Five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand will step down from his role as Deputy President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) if incumbent chief Arkady Dvorkovich wins a third term in office. Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, has been named as Dvorkovich's running mate for the deputy's position ahead of the FIDE presidential election at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan in September 2025. Anand, however, will remain actively involved in Dvorkovich's campaign and FIDE's work.

Dvorkovich Announces Third-Term Bid

Arkady Dvorkovich, who has led FIDE since 2018, confirmed on Monday that he will seek a third consecutive term as President at the federation's General Assembly during the Olympiad. He becomes the third candidate in the race, joining Wadim Rosenstein and Jan Buettner, who had previously declared their bids.

In a post on X, Dvorkovich outlined his rationale: 'Eight years ago, I committed to building a stronger, fairer, global FIDE. Serving as the president of FIDE for the past eight years has been an exceptional honour. Together, we have strengthened FIDE, significantly expanded and improved global events, and invested more in children’s chess, women’s competitions, senior chess, education, and social programmes. But this is not the endpoint. It is the foundation. That is why today I am announcing that I will seek another term as President of the International Chess Federation. Every federation deserves opportunities to grow, with support tailored to its needs and circumstances. Every player and chess enthusiast deserves a place in our global chess family. Every move counts. Everyone matters.'

Anand’s Role Going Forward

Anand, who has served as FIDE Deputy President since 2022, publicly endorsed Dvorkovich's decision in a post on X, re-quoting the incumbent's announcement. 'I have worked closely with Arkady over the past four years and have seen his commitment to chess and to federations around the world. I’m proud to be part of his team, and I’m confident we will continue to strive for the global chess community!' he wrote.

Anand confirmed he will remain engaged beyond the campaign. 'I will continue supporting the campaign and contributing my experience to FIDE’s work, especially in helping emerging and developing federations grow the game,' he said.

Turlov’s Nomination as Deputy Candidate

Timur Turlov, who also serves as President of the International School Chess Federation, was presented as Dvorkovich's choice for the deputy's role. Turlov pointed to Kazakhstan's track record in school chess expansion and federation modernisation as a model for global replication.

'The results we have achieved in Kazakhstan have convinced me of a simple truth: a practical, modern, and digital approach to chess development works — and it can be scaled globally. We have expanded school chess, invested in young players, hosted major international events, and made chess more visible and prestigious. I am honoured to run alongside Arkady Dvorkovich and help bring that same focus on digitalisation, efficiency, and direct support to national federations across FIDE,' Turlov said.

Dvorkovich’s Third-Term Priorities

Dvorkovich said his third-term agenda would centre on institutional reform, digital modernisation, and broader access. 'FIDE must become even more open, more efficient, and more responsive. It must do more to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and turn more directly towards those who make chess possible — federations, players, clubs, organisers, arbiters, coaches, schools, and volunteers,' he said.

Among the stated priorities are simplifying services for national federations, expanding digital tools, strengthening youth and grassroots programmes, improving financial sustainability, and accelerating the game's growth across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Dvorkovich previously secured the FIDE presidency in Batumi in 2018 and was re-elected in Chennai in 2022. The upcoming vote in Uzbekistan would, if successful, give him an unprecedented third successive mandate.