In a compelling display of strategic prowess and military camaraderie, the 35th NATO Chess Championship concluded in Dęblin, Poland, from August 18 to 22, 2025. This year’s tournament, hosted by the distinguished Polish Air Force University, brought together 115 players representing various branches of the armed forces from across NATO nations, marking one of the championship`s largest gatherings to date. It was a true proving ground for minds trained not just in tactics of the battlefield, but also the nuanced art of the chessboard.
A Regal Opening and Strategic Undertones
The championship commenced with an opening ceremony infused with both military discipline and a touch of academic grandeur. Brigadier General Pil. Dr. Krzysztof Cur, Commander of the Polish Air Force University, set an intriguing tone by being addressed as `His Magnificence` – a formal academic title rarely heard in a military sporting context. This unusual address quickly became a lighthearted topic of conversation among participants, underscoring the unique blend of intellectual and martial spirits present. One might say, a perfect prelude to a game where brilliance and gravitas coexist.
General Cur highlighted 2025 as a landmark year for the academy, celebrating its centenary since the founding of the Polish flight school. Following his welcome, Radosław Jedynak, President of the Polish Chess Federation, lauded Colonel Sławomir Kędzierski for his significant contributions to military chess development, bestowing upon him the association`s gold medal of honor. Colonel Kędzierski, in turn, emphasized Poland`s strong chess legacy and articulated the core value of the tournament:
“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.”
This statement encapsulated the dual purpose of the event: fostering sporting excellence while strengthening the bonds of alliance unity.
Turkey`s Decisive Victory, Germany`s Resilient Performance
As the strategic battles unfolded across the boards, it was the Turkish team, spearheaded by the formidable Grandmaster Batuhan Daştan (FIDE rating 2562), that ultimately claimed the coveted first place in the team standings with an impressive 23 points. Their victory was a testament to meticulous preparation and individual brilliance, proving that even in a field of highly trained minds, superior strategy can prevail.
Securing a hard-fought second place with 19.5 points, Germany once again demonstrated its enduring strength in the chess world. In a competitive field that saw them prevail over strong contenders like Poland and the USA, Germany`s performance underscored its consistent presence among the elite. With 96 registered Grandmasters in June 2025 and a chess federation boasting over 90,000 members across 2,500 clubs, Germany’s deep-rooted chess tradition continues to produce top-tier talent. One might almost expect them to win, yet this year, the silver medal was a testament to sheer resilience, especially when facing heightened competition and, as we learned, missing a couple of key players.
Insights from the Board: An Interview with FM Robert Stein
To delve deeper into Germany`s commendable performance, we had the opportunity to speak with FM Robert Stein, one of the German Armed Forces team`s most distinguished members.
- On Germany`s Silver Medal: “We always strive for gold,” Stein admitted, acknowledging Turkey`s exceptional team strength and their own missing top players. “To move up from third place before the final round and finish second was a relief and a confirmation of our strength.”
- Personal Preparation: Stein`s consistency is key: “I train consistently throughout the year.” He arrived in Dęblin with significant momentum, having recently won a GM round-robin tournament and achieved his second International Master (IM) norm, narrowly missing a Grandmaster (GM) norm by just half a point. Such dedicated preparation clearly pays dividends in high-stakes competition.
- A Memorable Game: When asked about a standout game, Stein recounted a Queen’s Gambit Declined match against Marcin Pietruszewski from Poland in Round 5. “I launched a fierce attack on the kingside, advanced to h3 and checkmated him – which led to a classic, sporting finish,” he described, painting a vivid picture of strategic aggression and decisive execution.
- Maintaining Mental Fitness: The mental marathon of chess tournaments demands rigorous self-care. Stein shared his strategies: “I drink a lot, take short walks during breaks and rely on my physical fitness – training helps me stay mentally alert during long games.” A simple, yet profoundly effective, regimen for sustained intellectual combat that many professionals, military or civilian, could emulate.
- A Proposed Rule Change: Stein offered a thoughtful suggestion for future tournaments: “I would allow 10 minutes more time after the 40th move – that would improve the overall quality of the endgame.” A subtle adjustment that could significantly elevate the strategic depth of critical phases, potentially leading to even more brilliant conclusions.
- Looking Ahead: With an eye already on the horizon, Stein`s determination is palpable: “We are already preparing to win back the gold medal next year!” A clear statement of intent and a testament to the competitive spirit of the German team.
The Legacy Continues: Handover to Latvia 2026
The closing ceremony, overseen by Brigadier General Hendrik Steffers from the Netherlands, included the traditional passing of the tournament`s Viking ship symbol. This symbolic baton was handed over to Latvia, signifying its role as the host nation for the 2026 championship. The gesture not only reinforces the championship`s continuity but also highlights the ongoing spirit of cooperation and shared endeavor within the NATO alliance, where strategy is not limited to the battlefield.
Since its inception in 1989, the NATO Chess Championship has consistently served as more than just a competition. It is a unique platform for fostering strategic thinking, personal resilience, and invaluable alliance building. This year’s event in Poland, with Turkey`s triumph and Germany`s steadfast performance, stands as a testament to the enduring power of chess in uniting diverse military minds under a common banner of intellectual pursuit and shared objectives. It`s a reminder that the keenest minds often find their proving ground in unexpected arenas.
