Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. and President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, has officially announced his bid to run for president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The election is scheduled to take place on September 26 and 27, 2026, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, coinciding with the organization’s General Assembly and the 46th World Chess Olympiad.

Turlov has led the Kazakhstan Chess Federation since 2023, during which time he has overseen significant modernization efforts and invested over $75 million into the development of chess. His tenure has seen Kazakhstan host major international events, including the Men’s World Chess Championship and the World Rapid and Blitz Team Championship. This presidential bid follows his previous nomination for the position of FIDE Deputy President.

In his statement, Turlov noted that the federation stands at a crossroads and emphasized a need for renewed energy to carry forward the progress made over the last century. His campaign aims to accelerate development within the sport, building upon the infrastructure and international profile established during his time leading the national federation in Kazakhstan.