Kazakhstan Chess Federation president and businessman Timur Turlov was elected as the president of the International Chess Federation, known as FIDE, during a vote held on Saturday. Turlov secured 110 out of 192 total votes in the second round of balloting, overcoming a field that included German representatives Vadim Rosenstein and Henrik Bitner.
The Election and Opposing Factions
The leadership contest concluded on Saturday with Turlov claiming a majority in the second round of voting to take over the global governing body. Alongside Turlov, German representatives Vadim Rosenstein and Henrik Bitner had also mounted campaigns for the FIDE presidency, according to international reports. The transition marks a shift for the organization after eight years under the leadership of former Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich, who was placed on an European Union sanctions package earlier in the summer.
Sanctions Controversy and Ukrainian Federation Objections
The Ukrainian body formally objected to his candidacy and subsequent election, pointing out that Turlov remains on Ukraine’s national sanctions list. While Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, had previously expressed support for Turlov, the Ukrainian Chess Federation emphasized in a public statement that Podolyak does not speak for or represent the federation.
Background and Financial Standing
Born in Russia, Turlov has held the presidency of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation since 2023. Outside of his sports administration roles, he serves as the founder and owner of Freedom Holding, an investment company and financial corporation. Financial magazine Forbes estimates Turlov’s personal wealth at approximately $7.4 billion USD.
What Comes Next for FIDE
With the election finalized, Turlov steps into a leadership mandate governing international chess administration, inheriting the institutional framework previously managed by Dvorkovich.
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