Chess Legend Viswanathan Anand Becomes FIDE Interim President

Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world chess champion, took over as the interim president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) on 24 July 2026. He assumed the post after Arkady Dvorkovich suspended his duties as FIDE president following European Union and Swiss sanctions.

International Chess Federation

The International Chess Federation is known by the acronym FIDE, which comes from the French name Fédération Internationale des Échecs. FIDE is the global governing body for chess and organises world championship events, title regulations, and international rating systems.

Arkady Dvorkovich and FIDE Leadership

Arkady Dvorkovich has led FIDE since 2018 and served as Deputy Prime Minister of Russia from 2012 to 2018. He was included in the European Union’s 21st sanctions package, which contains restrictive measures linked to Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Viswanathan Anand’s FIDE Roles

Viswanathan Anand was elected FIDE Deputy President in August 2022. He stated that he will not seek re-election for the deputy president’s post and will remain part of Dvorkovich’s campaign team for the September elections in Samarkand.

Important Facts for Exams

• FIDE was founded in 1924 and is the international federation for chess.
• Viswanathan Anand won the World Chess Championship five times and became India’s first grandmaster in 1988.
• Arkady Dvorkovich became FIDE President in 2018 after serving in senior government positions in Russia.
• Samarkand is a historic city in Uzbekistan and has hosted major international chess events.

FIDE Elections and Sanctions Context

FIDE presidential elections are held through a voting process involving national chess federations. EU and Swiss sanctions can restrict the official duties and international movement of listed individuals.