Armenian Men’s Chess Team Named “Team of the Century” by FIDE

The Armenian men’s chess team has been honored as the "Team of the Century" by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The prestigious award was presented during a grand gala event held in Budapest, coinciding with Round 8 of the FIDE Chess Olympiad. The celebration marked FIDE’s 100th anniversary, acknowledging the extraordinary contributions of players, teams, and organizations that have shaped the world of chess over the past century.

The gala was an evening dedicated to recognizing those who have made a lasting impact on the chess community. From its early days, FIDE has grown into a global organization that promotes the game of chess, encouraging its development in all corners of the world. The centennial event was a fitting occasion to reflect on the rich history of the organization and celebrate those who have excelled in the game.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and Vice President Mahir Mammedov welcomed guests to the event, setting the tone for an evening filled with admiration and respect for chess champions. In his remarks, Mammedov acknowledged the significance of FIDE’s 100-year journey, saying, "The first century of FIDE’s life has been full of remarkable events, great personalities, and memorable matches. For this, we must thank the founders of FIDE!"

The Armenian men’s chess team has long been a dominant force on the international stage. Over the past two decades, Armenia has won the Chess Olympiad three times, establishing itself as one of the most successful chess nations in the world. This achievement stands out even more considering the fierce global competition, with many strong teams from countries such as Russia, China, and the United States.

While the Soviet Union’s chess teams remain the all-time leaders in terms of Olympiad medals, the FIDE jury chose to honor Armenia, a currently active country, for its remarkable success in modern times. In the last ten years, only Armenia and China have managed to secure multiple gold medals at the Chess Olympiad, with Armenia’s victories in 2006, 2008, and 2012 highlighting the team's consistency and excellence.

The award for "Team of the Century" was accepted by Armen Gevorgyan, Executive Director of the Armenian Chess Federation. Gevorgyan expressed pride and gratitude on behalf of the team, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of Armenian players over the years.

This recognition by FIDE is not just a testament to the individual brilliance of Armenian chess players, but also to the country’s deep-rooted culture of chess. Armenia is one of the few nations where chess is a part of the school curriculum, a reflection of the importance the country places on the game. This widespread appreciation for chess has helped Armenia develop a generation of top-tier players who continue to compete at the highest levels.

The recognition as "Team of the Century" comes at a time when the Armenian chess team is looking to build on its legacy and continue its success. With a new generation of players emerging, Armenia is poised to remain a formidable presence in international chess for years to come. The award is also a reminder of the vital role that national chess federations, like the Armenian Chess Federation, play in fostering talent and creating opportunities for players to succeed.