In a captivating display of strategic intellect and camaraderie, the 35th NATO Chess Championship in Dęblin, Poland, concluded with Turkey claiming the top spot. Meanwhile, Germany, despite facing stiff competition and missing key players, secured a commendable second place, reaffirming its deep-rooted legacy in the world of chess.
The Grand Gathering in Dęblin: A Test of Wits and Unity
From August 18 to 22, 2025, the serene yet strategically vital grounds of the Polish Air Force University in Dęblin transformed into a battlefield of minds. The 35th iteration of the NATO Chess Championship drew 115 players from across various branches of NATO member armed forces, marking one of the largest turnouts in the event`s history. Participants, arriving a day prior, were quartered in the university’s hotel complex, setting the stage for an intense week of cerebral combat.
The opening ceremony commenced with a touch of academic grandeur, as Brigadier General Pil. Dr. Krzysztof Cur, Commander of the Polish Air Force University, was introduced with the rare and formal title of `His Magnificence`. This unexpected honorific, typically reserved for university rectors, certainly sparked conversations among the military chess elite. General Cur used the occasion to highlight 2025 as a centennial milestone for the Polish flight school, before handing over to Radosław Jedynak, President of the Polish Chess Federation.
Jedynak, acknowledging Colonel Sławomir Kędzierski`s significant contributions to military chess, presented him with the association`s gold medal of honor. Colonel Kędzierski, in turn, emphasized Poland`s proud chess tradition and the intrinsic value of the game. “Chess is one of the best sports for training the most important organ in our body – the brain,” he asserted. His words resonated with the core message of the championship: “We are stronger and safer when we stand together,” underscoring that the competition was as much about sporting excellence as it was about fostering NATO unity.
Turkey`s Tactical Triumph: Leading the Charge
From the outset, the Turkish contingent arrived as clear favorites, spearheaded by the formidable Grandmaster Batuhan Daştan, boasting a FIDE rating of 2562. True to expectations, Turkey clinched first place in the team standings with an impressive 23 points. Their consistent performance and strategic prowess proved too much for the competition, solidifying their position as the 2025 NATO Chess Champions.
Germany`s Resilient Performance: A Legacy Endures
Securing a hard-fought second place with 19.5 points, Germany reaffirmed its enduring strength in the chess world. This achievement was particularly noteworthy given the intense rivalry with teams like Poland and the USA, and the absence of two of Germany`s top players. Germany`s chess pedigree is well-established; it ranks among the leading nations globally in terms of Grandmasters, comparable to the United States, Ukraine, and India. As of June 2025, Germany boasted 96 registered Grandmasters, and its German Chess Federation (DSB) stands as one of the world`s largest national associations with over 90,000 members across more than 2,500 clubs.
A Grandmaster`s Gaze: Insights from FM Robert Stein
We caught up with FM Robert Stein, a prominent member of the German Armed Forces team, to delve into their performance and his personal highlights:
The Quest for Gold vs. The Reality of Silver
Stein candidly admitted the team`s perpetual ambition: “We always strive for gold.” However, he acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Turkey`s “exceptionally strong team” and the handicap of missing two key players. Ultimately, elevating from third place to second in the final round was met with a mix of “relief and a confirmation of our strength.”
Preparation and Peak Performance
For Stein, consistent, year-round training is paramount. His meticulous preparation paid off handsomely, as he had won a GM round-robin tournament and achieved his second International Master (IM) norm—just half a point shy of a Grandmaster norm—a mere two weeks before the championship. This momentum, he noted, propelled him into the event with confidence.
A Checkmate Masterpiece
When asked about a standout game, Stein vividly recalled his Round 5 encounter 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.” It`s these moments of decisive tactical brilliance that often define a championship for individual players.
Maintaining Mental Acuity in the Long Haul
Chess, especially at this level, demands immense mental stamina. Stein shared his strategies for staying mentally sharp during grueling, multi-hour games: “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 effective regimen for sustained focus.
A Modest Proposal for Endgame Excellence
On the topic of potential rule changes, Stein offered a thoughtful suggestion: “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 end-phase play.
Eyes on the Prize: Next Year`s Ambition
Looking ahead, Stein`s determination remains unwavering. “We are already preparing to win back the gold medal next year!” he declared, signaling Germany`s intent to return stronger and reclaim the coveted championship title.
Passing the Torch, Forging Alliances
The championship culminated in a symbolic closing ceremony led by Brigadier General Hendrik Steffers from the Netherlands. The tournament`s distinctive Viking ship symbol, a testament to enduring strength and exploration, was ceremonially handed over to Latvia, signifying its role as the host nation for the 2026 championship.
Since its inception in 1989, the NATO Chess Championship has transcended mere competition, evolving into a unique and vital platform for strategic collaboration and alliance building. The 2025 event once again underscored this dual purpose, demonstrating that even amidst intense strategic rivalry, the bonds of the NATO alliance remain robust. Germany’s resilient performance, even without a full complement of its top-tier players, serves as a powerful reminder of its deep chess tradition and its unwavering capacity as a formidable force on the chessboard.
As the chess pieces are put away and the participants return to their respective duties, the echoes of strategic battles and the warmth of international camaraderie linger, setting an exciting precedent for what promises to be another thrilling championship in Latvia in 2026.
Rupert Hartwell