Freedom Holding Founder Elected to Lead World Chess Body
Freedom Holding founder and CEO Timur Turlov won the FIDE presidency on September 26, 2026, defeating Wadim Rosenstein by 110 votes to 85 in a second-round General Assembly vote. Viswanathan Anand was elected deputy president. Turlov proposed raising FIDE investment to $7 million and expanding its development fund beyond $6 million, with personal guarantees for the commitments.
Turlov, who heads Nasdaq-listed Freedom Holding, won FIDE’s top post in Samarkand on Sept. 26, 2026. In the second round, he secured 110 votes; Wadim Rosenstein received 85, while Jan-Henrik Büttner exited after the opening round. Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand became deputy president on the same ticket.
Turlov has led Kazakhstan’s chess federation since 2023 and also presides over the International School Chess Federation. His platform includes lifting FIDE investment to $7 million, backing that pledge personally, growing the development fund past $6 million, and creating a media fund for national federations. Freedom had already been named general partner for FIDE’s 2026 World Championship.
Turlov’s election could reshape how chess is funded and promoted, potentially affecting national federations, school programs, players, and fans. His proposed $7 million investment and larger development fund may expand digital tools and education, though delivery depends on follow-through. The Freedom Holding connection may also draw greater business and investor attention to chess sponsorship, while raising questions about governance and commercial influence. Overall, the impact on society may be most visible through grassroots access, youth participation, and the visibility of international chess events.