July 20 is more than just another date—it’s the annual celebration of a game that unites minds, cultures, and generations. International Chess Day marks the founding of the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) in 1924, and in 2025, the global chess community is gearing up under a powerful theme: “Every Move Counts.”
🎯 A Game Rooted in History
Chess, as we know it, traces its ancestry back over 1,500 years to chaturanga, an ancient war game from northwestern India. FIDE’s inauguration in Paris on July 20, 1924 brought chess to a new level—that same date, recognized since 1966 thanks to UNESCO’s initiative, became International Chess Day. The UN General Assembly officially endorsed it in 2019, branding it “World Chess Day” and underlining the game’s global cultural and cooperative power.
This Year’s Theme: “Every Move Counts”
On July 20, 2025, FIDE introduces its theme, “Every Move Counts”, as part of the broader Year of Social Chess initiative. The theme goes beyond the board—each choice, small or significant, shapes our journey in and out of chess. In 2024, during FIDE’s centenary, the chess community set a Guinness World Record with over 7.28 million games played in 24 hours across 350 events. Now, in 2025, the goal is to harness that energy for social good: inclusion, empowerment, cognitive well-being, and mental health.
How the World Is Celebrating
Here’s a look at how International Chess Day is unfolding worldwide:
1. Global Online Blitz Tournament
Co-hosted by FIDE and Lichess.org, this 24-hour blitz fiesta kicks off at 00:00 CEST on July 20, concluding 24 hours later. Players across time zones can hop in with a 5+3 time control, aiming to make “every move count.” Prizes await through random draws, making participation both fun and rewarding.
2. Creative Chess Challenges
FIDE encourages inventive play—picture games held on mountaintops, underwater, or at iconic local landmarks—and urges players to share their experiences via #InternationalChessDay and social media. Between July 10–20, you can spark creativity and connection through chess.
3. Inclusive Over‑the‑Board Events
Schools, clubs, and federations worldwide are hosting events that welcome seniors, refugees, youth, and people with disabilities. It’s chess as a force of unity and empowerment.
4. Teach‑Someone‑Chess Campaign
A key rallying cry this year: “Teach someone chess.” FIDE emphasizes that sharing the game’s joys can ignite lifelong curiosity, cognitive growth, and social bonds.
Voices of Inspiration: Viswanathan Anand
On this very day, Chess legend Viswanathan Anand reflected on the evolution of chess in India and globally. He highlighted format flexibility, noting how modern players now excel in classical, rapid, blitz, and online variants—a testament to chess’s dynamic transformation. Anand also emphasized mentoring, infrastructure, and technology as pillars of chess’s triumphant surge, especially in India.
India’s Chess Resurgence
India is experiencing a chess renaissance. Chennai, now hailed as the “Chess Capital of India,” hosts top-tier tournaments and is the home turf of stars like Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, and Arjun Erigaisi. Reflecting the trend, Indian Grandmaster teams won both Open and Women’s sections in the 45th Chess Olympiad (September 2024), a first since 2018.
This momentum was recognized by Anand, who tied it to India’s strategic focus on all formats—and especially digital, online play.
Why “Every Move Counts” Matters
- Chess as a Cognitive Tool: Beyond competition, chess builds problem-solving, focus, and strategic thinking—skills essential in academics, life and business.
- Driving Social Equity: Through targeted programs in underserved areas, chess fosters inclusion, mental health, and emotional resilience.
- Cross-Cultural Unity: Chess transcends language, geography, and background—its universal logic binds us across borders.
How You Can Make a Difference Today
- Log on to Lichess and join the blitz marathon.
- Lead a chess session at home, school, or community center.
- Organize a mini tournament with friends—virtuous variance encouraged!
- Share your International Chess Day moments online with #InternationalChessDay.
- Learn, mentor, grow—seek out chess clubs and elevate your own game.
Remember: it’s not just about winning—on the board or in life, every move we make truly counts.
⏳ Final Moves
On this July 20, 2025, whether you’re a grandmaster or a curious newcomer, take a moment to appreciate what chess stands for: an emblem of strategy, connection, and continuous growth. Let’s carry forward the spirit of “Every Move Counts” today—celebrate, share, play, and inspire.
♟ Happy International Chess Day! ♟