The 2024 Chess Olympiad: A Cultural and Competitive Showcase in Budapest

This will be the 45th edition of the Chess Olympiad, and it holds particular importance as it coincides with the 100th anniversary of the founding of FIDE (the International Chess Federation). Hungary, a nation with a rich history in chess, is aptly hosting this prestigious event.

Budapest's BOK Sports Hall, known for its modern facilities and capability to accommodate up to 10,000 people, will be the venue for the Olympiad. The event promises to bring together top-tier players from across the globe, including both established chess heavyweights and emerging talents.

Hungary itself has a strong chess legacy, being home to numerous great players like Géza Maróczy, Andor Lilienthal, Laszlo Szabo, Lajos Portisch, Andras Adorjan, Zoltan Ribli, Peter Leko, and the famous Polgar sisters – Judit, Susan, and Sofia.

In a move towards inclusivity and diversity, the 2024 Chess Olympiad will, for the first time, welcome a team of refugees. This decision, endorsed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), is aimed at promoting support for displaced individuals and using chess as a tool for positive change. The refugee team will be selected through a supervised process and is set to compete in both the Open and Women's sections of the tournament.

The organizers, in collaboration with FIDE, are committed to making this Olympiad a memorable and inclusive experience, with a focus on gender equality and increased participation of women's teams. Besides the chess battles, the Olympiad will also feature various cultural programs and events for children, and the FIDE Congress will be hosted concurrently.

This Olympiad is not just a celebration of chess but also a testament to Hungary's chess heritage and its role in today's chess world. With the support of the Hungarian Chess Federation and the government, the event is anticipated to be a grand showcase of strategy and intellect, bringing the global chess community together in Budapest​

For a brief history of Chess Olympiads, these are biennial chess tournaments where teams from around the world compete. The first official Olympiad was held in London in 1927. Since then, the event has grown in prestige and participation, reflecting the increasing global popularity of chess. Notably, the Olympiad was interrupted only during World War II, showing its resilience and importance in the world of chess.

PK