World Chess Plc, the leading chess organization, partnered with global quantitative asset management firm WorldQuant and the Goals House to host a series of chess events in Davos during the World Economic Forum, bringing together world-renowned grandmasters, business and cultural leaders.

A Gathering of Visionaries

This unique event featured legendary chess grandmasters Vladimir Kramnik, former six-time World Chess Champion and former World Number One, and Daniel Yuffa, the reigning Spanish Champion. Joining them were Natalia Vodianova, supermodel and philanthropist; Igor Tulchinsky, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of WorldQuant; and Timon Afinsky, founder of Locals.org. Together, they brought a day filled with strategy, innovation, and thought-provoking conversations to the heart of Davos.

Fireside Conversations with Change-makers

As part of the day’s events, a thought-provoking fireside chat was held under the Create What You Wish Existed banner, a talk series co-founded by Natalia Vodianova and Timon Afinsky. Create What You Wish Existed is a global initiative that brings together visionaries and unicorn founders to share their journeys and inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and new ideas for the future.

During the conversation, Timon Afinsky and Igor Tulchinsky explored how chess can influence strategic decision-making and how it impacted Igor’s life and experience. Their dialogue inspired an audience of entrepreneurs, creatives, and thought leaders, offering insights into how strategic thinking and collaboration can drive meaningful change.

Chess as a Leadership Metaphor

Ilya Merenzon, CEO of World Chess, emphasized the significance of the event: “This is more than introducing chess to Davos. It’s about demonstrating how the game’s core principles, foresight, precision, and adaptability mirror the leadership and innovation required to navigate today’s challenges. By integrating chess into this space, we’re encouraging leaders to think more strategically about shaping a better future.”

Reflecting on the event, Natalia Vodianova shared: “Chess brings people together and challenges us to think creatively. Winning this match was fun, but the true success was seeing strategy and connection come to life.”

Timon Afinsky added: “I’ve always viewed chess as a tool to help develop critical thinking, anticipating your opponent’s moves and thinking through the outcomes of your own to achieve success.” 

Igor Tulchinsky concluded: “I believe chess is about strategy and calculating risk, principles that are crucial both to success both at the board and in life.”

By bringing chess to Davos alongside the World Economic Forum, World Chess, WorldQuant, and Goals House have not only created a memorable moment but also sparked a broader conversation about the intersection of intellect, creativity, and leadership in shaping a better tomorrow.

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