FIDE President: Baku to once again become world chess capital

After eight years, Baku will become a chess capital of the world again, President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Arkady Dvorkovich said.

He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the Baku Open 2023 International Chess Festival, Report writes.

Dvorkovich spoke about the importance of the World Chess Cup, which will be held from July 29 to August 25, 2023, in Azerbaijan.

"The World Cup is the most important tournament in our two-year calendar after the World Championship match. This tournament is more important than others. The World Cup is very a serious competition. Chess players who take the first three places in the World Cup will be eligible to participate in the Candidates Tournament,” the official emphasized.

Further, Dvorkovich thanked the Azerbaijani president and the local chess federation for their support in holding the World Cup in Azerbaijan for the second time.