World Chess PLC has announced the launch of the Women's Wednesday Online Tournament Series, "Swiss Queens Wednesday," in collaboration with the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The weekly event aims to increase women's participation in chess and will be hosted on the FIDE Online Arena platform. The Series will utilize World Chess' Night Watch Fair Play Suite to ensure fair play and global participation, with players required to join a monitored Zoom meeting during games.
The initiative, which will commence on January 31, 2024, is open to all women holding FIDE or Arena titles and will feature a prize fund of USD $1,000 per tournament, with a potential total prize fund of USD $100,000. Ilya Merenzon, CEO of World Chess, emphasized the broader impact of the Series, stating, "This innovation goes beyond the sport. It's about giving a voice and a stage to women in chess, encouraging them to showcase not only their strategic acumen but also their personalities and stories through streaming."
Dana Reizniece-Ozola, FIDE Managing Director, highlighted the significance of the Series in promoting gender equality in chess, stating, "This series isn't just about playing a game; it's about empowering women to take center stage in an arena they have long been a part of." Participants are encouraged to stream their games, showcasing not just their chess skills but also their unique personalities and perspectives, as part of a movement towards a more inclusive and dynamic chess community.
The Series represents a significant milestone in FIDE's commitment to promoting gender diversity through chess, coinciding with the organization's 100th anniversary. World Chess and FIDE aim to provide a platform for titled women chess players to challenge stereotypes, inspire future generations, and demonstrate their strategic prowess on a global stage. For more information, interested parties can visit the World Chess website.