The 2024 Chess Year Review

Chess enthusiasts of the world, what a year it has been!

2024 has been a whirlwind year in the chess world. So, we would love it if you'd spend some time with us as we go through some of the most memorable, controversial, and groundbreaking moments.

There’s so much to unpack here today! So, grab your favorite beverage and a snack, and let’s dive!

Major Tournaments and Championships

We have to start by going over the recent World Chess Championship.

World Chess Championship 2024

As you probably know by now, the World Chess Championship 2024 was nothing short of historic.

We saw the Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju shock the world by defeating Ding Liren and becoming the youngest World Chess Champion at just 18 years old.

The match, held in Singapore, was a nail-biter, with Gukesh clinching the title 7.5-6.5.

But do you know what made it even more jaw-dropping? Gukesh’s cool-as-ice demeanor in high-pressure moments. This kid’s got nerves of steel, and the chess world better buckle up for what’s next.

It was such a joy to watch the usually stoic and poised Gukesh break down in tears after he realized he was the new champion.

We can only imagine how he must have felt during that moment.

Can you imagine going through years of training, working hard, building not just himself but also his persona, and finally, all of his emotions poured out in the end?

You could just feel the immense pressure and weight he was carrying during those moments.

45th Chess Olympiad

Let's not forget about the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, which was another proud moment for India.

Both the men’s and women’s teams snagged gold medals. Gukesh, of course, starred on board one, while Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi brought their A-games.

It was like India’s Avengers assembling—but for chess.

Grand Chess Tour

The Grand Chess Tour 2024 was another rollercoaster event full of excitement.

Alireza Firouzja stood tall as the undisputed champion of the Grand Chess Tour 2024.

Not only did he win the title, but he also proved why he's one of the most inspiring players in modern chess. His journey was nothing short of remarkable. Let's look at two of his standout victories that sealed his place at the top.

Firouzja delivered an unbeaten performance at the Sinquefield Cup, finishing on 6/9 after a solid draw with Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa in the final round.

Along the way, he defeated heavyweights like Fabiano Caruana, Ding Liren, and Anish Giri.

He soon followed this with a stunning performance at the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz.

But it wasn't just Alireza Firouzja who captivated the audience. You see, while Firouzja claimed the crown, Fabiano Caruana wasn’t far behind.  

Caruana successfully defended his title during the Superbet Chess Classic Romania. He emerged as the champion for the second consecutive year and secured victories over formidable opponents, including Alireza Firouzja and Bogdan-Daniel Deac.

Despite a final-round loss to Anish Giri, Caruana triumphed in the rapid tie-breaks, achieving a perfect score to clinch the title.

He dominated the blitz rounds with razor-sharp tactics during the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz. These back-to-back victories secured him the overall GCT title, along with the largest share of the prize money.

Rising Stars Step Up

The tour wasn’t just about the veterans. We saw young guns like Vincent Keymer and Nodirbek Abdusattorov leave their mark. So we can be sure that the next generation is ready to challenge the old guard.

Keymer’s tactical sharpness and resilience earned him respect from even the most seasoned grandmasters, while Abdusattorov’s fearless play turned heads throughout the tour.

The FIDE Candidates Tournament 2024

This year, the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2024 took place in Toronto. It was such a wonderful display of high-stakes chess as eight elite players battled for the coveted spot to challenge for the World Chess Championship.

But who do you think stole the show? Gukesh Dommaraju, of course.

This young Indian prodigy proved he’s not just hype by taking the top spot and earning his shot at the World Chess Championship.

Gukesh didn’t just win — he dominated.

He took down heavyweights like Ian Nepomniachtchi and Teimour Radjabov. By the end of the tournament, it was clear: Gukesh is here to stay, and he’s ready for the big leagues.

Other Notable Tournaments

But wait! It doesn't end there! There were several other tournaments that took place this year. Here are some of the most buzzworthy ones:

World Junior Chess Championship: France’s Marc Andria Maurizzi clinched the title by outsmarting a field of hungry young players. His aggressive yet calculated play stood out.

European Team Chess Championship: Azerbaijan and Georgia shone, with Azerbaijan winning the Open section and Georgia taking the Women’s. Players like Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Nana Dzagnidze led the charge.

Asian Continental Chess Championship: India’s Arjun Erigaisi added another trophy to his growing collection. His mix of aggression and strategy made him unbeatable here.

Players To Look Out For

Let’s dive into the other players who made waves in 2024. 

Arjun Erigaisi had a breakthrough year, breaking the 2800 ELO barrier in December 2024—a milestone that places him firmly among the world’s elite. 

His performance at the Asian Continental Chess Championship, where he took first place, showcased his aggressive yet calculated playing style. 

But that’s not all — Erigaisi’s consistency across tournaments earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous players on the circuit.

The next person on our list is Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. Another Indian prodigy who continued his steady rise. 

Praggnanandhaa continues to impress with his strong showings at events like the Sinquefield Cup. He drew with Alireza Firouzja in the final round. 

Then, on the international stage, we have Vincent Keymer of Germany, who caught everyone’s attention. 

Vincent Keymer is making Germany proud. At the Grand Swiss Tournament, Keymer delivered an unbeaten streak that earned him a ticket to the 2025 Candidates Tournament. 

Oh, and did we mention his perfect 100% score in the Bundesliga? Yeah, this guy’s not playing around. 

And, of course, Alireza Firouzja deserves a massive spotlight as well.

Firouzja owned the Sinquefield Cup and the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz. His ability to switch gears between rapid, blitz, and classical chess made him one of the most talked-about players of 2024. 

But that’s not all because, you see, the veterans weren’t sitting idle. 

Fabiano Caruana stayed rock solid, grabbing titles at the Superbet Chess Classic Romania and the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia.

Meanwhile, Hikaru Nakamura brought his trademark flair to the Grand Chess Tour, finishing in the top three of multiple blitz events. 

These two reminded everyone why they’re still at the top.

2024 wasn’t just a year for the veterans or the young stars—it was a year for everyone proving they belong at the top. These players showed the chess world that the competition is fiercer than ever, and the upcoming years promise even more fireworks.

Controversies and Scandals in 2024

Like any other sport, chess isn’t immune to its share of controversies and scandals. As much as we hate to admit it, it definitely is fun to learn about them, too, don’t you agree?

However, this year there was a scandal – rather a transgression that was neither funny nor entertaining. 

The Attempted Poisoning

In a shocking turn of events, Russian chess champion Amina Abakarova was allegedly caught on camera attempting to poison her longtime rival, Umayganat Osmanova. 

Yes, you read that right—poison. 

During a tournament in Makhachkala, Dagestan, CCTV footage reportedly captured Abakarova smearing what appears to be mercury on Osmanova’s chessboard and pieces. 

The result? Severe nausea and dizziness for Osmanova and an unsettling stain on the sport we all love.

Caught on Camera

Let’s break this down. 

The incident happened on August 2 at the Dagestan Chess Championship. Abakarova, a well-known chess coach in Dagestan, entered the tournament room about 20 minutes before Osmanova arrived. 

Now, here’s where it gets chilling. 

The footage, which has since gone viral, shows Abakarova pouring what looks like mercury from a thermometer onto Osmanova’s chessboard and pieces. Then, like nothing happened, she calmly leaves the room—completely unaware the cameras are rolling.

When the match started, Osmanova and even one of the event organizers began feeling sick. 

Imagine sitting there, trying to concentrate, while nausea and dizziness take over. Medical help arrived quickly, and doctors later confirmed it was mercury poisoning. 

Osmanova ended up in the hospital but recovered in time to finish the tournament. And here’s the kicker—she still managed to snag second place. 

Abakarova didn’t get away with it. 

Authorities detained her, and she now faces serious consequences, including criminal charges and possibly a lifetime ban from chess. 

You might be wondering — why did she do it? Russian media suggests this wasn’t just about chess. Abakarova and Osmanova go way back as childhood rivals with a history of tension. Apparently, old grudges don’t die easily.

The Russian Chess Federation acted quickly, suspending Abakarova from all official events while investigations continued.

Alexander Tkachyov, their executive director, didn’t mince words either: “We’re considering a lifetime ban for Abakarova, but we’ll wait for the police investigation’s results. We deeply regret that such an incident happened during a chess tournament.”

A Wake-Up Call for Chess

This incident has sparked outrage and serious questions about tournament security. Should we be doing more to ensure players’ safety? 

Malcolm Pain, director of international chess at the English Chess Federation, called it a dark day for chess. “This is the first recorded instance of someone using a toxic substance in a chess game. It’s beyond anything we’ve seen before.”

We’ve all seen rivalries in chess—it’s part of what makes the sport exciting. But this? This is something else entirely. As fans and players, we’ve got to demand better. 

Phones in the Bathroom

During the Spanish Team Chess Championship, suspicions arose about Kirill Shevchenko’s frequent absences from the board. 

GM Francisco Vallejo raised concerns, prompting arbiters to investigate. What they found shocked everyone—two locked phones in a bathroom cubicle. 

But, do you know what’s more strange? One of the phones even had a note taped to it reading, “Don’t touch! This phone has been left so the owner can answer it at night!”

Shevchenko denied any involvement, stating that his repeated visits to the bathroom were due to feeling unwell. But, as you can already imagine, the arbiters weren’t convinced. 

Their report claimed Shevchenko had repeatedly visited the same locked cubicle, even when other options were available.

FIDE Steps In

FIDE’s Fair Play Commission wasted no time, launching a preliminary investigation. 

On the basis of a prima facie case, they handed Shevchenko a 75-day suspension, effective immediately. This decision, while temporary, bars him from participating in official events until January, 2025.

FIDE clarified that the suspension does not equate to a declaration of guilt. 

Instead, they are proceeding with the investigation “on the assumption of innocence,” as outlined in their Ethics and Disciplinary Code. The temporary ban allows FIDE to act urgently without waiting for a formal hearing.

The Fallout

Shevchenko’s suspension means he missed major tournaments like the European Chess Club Cup and the World Rapid and Blitz Championships. He was slated to play for SuperChess, Romania’s top-seeded team, in the European Chess Club Cup. His absence left team captain GM Ivan Sokolov stepping in as a replacement.

Allegations of Match-Fixing

Not even the latest Chess Championship was free from controversies. 

The controversy between Andrei Filatov, president of the Russian Chess Federation, and Ding Liren, reigning World Champion, went far beyond the board.

Filatov accused Ding of deliberately losing the World Chess Championship final to India’s D Gukesh, sparking outrage and disbelief across the chess world. The accusation came after Ding’s critical blunder in the final game, which turned the match in Gukesh’s favor. 

Filatov didn’t hold back, publicly asking FIDE to investigate what he called “extremely suspicious” behavior.

The Match That Sparked It All

The championship game took place in Singapore, where Ding and Gukesh faced off in a nail-biting finale. Ding’s unexpected mistake in the decisive moment left many puzzled, including professionals and fans alike. 

Filatov voiced these frustrations, saying, “The actions of the Chinese chess player in the decisive segment are extremely suspicious. Losing the position Ding Liren had would be difficult even for a first-class player.”

Filatov called on FIDE to launch a formal inquiry into the match, insisting the defeat looked deliberate. He pointed to Ding’s blunder as evidence, describing it as “bewildering” and out of character for a player of his caliber.

FIDE’s Response and Community Backlash

The accusations from Filatov have left the chess community divided. 

As you can already guess, many fans and players see the allegations as baseless and damaging, while others believe FIDE should investigate for the sake of transparency. So far, FIDE has not confirmed whether an inquiry will be launched.

Ukrainian chess coach Peter Heine Nielsen added fuel to the fire by sharing a screenshot of Filatov’s statement, amplifying the controversy. Meanwhile, Ding has chosen not to comment publicly, letting his gameplay and reputation speak for itself.

Rule Changes and Innovations

2024 brought several significant updates aimed at modernizing chess and addressing challenges both on and off the board. 

Let’s look at some of them. 

Tweaks to Time Controls and Tie-Break Formats

Let’s start with the World Chess Championship — a place where every tweak matters. 

FIDE made adjustments to the World Chess Championship tie-break formats to encourage more decisive outcomes. 

In particular, the introduction of Armageddon games in tie-break scenarios added a dramatic edge. These games (where White gets more time but must win to claim victory)  provided fans with thrilling finishes while putting players under immense pressure. 

Geopolitical Tensions and Neutral Flags

Geopolitics continued to impact chess this year. 

FIDE upheld its decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing under their national flags due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. 

Players could still participate, but only under the neutral FIDE flag. This rule shaped events like the European Chess Club Cup, where several top Russian players, including Ian Nepomniachtchi, competed under neutral status. 

While some praised the decision as a stance for neutrality and fairness, others argued it blurred the lines between politics and sport.

The Expansion of the Global Chess League

The Global Chess League (GCL) took bold steps in 2024 by introducing new team-based formats that made chess more dynamic and spectator-friendly. 

Teams composed of a mix of grandmasters, international masters, and junior players battled it out in shorter time controls designed to keep fans engaged. 

The league’s innovative format received a warm reception, particularly in countries like India, where chess continues to grow rapidly. 

The shorter games, broadcast live with commentary, brought new energy to the chess calendar.

A Year of Loss in Chess

2024 wasn’t just about games and glory — it was also a year of loss. The chess world said goodbye to several legends and contributors who left behind legacies that won’t be forgotten.

One of the most personal losses came for Magnus Carlsen, whose mother, Sigrun Øen, passed away in July. Her death was deeply felt not just by Magnus but by the entire chess community.

Among ranked players, Ziaur Rahman, Bangladesh’s second Grandmaster, and a 15-time national champion, passed away during a game. 

The chess world also bid farewell to Igors Rausis, a controversial figure remembered for his earlier contributions to the game before his reputation was tarnished by a cheating scandal. 

Other notable losses this year included:

• Dietmar Kolbus: German International Master, passed away on July 25, 2024, during the Biel Chess Festival.
• Juzefs Petkēvičs: Latvian Grandmaster, passed away on February 13, 2024.
• Sergei Beshukov: Russian International Master, passed away on June 7, 2024.
• Constantin Ionescu: Romanian Grandmaster, passed away on August 19, 2024.
• Krum Georgiev: Bulgarian Grandmaster, passed away on October 5, 2024.
• Andreas Dückstein: Austrian International Master, passed away on March 27, 2024.
• Zenón Franco Ocampos: Paraguayan Grandmaster, passed away on April 15, 2024.
• Viesturs Meijers: Latvian Grandmaster, passed away on May 30, 2024.
• Orestes Rodríguez Vargas: Peruvian Grandmaster, passed away on September 12, 2024.

These individuals remind us why chess is more than just a game — it’s a community. Their contributions, whether on the board or behind the scenes, will continue to inspire future generations.

Wrapping Up 2024

And that’s a wrap on the chess year 2024!

From Gukesh’s rise to the top to dramatic chess matches and dangerous scandals, this year had it all. It’s a testament to why chess remains captivating — it’s not just about moves on a board but the stories behind them.

As we head into 2025, one thing’s for sure: the chess world isn’t slowing down. So, stay tuned, stay curious, and most importantly, stay passionate about chess. See you next year!

Pssst… check out some of our chess sets for last minute New Year gift shopping!