In Azerbaijan, chess is not just a sport — it is a tradition played in courtyards, parks, and schools, passed down from generation to generation. This tradition has given the world several great names and memorable competitions.
World Champion Born in Baku
Garry Kasparov was born in Baku in 1963 and began his chess journey here. In 1985, at the age of 22, he became world champion and remained at the top of the rating list for many years. His dynamic, attacking playing style influenced an entire generation.
One of Europe's Strongest Teams
The Azerbaijani men's national team has won the European Team Chess Championship gold medal three times:
- 2009 — Novi Sad (Serbia)
- 2013 — Warsaw (Poland)
- 2017 — Crete (Greece)
Participating in all three victories, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov is one of the faces of the team. Teimour Radjabov wrote another bright page in the history of Azerbaijani chess by winning the FIDE World Cup in 2019.
Host of Major Competitions
In recent years, Baku has become one of the main addresses of world chess:
- 2015 — FIDE World Cup
- 2016 — 42th Chess Olympiad (1–14 September)
- 2023 — FIDE World Cup
Additionally, the tournament held in Shamkir dedicated to the memory of the late grandmaster Vugar Gashimov has gathered the world's strongest chess players in Azerbaijan.
The Future Is in the Hands of Children
Behind these successes stand thousands of children and young players. Chess teaches logical thinking, patience, and decision-making — which is why many families consider a child's first chess set one of the most valuable gifts.
Perhaps the next great name is playing their first game today somewhere in a courtyard, on an old board at their grandmother's house.
