The FIDE World Youth Championships U14, U16 & U18 will be held in Durres, Albania, from October 3rd to October 16th 2025.
THE ALBANIAN CHESS FEDERATION is pleased to share with all chess players and followers the news of another world-class championship coming to Albania! THE 2025 FIDE WORLD YOUTH CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP U14, U16 & U18 will be held in Durrës, from October 3 to 16, 2025!
🤩Very soon, Durrës — already the chess capital of Albania — will invite and welcome young players from all over the world to a grand, su
05/11/2025
"Words that warm our hearts ❤️ Delegations from around the world share their impressions of the FIDE World Youth Chess Championships 2025 from the organization and hospitality to the unforgettable atmosphere in Albania. Thank you for your kind words and for being part of this incredible journey!"
What an incredible journey! 🌍♟️
The FIDE World Youth U14, U16 & U18 Championships 2025 concluded in Durrës with two unforgettable weeks that brought together 730 players from 90 federations celebrating talent, friendship, and the universal language of chess.
From the first move to the final handshake, this event became a true symbol of unity, teamwork, and dedication.
As President Bajram Begaj beautifully said:
“Chess is more than a game it is a school of patience, intelligence, and respect.”
And as Erald Dervishi expressed:
“Thank you to the staff for their tireless work and to everyone who was part of this success.”
After more than six months of preparation, collaboration, and commitment, this championship became an unforgettable experience — made possible by the passion and professionalism of the organizing team, the volunteers, and every participant who gave their all.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this global event a success and to all the young champions who made Albania shine on the world chess map. 🇦🇱✨
16/10/2025
🇦🇱 Grand Finale♟️
FIDE World Youth U14, U16 & U18 Championships 2025 concluded in a night of celebration and pride at the Grand Blue Fafa Resort, marking two unforgettable weeks, with 730 players from around 90 federations and 1300 participants in total, including officials, coaches, arbiters and parents.
📍We were honored by the presence of: H.E. Bajram Begaj – President of the Republic of Albania, Mr.Erald Dervishi – President of the Albanian Chess Federation (FSHSH), Mr. Fidel Ylli – President of the National Olympic Committee of Albania (KOKSH), Mr. Eduard Shalsi – Honorary President of the Albanian Chess Federation, Mr. Gentian Kallmi – Deputy Mayor of Durrës, Mr. Ozgur Solakoglu – Technical Director of the FIDE Events Commission, Mr. Fatos Çerenishti – President of FAFA Group, Mrs. PANG Chunxue- Ambasador I Kinës.
🔴“Thank you to the staff for their tireless work and to everyone who was part of this success,” said Erald Dervishi, expressing his gratitude at the closing of one of the most important youth chess events in the world.
👏Congratulations to all winners and participants for their passion, sportsmanship, and unforgettable games that made Albania the global home of youth chess this October. 🇦🇱✨
FIDE - International Chess Federation
European Chess Union
Komiteti Olimpik Kombetar Shqiptar (KOKSH)
Ministria e Arsimit dhe Sportit
Bashkia Durres
Kompleksi FAFA
16/10/2025
FIDE World Youth Chess Championships 2025 – Durrës, Albania (October 3–16, 2025)
The championship concluded with a grand celebration after two inspiring weeks of competition among the world’s best young players.
Congratulations to all official winners:
U18 Open:
1st GM Siddharth Jagadeesh (Singapore),
2nd IM Artiom Stribuk (FIDE),
3rd IM Adarsh Uppala Sriram (India)
U18 Girls:
1st WIM Gao Muziyan (China),
2nd WIM Manon Schippke (France),
3rd Valeria Kleymenova (FIDE)
U16 Open:
1st GM Edgar Mamedov (Kazakhstan),
2nd IM Sauat Nurgaliyev (Kazakhstan),
3rd FM Alexandr Volodin (FIDE)
U16 Girls:
1st WFM Diana Khafizova (FIDE),
2nd WFM Marija Kuznecova (FIDE),
3rd Chen Yining (China)
U14 Open:
1st FM Mark Smirnov (Kazakhstan),
2nd IM Haochen Jiang (China),
3rd CM Artem Lebedev (FIDE)
U14 Girls:
1st WFM Polina Smirnova (FIDE),
2nd Rukiya Olimova (Uzbekistan),
3rd Jamaicah Yap Mendoza (Philippines)
A heartfelt congratulations to all champions and participants who made the FIDE World Youth Chess Championships 2025 an unforgettable event celebrating excellence, friendship, and the unifying spirit of chess.
15/10/2025
As the final hours of the FIDE World Youth Chess Championships 2025 tick away, the atmosphere in Albania is charged with emotion. Smiles, tension, pride, and a touch of nostalgia fill the halls at the end of a journey that brought together young talents, lifelong memories, and the true spirit of chess. Every piece moved, every handshake shared, has written a story to remember.
15/10/2025
As we move toward the final round of the FIDE World Youth Chess Championships 2025, we take a moment to express our deepest appreciation to the incredible teams working tirelessly behind the scenes.
To our international arbiters, who ensure every game runs with fairness, precision, and integrity your dedication upholds the true spirit of chess.
To the Fair Play team, whose vigilance and professionalism safeguard the values that make this sport so special thank you for your unwavering commitment.
And to our organizing team, whose months of planning, coordination, and hard work made this world-class event in Albania possible none of this would have happened without you.
Together, you are the pillars of this championship, turning every round into a celebration of excellence, respect, and unity in the global chess community. ♟️🇦🇱"
Round 10, the final rounds are here, focus sharper than ever, and every move could decide it all. ♟️🔥
14/10/2025
🎨 Our Fun Exhibition!
📅 October 1️⃣5️⃣ th, at 6️⃣:0️⃣0️⃣ PM
🤩 Come and see our beautiful works!
FIDE - International Chess Federation
European Chess Union
Komiteti Olimpik Kombetar Shqiptar (KOKSH)
Ministria e Arsimit dhe Sportit
Ministria e Ekonomisë, Kulturës dhe Inovacionit
Bashkia Durres
Kompleksi FAFA
14/10/2025
The atmosphere in Albania is growing more intense with each move as we enter the final rounds of the FIDE World Youth Chess Championships 2025. After days of strategic battles, brilliant comebacks, and emotional victories, the players now stand at the doorstep of the decisive moments that will shape the final standings. Every game carries new pressure, every move could define a champion. The spirit of competition, focus, and fair play is stronger than ever it’s the final stretch of a truly remarkable journey!
Chief Arbiter Ashot Vardapetyan shared his impressions of this year’s FIDE World Youth Chess Championships — praising the high level of organization, the dedication of young players, and the strong spirit of fair play that defines the event in Albania.