Chess joins the International World Games Association – International Chess Federation

Lausanne, Switzerland – 25 April 2026 – The International World Games Association (IWGA) is happy to announce that the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has been granted membership standing inside the organisation. The determination was taken by the IWGA Members in the course of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on the Olympic Museum in Lausanne on 25 April 2026.

Following a evaluate technique of the applying submitted, IWGA Members voted to approve FIDE’s admission. With this determination, the variety of IWGA Member Federations will increase to 40.

FIDE’s inclusion represents an vital step within the continued improvement and diversification of the IWGA, additional strengthening its international attain and the vary of sports activities represented inside The World Games Movement. As the worldwide governing physique for chess, FIDE brings a well-established international construction and a robust neighborhood of gamers and stakeholders.

IWGA CEO, Joachim Gossow, welcomed the choice, stating:

“We are very pleased to welcome FIDE as a Member of the IWGA. Chess is one of the most widely practised and recognised disciplines worldwide, and its inclusion reflects our commitment to embracing a diverse range of sports, including mind sports, within our organisation.”

FIDE President, Arkady Dvorkovich, acknowledged: 

“Chess is a truly global sport that unites millions of players across all continents through strategy, discipline, and creativity. Its inclusion within the IWGA reflects the growing recognition of mind sports alongside traditional athletic disciplines and the shared values of excellence, fair play, and international exchange. We are very excited for this new chapter and the opportunities it will bring for the continued development of chess within the international sporting movement.”

The IWGA seems to be ahead to collaborating with FIDE and exploring future alternatives inside The World Games framework.