December 15, 2023, Lausanne, SWITZERLAND — In a groundbreaking move to elevate women's participation and recognition in the world of chess, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and World Chess are thrilled to announce the launch of the Women’s Wednesday Online Tournament Series. This weekly event, hosted on the FIDE Online Arena platform (chessarena.com), represents a significant stride in empowering women within the chess community.

Empowering Women in Chess: A Step Towards Inclusion and Diversity

At the heart of this initiative is the commitment to promoting gender diversity and providing a global stage for women to exhibit their chess skills. This series is not just a competition; it's a vibrant community where female chess players can connect and grow together in both personal and professional realms.

Innovative Online Format Meets High-Stakes Competition

The Women’s Wednesday Online Tournament leverages state-of-the-art technology for fair play monitoring and global participation, making it a pioneering event in the chess world. FIDE Online Arena is proud to be the digital venue for this series, offering a seamless and sophisticated online chess experience.

Swiss Queens’ Wednesday Tournament: Details and Regulations

The Swiss Queens’ Wednesday Tournament Series is open to all women chess players who hold FIDE and Arena titles. The tournaments, starting every Wednesday at 17:00 Central European Time, feature a Swiss pairing system with 3+1 Blitz time control.

Prizes totaling 1,000 USD per tournament will be awarded, with a potential annual prize fund increase to $100,000. The tournament emphasizes fair play, with strict adherence to FIDE's regulations and innovative anti-cheating measures.

Allegiance to Fairness and Integrity

Participants are expected to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship. The Night Watch Fair Play Suite will analyze games, and players are required to join a monitored Zoom meeting during the tournament.

Building a Legacy for Women in Chess

This tournament series is more than just a competition. It's a statement of FIDE's unwavering dedication to empowering women in chess, not only on the board but also in leadership roles and personal development. It’s an opportunity for women to challenge stereotypes, inspire future generations, and demonstrate their strategic prowess on a global stage.

For female chess players, the tournament not only serves as a platform to refine their strategic prowess but also to enhance their showmanship abilities, with a strong encouragement for game streaming.

About FIDE and World Chess

FIDE, the governing body of chess, is committed to promoting chess globally and fostering a diverse and inclusive chess community. World Chess (LSE:CHSS), FIDE commercial partner, is proud to work with FIDE in hosting this groundbreaking series on chessarena.com, FIDE’s official gaming platform.