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Finalists for the 2026 FIDE Excellence Awards Announced

FIDE Excellence Awards Finalists Announced: Who Will Compete for Chess’s Highest Honors?

FIDE to Recognize Excellence Beyond Results for the First Time

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has taken another significant step in promoting the global chess community by unveiling the official list of finalists for the inaugural FIDE Excellence Awards. The new initiative aims to honor not only the world’s strongest players but also tournament organizers, national federations, teams, coaches, content creators, and social initiatives that help shape the future of chess.

A golden chess king standing on a pedestal, surrounded by chess pieces and a laurel wreath, symbolizing the FIDE Excellence Awards.

Following the conclusion of the open nomination period in June, a dedicated FIDE committee reviewed all submissions and compiled the official shortlist of finalists. The winners will now be selected by an expert jury and announced during a gala ceremony in Samarkand in September 2026 as part of the 46th Chess Olympiad.

The World’s Best Chess Players on One Prestigious List

As expected, one of the most anticipated categories is Best Chess Player. The ten finalists represent the very best of today’s chess elite:

  • Magnus Carlsen;
  • Gukesh Dommaraju;
  • Fabiano Caruana;
  • Alireza Firouzja;
  • Arjun Erigaisi;
  • Nodirbek Abdusattorov;
  • Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa;
  • Vincent Keymer;
  • Anish Giri;
  • Javokhir Sindarov.

The lineup perfectly illustrates the changing of generations in world chess. Alongside legendary champions stand rising stars who have already established themselves on the biggest international stages.

The Strongest Women in Chess Also Among the Finalists

The women’s category features an equally impressive field of finalists, including:

  • Ju Wenjun;
  • Tan Zhongyi;
  • Lei Tingjie;
  • Zhu Jiner;
  • Aleksandra Goryachkina;
  • Koneru Humpy;
  • Anna Muzychuk;
  • Bibisara Assaubayeva;
  • Vaishali Rameshbabu;
  • Divya Deshmukh.

The shortlist brings together reigning world champions, winners of major international tournaments, and young talents who are already shaping the future of women’s chess.

An Award Celebrating the Entire Chess Ecosystem

Unlike most sports awards, the FIDE Excellence Awards extend far beyond competitive results.

Winners will be selected across 11 different categories, including:

  • best players;
  • best tournaments;
  • best national federations;
  • best national teams;
  • tournament organizers;
  • coaches;
  • educational and social initiatives;
  • media projects and chess content creators;
  • special awards for outstanding contributions to the development of chess.

Through these awards, FIDE emphasizes that the growth of chess depends on the collective efforts of thousands of people—from elite players to volunteers, organizers, educators, and passionate ambassadors of the game.

India Once Again Takes Center Stage

One of the most striking aspects of this year’s finalists is India’s remarkable representation.

In addition to reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju, the finalists include Praggnanandhaa, Divya Deshmukh, the All India Chess Federation, India’s national teams, and the ChessBase India Foundation across various categories. Such broad representation once again highlights the extraordinary rise of Indian chess, which has become one of the world’s dominant forces in recent years.

A New Tradition for the Global Chess Community

The creation of the FIDE Excellence Awards marks one of the International Chess Federation’s most ambitious initiatives in recent years. The awards will be presented every two years, covering the full cycle between Chess Olympiads. The inaugural ceremony will take place in Samarkand, the city set to become the world capital of chess during the 2026 Chess Olympiad.

The awards recognize not only spectacular victories over the board but also the tremendous work that often goes unnoticed by the wider public. Organizers, coaches, federations, journalists, educators, and enthusiasts all play an essential role in helping chess continue its rapid global growth.

For that reason, the FIDE Excellence Awards have every opportunity to become one of the most prestigious traditions in the international chess calendar, celebrating both outstanding sporting achievements and the people who dedicate themselves every day to the future of the world’s oldest intellectual game.

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