Budapest, Hungary – The Hungarian Chess Federation and the Local Organizing Committee are proud to announce that the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad and the 95th FIDE Congress will be held in Budapest, Hungary in mid-September 2024. This prestigious event will bring together chess players, officials, and enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate the 100th anniversary of FIDE.

Hungary’s Rich Chess History Hungary has a long and storied history in the world of chess. The country hosted the first unofficial Chess Olympiad for teams in 1926 and won the first two official editions in 1927 and 1928. Hungary has produced numerous world-renowned chess players, including Géza Maróczy, Andor Lilienthal, Laszlo Szabo, Lajos Portisch, Andras Adorjan, Zoltan Ribli, Peter Leko, and the famous Polgar sisters.

Budapest: The Perfect Host City Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is an ideal location for the Chess Olympiad and FIDE Congress. The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and a vibrant urban atmosphere. In recent years, Budapest has hosted several major sporting events, including the FINA World Championships, UEFA Europa League Final, and the World Athletics Championships.

Venue and Accommodations The event will be held at the prestigious BOK Hall, located in the heart of Budapest. Participants will be accommodated in 5- and 4-star hotels throughout the city, with complimentary transportation provided between the hotels and the venue.

Participation and Tournament Regulations The Chess Olympiad is open to all National Federations affiliated with FIDE. Each federation can nominate one team for the open section and one for the women’s section, consisting of four players, one reserve, and one captain. The tournament will be conducted according to FIDE regulations, with 11 rounds played over the course of the event.

Inclusivity and Support for Refugees In a groundbreaking decision, a team representing refugees will participate in both the Open and Women’s sections of the Chess Olympiad. This initiative, supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), aims to promote inclusivity and support for displaced persons.

FIDE Congress and Centenary Celebration Alongside the Chess Olympiad, the 95th FIDE Congress will be held, marking the 100th anniversary of the International Chess Federation. The Congress is the most important gathering and decision-making event for FIDE’s 201 member federations. Various side events and activities, including the FIDE Torch Ceremony, will be integrated into the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympiad.

Registration and Travel Subsidies Registration for the event will be open from April 18th to July 10th, 2024. FIDE will provide travel subsidies for eligible federations, with the amount determined by the federation’s development level and location. Detailed information regarding registration, accommodations, and travel subsidies can be found on the official event website.

The Hungarian Chess Federation, the Local Organizing Committee, and the Hungarian government are committed to hosting an unforgettable event that showcases the best of chess and celebrates the rich history and bright future of the sport. As the motto for this Olympiad states, “Chess is at home in Hungary.”

For more information, please visit the official event website at https://chessolympiad2024.fide.com/ or contact the Organizing Committee at olympiad2024@chess.hu.

Contact: Budapest Chess Olympiad Organizing Committee Email: olympiad2024@chess.hu Website: https://chessolympiad2024.fide.com/

Please see the details in the Brochure