The 11th Rencontres Internationales des Échecs Francophones (International Francophone Chess Meetings – RIDEF) took place in Marrakech, Morocco, bringing together more than 100 players from 14 countries for several days of high-level competition in classical, rapid and blitz chess. Organised by the International Association of Francophone Chess (AIDEF) in cooperation with the Royal Moroccan Chess Federation (FRME), the event confirmed its status as one of the major annual gatherings of the francophone chess world.
Beyond its sporting success, the 2025 edition of RIDEF marked an important milestone for women’s chess, as equal prize money was awarded to women and men across all competitions. This measure, implemented with the support of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess (WOM), represents a pilot initiative and a concrete step toward greater equity and recognition in international chess events.
Women at the forefront: Maïli-Jade Ouellet’s historic treble
Women’s participation was highlighted not only through equal prizes, but also through outstanding sporting results.
WGM Maïli-Jade Ouellet (Canada–Quebec) delivered a remarkable performance, winning the Women’s title for the third consecutive year and achieving an exceptional treble by claiming first place in the classical, rapid and blitz women’s classifications.
Competing directly in the open tournaments, Ouellet also achieved excellent overall results:
- 4th place overall in the Blitz Championship with 8 points out of 11
- 4th place overall in the Classical Championship with 6.5 points out of 9
Her performances underline the competitive strength of women players when given equal conditions, visibility and recognition.
High-level competition across all formats
The championships began with the Classical tournament, which was played from 6 to 14 December. The Blitz and Rapid tournaments followed on 12–13 December.
A total of:
- 114 players competed in the Blitz Championship
- 116 players took part in the Rapid Championship
French GM Jean-Marc Degrave dominated all three disciplines, completing a historic triple crown (classical, rapid and blitz), an unprecedented achievement in the history of the RIDEF.
In the Classical Championship, played over 9 rounds, Degrave finished clear first with 8/9, followed by:
- IM Milanto Harifidy Ralison (Madagascar) – 7.5/9
- GM Romain Édouard (France) – 7/9
WGM Maïli-Jade Ouellet finished just behind the podium.
Equal prize money: a concrete commitment
A total of €10,000 in prize money was distributed during the event. For the first time in the history of the RIDEF, women’s prizes were fully aligned with those of the Open, sending a clear message of commitment to equality and development.
This initiative, supported by FIDE and its Commission for Women’s Chess, positions the RIDEF as a reference event within the francophone chess space and a successful pilot project demonstrating that equal prize funds can go hand in hand with sporting excellence and strong international participation.
Chess, francophonie and shared values
During the opening ceremony, AIDEF emphasized the broader mission of the RIDEF: promoting chess, the French language, and values of inclusion, diversity and cultural exchange. Founded in 2007 and officially affiliated with FIDE since 2010, AIDEF now unites 57 members from 49 countries, using chess as a universal language that brings people together beyond borders.
The event also highlighted a historic milestone for francophone chess: chess will be included as an official discipline at the 2027 Francophonie Games in Yerevan, Armenia, further strengthening the position of chess — and women’s chess — within the francophone sporting landscape.
Beyond the competitions
The RIDEF are not only about competitions. The programme also included a FIDE Chess in Education seminar with 24 participants, a regional arbiters’ training seminar with 29 participants, and an international conference on the origins of the game of chess. In addition, participants visited an orphanage where chess is taught as part of the educational programme, as well as taking part in numerous cultural and tourist visits.
These complementary activities reflect the broader vision of the RIDEF: using chess as an educational, cultural and social tool, while strengthening ties within the francophone chess community.
Looking ahead
The success of the 11th International Francophone Chess Meetings confirms that equal opportunity, equal prizes and high-level competition are not only compatible, but mutually reinforcing.
The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess welcomes this initiative as an encouraging example and looks forward to further collaborations that continue to promote women’s participation, visibility and excellence in chess worldwide.
The 12th edition of the RIDEF is already planned for 2026, with renewed ambition to strengthen chess, francophonie and gender equality through the game.
