International Chess day July 20th – FIDE bonanza, 24 hour chess marathon
To mark the occasion of the International Chess Day on July 20th, FIDE (International Chess Federation) has come up with a novel plan where one can play blitz all the 24 hours to commemorate the special chess day of the year. The International Chess Day is annually celebrated on the 20th of July, the day FIDE (International Chess Federation) was founded, at Paris, France in the year 1924.
The idea to celebrate the International Chess Day was first proposed by UNESCO, and it has been celebrated since 1966. On 12th December, 2019 the United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution recognising 20th July as the International Chess Day.
FIDE’s Social Commission, in partnership with Lichess.org welcomes all for the largest-ever Social Chess Day tournament — a 24-hour blitz marathon celebrating International Chess Day on July 20 !!
Random prizes including flights and accommodation to the 46th Chess Olympiad at Samarkand 2026 will be distributed, amongst others.
Event Details:
* Format: 5+3 Blitz (5 minutes + 3 seconds increment)
* Platform: Lichess.org
* Start Time: 00:00 CEST (Zurich time) on July 20
* End Time: 00:00 CEST on July 21
* Entry: Open to players of any skill level, from all time zones — join anytime and play as many games as you want!
Prizes bonanza:
5 winners: will get vouchers to attend the Opening Ceremony & Round 1 of FIDE’s flagship event, the 46th Chess Olympiad 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan including 2 nights of hotel stay.
10 winners: €100 FIDE Merchandise Vouchers
20 winners: Limited edition “Chess Players” photography books
Online simuls with top Grandmasters:
* Humpy Koneru
* Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu
* Vaishali Rameshbabu
* Tan Zhongyi
* Arjun Erigaisi
* Valentina Gunina (with lecture)
* Anish Giri
* Anna Shukhman (with lecture)
Q&A & Game Analysis with GM Anna Muzychuk
FIDE invites every chess lover in the nook & corner of the world for this event which is more than just a tournament — it’s a global celebration of the 64 square game we all love. Whether you play one, ten or hundred games, dont miss being part of the movement.
It’s in your hands to make July 20 a memorable day !!
Join here: lichess.org/tournament/fscday25
Regulations: fide.com/wp-content/uploads/FIDE-Social-Chess-Day-Tournament-Regulations-.pdf
Images Courtesy: FIDE (International Chess Federation)
