only to bring more girls into chess. It is to help them stay, progress and see a future in the game.

[WR 2026 @WR2026official]

WR 2026 is strengthened by people who understand chess from more than one side. GM Antoaneta Stefanova is one of them.

The 10th Women’s World Champion, a European Women’s Champion and a Women’s World Rapid Champion, Antoaneta has spent decades at the highest level of international chess. But the perspective she brings to WR 2026 goes far beyond her achievements at the board.

Today, she is Honorary President of the Bulgarian Sports Chess Federation. This combination matters. Antoaneta understands the realities faced by elite players as well as the perspective and challenges of national federations.

She also brings a long-standing commitment to women’s chess and to creating opportunities for the next generation.

For WR 2026, Antoaneta brings something particularly valuable. Especially, the perspective of a champion, the experience of a federation leader, and a voice shaped by chess at every level.

We are proud to have GM Antoaneta Stefanova on the WR 2026 team.