By Vladimir Lionter

Turkey wins 35th NATO Chess Championship in Poland

The 35th NATO Chess Championship took place from 18 to 22 August 2025 at the Polish Air Force University in Dęblin, Poland. Participants from all NATO countries arrived on 17 August and were accommodated in the university's hotel complex ahead of the tournament's commencement. With 115 players representing various branches of the armed forces of NATO countries, this year's tournament is one of the largest editions of the championship yet.

The opening ceremony began with the introduction of Brigadier General Pil. Dr. Krzysztof Cur, Commander of the Polish Air Force University. The presenter addressed him as "His Magnificence" – a formal academic title of honour that is rarely heard in military sports. The expression surprised many participants and quickly became the topic of conversation for the day.

In his speech, General Cur welcomed the participants and pointed out that 2025 would be a milestone for the academy, which will then celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Polish flight school. He then handed over to Radosław Jedynak, President of the Polish Chess Federation.

Jedynak highlighted Colonel Sławomir Kędzierski's contribution to the development of chess in the military community. In recognition of his achievements, Kędzierski received the association's gold medal of honour. "I wish you inspiring games, unforgettable memories and a wonderful time here," said Jedynak.

Colonel Sławomir Kędzierski and Vladimir Lionter

Colonel Kędzierski concluded the opening ceremony by stating that it was no coincidence that Poland was hosting the NATO Chess Championship this year. He reminded the audience that the Polish team had often been among the medallists at previous Chess Olympiads. "Chess is one of the best sports for training the most important organ in our body – the brain.

“We are stronger and safer when we stand together,” he said, emphasising that the competition represents both sporting excellence and NATO unity.

After the official programme, the participants gathered for a group photo before beginning the first round. The Turkish team were the favourites going into the tournament, led by Grandmaster Batuhan Daştan, who has a FIDE rating of 2562.

Batuhan Daştan

Germany reaffirms its chess strength in Dęblin

Turkey, led by GM Batuhan Daştan (FIDE 2562), took first place in the team standings with 23 points, while Germany secured second place with 19.5 points, prevailing in a hard-fought battle against Poland and the USA.

Germany's performance this year underscores its long-standing strength in chess: Germany is one of the world's leading nations in terms of the number of grandmasters and ranks alongside the United States, Ukraine and India at the top of the FIDE list. In June 2025, there were 96 grandmasters registered in Germany, reflecting the country's continued strength in chess. With over 90,000 members in more than 2,500 clubs, the German Chess Federation (DSB) is one of the largest national chess associations in the world.

Interview with FM Robert Stein

FM Robert Stein

We spoke to FM Robert Stein, one of the strongest members of the German Armed Forces team, to discuss Germany's performance and his personal highlights of the championship.

Vladimir Lionter: Congratulations on another strong performance. Germany's silver medal is impressive – how did the team feel given its history with gold medals?

Robert Stein: We always strive for gold, but we knew that Turkey had an exceptionally strong team – plus we were missing two of our top players. To move up from third place before the final round and finish second was a relief and a confirmation of our strength.

V.L.: How did you personally prepare for the championship?

R.S.: I train consistently throughout the year. Two weeks before the event, I won a GM round-robin tournament and achieved my second IM norm – just half a point shy of the GM norm – so I went into the championship with momentum.

V.L.: Is there a particular game that you would highlight?

R.S.: In round 5, when I played Marcin Pietruszewski from Poland with Black, we reached a Queen's Gambit Declined. I launched a fierce attack on the kingside, advanced to h3 and checkmated him – which led to a classic, sporting finish.

V.L.: Long games can be exhausting – how do you stay mentally fit?

R.S.: I drink a lot, take short walks during breaks and rely on my physical fitness – training helps me stay mentally alert during long games.

V.L.: What would you do if you could change one rule or format?

R.S.: I would allow 10 minutes more time after the 40th move – that would improve the overall quality of the endgame.

V.L.: Looking to the future – what will you take with you into the next year?

R.S.: We are already preparing to win back the gold medal next year!

Looking to the future and legacy

At the closing ceremony, led by Brigadier General Hendrik Steffers from the Netherlands, the tournament's Viking ship symbol was handed over to Latvia, the host country for 2026.

Since its inception in 1989, the NATO Chess Championship has remained a unique platform for strategic competition and alliance building. This year, Germany has once again demonstrated its chess tradition and resilience, showing that even in the face of heightened competition – and without key players – it remains a force to be reckoned with.

Final standings - Teams

Final standings - Individual results

Games

Official Tournament page...