The World Schools Team Chess Championship 2025, held in the United States, brought together a record number of school teams from over 40 countries, becoming one of the most significant events on the scholastic chess calendar. Organized by the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) in partnership with FIDE and with the strategic leadership of Freedom Holding Corp., the championship proved to be more than a competition — it became a model for how chess can serve as a global tool for youth development and international dialogue.
For the host nation, the tournament concluded with a strong third-place finish (represented by The Harker School, San Jose, California), affirming the rising status of U.S. school chess. But more broadly, the event highlighted how Freedom Holding Corp. is actively reshaping the role of chess in the educational systems of the 21st century.
Team USA’s Journey to the Podium
The bronze medal earned by the U.S. team signaled growing success in the country’s youth chess programs. The team was made up of students from The Harker School, a leading private school in California with a strong chess tradition.
Arnav Solan, playing as a reserve, made crucial wins in decisive rounds, while Tori Porat (Board 3) delivered key victories over top-ranked competitors from India and Kazakhstan.
Jonathan Reyes and Sophia Lin, though not medaling individually, made pivotal contributions to the team’s semifinal triumph over Germany. As noted by David Hayter of the U.S. Chess Federation, the team’s success reflects broader investments in chess education: “We’ve seen a 30% increase in school chess programs over the past two years — and it’s starting to pay off.”
Strong International Field and Individual Achievements
India (Velammal MHS School, Chennai) — Gold in the team event; individual golds for A. R. Ilamparthi (Board 4) and Pranav K. P. (Reserve, 8/8).
Kazakhstan (National School of Physics and Mathematics, Almaty) — Silver in the team event; individual gold for Imangali Akhilbay (Board 2, 8/8).
Kyrgyzstan — Gold for Edisa Berdibaeva (Board 3, 8/8).
Georgia — Gold for Gabriel Gabedaze (Board 1).
These results underscore the increasingly global nature of competitive youth chess, with multiple players delivering perfect scores on their boards.
Smart Moves Summit: Chess as Educational Infrastructure
Running parallel to the competition, the Smart Moves Summit gathered education officials, researchers, and technology innovators to chart the future of chess in schools. The summit underscored the urgency of integrating structured intellectual activities into curricula, especially as digital distractions challenge attention and academic performance.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich used the summit to make a landmark announcement:
“2026 will be the Year of Chess in Schools — a global campaign to foster logic, focus, and strategic thinking in classrooms worldwide. This vision would not be possible without the foresight and investment of Freedom Holding Corp..”
Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. and President of ISCF, emphasized:
“Chess is more than competition — it’s a platform for learning, dialogue, and cultural exchange. Our mission is to build an ecosystem where every child can access the intellectual and personal growth that chess provides.”
Freedom Holding Corp.: Architect of Global Chess Access
As the general partner of WSTC 2025, Freedom Holding Corp. provided critical infrastructure and technological support that expanded the event’s reach and impact. The company sponsored:
- A state-of-the-art broadcasting system, streaming games in real-time worldwide;
- AI-powered analysis tools for in-depth strategic insights;
- Educational media, including a documentary on the Kazakh team, viewed over 500,000 times in its first week.
In Kazakhstan, Freedom Holding Corp. funded chess programs for 15,000 students, integrating game-based learning into public education — part of a multi-year plan to make chess a core educational tool globally.
“Our journey began in Aktau in 2023,” said Timur Turlov. “Since then, we’ve grown a network that connects children, coaches, and educators through chess. This is long-term work — and we’re here to make lasting change.”
Chess and the Future of Global Education
The podium finishes of the U.S., India, and Kazakhstan illustrate what’s possible when countries systematically invest in school chess programs and partner with organizations dedicated to broadening access.
Arkady Dvorkovich concluded:
“Chess develops minds ready for complexity and diversity. Together with Freedom Holding Corp. and leaders like Timur Turlov, we are creating not just champions, but the thinkers and innovators of tomorrow.”
The World Schools Team Chess Championship 2025 leaves behind a legacy of strategic thinking, discipline, and global unity — with Freedom Holding Corp. at the heart of this educational transformation.
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