The first-ever ChessParty brought a fresh and vibrant energy to the global chess scene, transforming Avicii Arena into a true celebration of the game. Held over the weekend in Stockholm, the event gathered some of the most recognizable names in chess and beyond, creating an atmosphere that was both festive and inspiring.
Among the distinguished guests were legends and popular ambassadors of the game, including Judit Polgár, Pia Cramling, Anna Cramling, Andrea Botez, and Levy Rozman, whose live show drew great enthusiasm from the audience. Also among the notable guests were the 10th Women’s World Champion Antoaneta Stefanova and Dana Reizniece, both of whom contributed to the overall program and took part in activities organized by the Commission.
FIDE WOM Activities at ChessParty
The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess was proud to be part of this unique weekend, contributing with a series of engaging events that connected chess with leadership, education, and future perspectives.
Dana Reizniece led the session “Chess and Leadership” on the main stage, followed later by a discussion on “Chess in the Future” at the International Stage. These sessions offered valuable insights into how chess can serve as a tool for personal development and how the game continues to evolve in a modern context.
At the same time, Antoaneta Stefanova delivered a masterclass in the main hall, sharing her experience and knowledge with participants. She also took part in activities connecting chess with business and youth, contributing to a diverse and inclusive program.
Little Star Tournament
As part of the Commission’s activities, the Little Star Tournament took place on Saturday, bringing together 12 young participants in a warm and encouraging environment. The event focused not only on competition but also on creating a positive and memorable experience for the girls.
A special moment during the tournament was the visit of Pia Cramling, who spent time with the participants and spoke to them personally. Such interactions are incredibly meaningful, offering inspiration that can stay with young players for years to come.
Congratulations to the winners:
1st place: Kira Moskvitina
2nd place: Ema Nilsson
3rd place: Ece Gultekin
The tournament was ceremoniously closed by Dana Reizniece, with winners receiving trophies in a joyful conclusion to the event.
Discussions on the Future of Women in Chess
A particularly meaningful discussion on women in chess also took place during ChessParty, bringing together voices such as Pia Cramling and Anna Cramling. Reflecting on this, Judit Polgár shared on her facebook page:
“Discussing women in chess with Pia Cramling and Anna Cramling at the ChessParty. It was nice to go around the topic from different angles, at different times, and have a look at the possible future.”
Conversations like these are essential for shaping the future of women’s chess. When they bring together individuals who have experienced the game at the highest level and understand its development deeply, they help identify both challenges and opportunities ahead.
A Shared Success
As the weekend came to a close, ChessParty left behind a strong sense of community, inspiration, and momentum for future editions. We would like to sincerely thank the ChessParty organizers for the excellent cooperation and for creating such a dynamic platform for chess.
Special thank you to Dana Reizniece, and Antoaneta Stefanova and Pia Cramling for their time, presence, and engagement in making these events truly special, especially for girls.
Finally, heartfelt appreciation goes to the entire FIDE WOM team, and especially to Nadia Krauchuk and to Maria Tamkovich (Secretary of the FIDE Social Commission) for their dedication and excellent work in ensuring that all activities were organized smoothly and successfully.
