Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, has been elected the new President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

The election was held on September 26 during the FIDE General Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Turlov secured 110 votes in the second round to win the presidency.

Turlov competed against Wadim Rosenstein and Jan Henric Buettner in the presidential election. He defeated Rosenstein in the second round to become the new head of the world chess governing body.

At the age of 38, Turlov becomes the second-youngest President in FIDE history. He will succeed Arkady Dvorkovich, who has led the federation since 2018.

Turlov has also served as President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation since 2023. According to FIDE’s official candidate information, his platform focused on areas including chess education, digital development and strengthening the federation’s financial structure.

Former Indian world champion Viswanathan Anand was included on Turlov’s presidential ticket as candidate for Deputy President.

The election taking place in Samarkand also drew attention to Central Asia’s growing visibility in international chess governance, alongside Kazakhstan’s role in the development of the sport.

Turlov will serve a four-year term leading FIDE, which represents national chess federations from around the world.