In a world often defined by military might and geopolitical maneuvering, the battlefield of the mind offers a different kind of proving ground. This was precisely the arena for the 35th NATO Chess Championship, held from August 18 to 22, 2025, at the prestigious Polish Air Force University in Dęblin, Poland. Here, 115 players, representing the armed forces of various NATO nations, traded pawns instead of bullets, showcasing strategic acumen and fostering alliance building through the timeless game of chess.
Poland`s Grand Gambit: Hosting a Championship of Minds
The choice of the Polish Air Force University as the host venue was a masterstroke, blending military discipline with intellectual pursuit. The university, poised to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025, provided a fitting backdrop for an event that emphasized mental agility. Brigadier General Pil. Dr. Krzysztof Cur, Commander of the University, welcomed participants with an intriguing blend of military precision and academic reverence, addressing them with the formal academic title of `His Magnificence` – a touch of unexpected grandeur that sparked amused conversation among the competitors.
Radosław Jedynak, President of the Polish Chess Federation, underscored Poland`s rich chess tradition, highlighting Colonel Sławomir Kędzierski`s significant contributions to military chess. Colonel Kędzierski, recipient of the association`s gold medal of honour, passionately articulated the championship’s dual purpose: not only to challenge and refine the “most important organ in our body – the brain” but also to reinforce the message, “We are stronger and safer when we stand together,” emphasizing the crucial link between sporting excellence and NATO unity.
The Chessboard Unveiled: Turkey`s Calculated Victory
As the pieces were set, the air was thick with anticipation. The Turkish team, spearheaded by the formidable Grandmaster Batuhan Daştan, boasting a FIDE rating of 2562, arrived as clear favorites. Their pre-tournament reputation proved well-founded, as they navigated the complex tournament with exceptional skill, ultimately securing **first place in the team standings with an impressive 23 points**.
The championship was a vibrant tapestry of diverse strategies and intense focus. Each move, a micro-decision in a larger strategic war, reflected the depth of thought and training invested by these military professionals. It was a testament to the universal appeal of chess, transcending language barriers and national uniforms to unite competitors in a shared intellectual quest.
Germany`s Resilient Campaign: A Silver Lining of Strategic Prowess
While Turkey celebrated gold, the **German team earned a hard-fought silver medal with 19.5 points**, prevailing in a tough battle against strong contenders like Poland and the USA. This achievement, particularly noteworthy given that Germany was reportedly missing two of its top players, reaffirmed its long-standing strength in the chess world. Germany stands as a global chess powerhouse, ranking among the top nations in grandmasters, with 96 registered in June 2025, and its German Chess Federation (DSB) boasting over 90,000 members across 2,500 clubs.
We had the opportunity to speak with FM Robert Stein, a prominent member of the German Armed Forces team, who shared his insights into their performance:
On the Silver Medal: “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.”
On Personal Preparation: “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.”
Highlight Game: Stein recounted a memorable game from Round 5 against Marcin Pietruszewski of Poland. Playing with Black in a Queen`s Gambit Declined, he launched a “fierce attack on the kingside, advanced to h3 and checkmated him – which led to a classic, sporting finish.”
Mental Stamina: Recognizing the grueling nature of long games, Stein shared his regimen: “I drink a lot, take short walks during breaks and rely on my physical fitness – training helps me stay mentally alert during long games.”
Future Outlook: With a hint of strategic determination, Stein declared, “We are already preparing to win back the gold medal next year!”
Stein`s interview highlights not just the competitive spirit but also the rigorous mental and physical preparation required for high-level chess, echoing the very qualities valued in military service.
A Legacy Continues: The Baton Passed
The closing ceremony, overseen by Brigadier General Hendrik Steffers from the Netherlands, marked not an end, but a continuation. The symbolic Viking ship, representing the spirit of the tournament, was ceremoniously handed over to Latvia, the host country for the 2026 championship. This tradition underscores the enduring nature of the event and its role in strengthening bonds within the NATO alliance.
Since its inception in 1989, the NATO Chess Championship has consistently provided a unique forum for strategic competition and camaraderie. This year in Dęblin, Turkey`s ascendancy to the top demonstrated exceptional skill, while Germany`s resilient silver medal performance, even without a full complement of top players, was a powerful testament to its deep-rooted chess culture. Beyond the individual victories and team standings, the championship served as a potent reminder that strategic thinking, mental fortitude, and the ability to operate under pressure are invaluable assets, whether deployed on a chessboard or in the complex tapestry of global security. The minds have clashed, the strategies deployed, and the alliance, ever stronger, looks forward to the next intellectual engagement in Latvia.
Rupert Hartwell