FIDE Online Arena
Type of site | Internet chess server |
|---|---|
| Available in | Multilingual |
| Owner | World Chess |
| URL | worldchess |
| Commercial | Yes |
| Registration | Required |
| Launched | April 4, 2014 |
| Current status | Active |
World Chess Arena (formerly FIDE Online Arena) is the official Internet chess server of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), operated by World Chess Plc (LSE: CHSS). It is the only online platform where players can obtain official FIDE-recognized ratings and online titles. As of 2025, the platform is hosted on worldchess
History
[edit]The Arena was first announced by FIDE in 2013, with a test version going live in August and a full launch on 4 April 2014, inaugurated by then-FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov.[3]
In its early years the platform offered official online ratings and a new set of internet-only FIDE titles: Arena Grandmaster (AGM), Arena International Master (AIM), Arena FIDE Master (AFM), and Arena Candidate Master (ACM). These titles were designed for the online environment but were listed on players’ official FIDE profiles.[4]
In 2019 the operation of the Arena was transferred to World Chess, the company which had previously organised the 2014, 2016, and 2018.[5] Since then the service has been gradually integrated into the broader World Chess ecosystem of events, merchandise, and media.
Development
[edit]- A new version of the iOS app was released in 2021,[6] followed by an Android release in 2024.[7] - In September 2021, FIDE and World Chess jointly announced that Arena ratings and titles would be directly integrated into official player profiles on the FIDE website.[8] - In 2024 the site added coaching and personalised lesson features, allowing players to apply for a coach and follow structured training.[9] - In 2025 the Arena was fully rebranded under the domain worldchess.com, positioning the service as the central hub for online play, events, and membership of World Chess.[1]
Membership
[edit]An internal FIDE report in 2015 recorded 4,805 registered members, of whom 2,078 were paying subscribers, with India as the largest national group.[10]
By 2023 the platform reported over 730,000 registered accounts.[2] In 2025 World Chess announced the milestone of one million registered users across worldchess.com, including the Arena.[11]
Features
[edit]- Official FIDE-recognised online ratings in standard, rapid, blitz and bullet chess.
- Exclusive Arena titles (AGM, AIM, AFM, ACM).
- Integration with FIDE player profiles.
- Coaching marketplace and structured lessons.
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android.
- Access to official World Chess tournaments and broadcasts.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "World Chess lists on London Stock Exchange". London Stock Exchange. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
- ^ a b "FIDE Online Arena reaches 730,000 members". Chess.com. 2023-12-15. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
- ^ "FIDE announces Online Arena launch". FIDE. 2014-04-04. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
- ^ "FIDE introduces Arena titles". Chess24. 2014-04-04. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
- ^ "World Chess takes over management of FIDE Online Arena". World Chess. 2019-06-10. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
- ^ "FIDE Online Arena iOS app updated". World Chess. 2021-09-25. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
- ^ "FIDE Online Arena - Apps on Google Play". Google Play. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
- ^ "FOA ratings now part of FIDE profiles". World Chess. 2021-09-24. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
- ^ "ChessArena coaching programme launched". ChessArena. 2024-07-19. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
- ^ "FIDE EB Annex 49, September 2015" (PDF). FIDE. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
- ^ "World Chess reaches one million registered users" (Press release). World Chess Plc. 2025-09-05. Retrieved 2025-09-11.