Chess for Everyone.
Malcolm Pein has spent three decades making chess accessible, vibrant, and professionally sustainable. Now he's bringing that same energy to the top of world chess governance.
About Malcolm
The person who built chess culture in Britain — and beyond.
Malcolm Pein is the founder of Chess in Schools and Communities, the organiser of the London Chess Classic, and the driving force behind bringing elite chess to a mass audience for over three decades.
From teaching children in primary schools to hosting World Champions at Olympia, Malcolm has always believed chess belongs to everyone. He's built businesses, non-profits, broadcast partnerships, and international tournaments — the rare chess figure who understands both the grassroots and the elite game equally well.
As FIDE President, he would bring that same coalition-building energy to the sport's highest office: accountable governance, genuine inclusion, and a chess world that competes proudly in the digital age.
See the Platform →The Platform
Six pillars for a better FIDE.
Not slogans — concrete commitments. Here's what changes on day one.
Grassroots First
Redirect FIDE resources toward national federation support, school chess programmes, and youth development. The base of the pyramid determines the health of the whole game.
Women's Chess
Equal prize funds in all FIDE-sanctioned events within four years. Mandatory women's quotas on all FIDE committees. One title system, no more separate ladders.
Digital Transformation
Partner with streaming platforms and media companies to make top-level chess appointment viewing. Invest in broadcast production and modern commentary standards.
Transparent Governance
Publish FIDE accounts fully. Independent auditors. Term limits for the Presidential office. An ethics committee with real power to act and real independence to do so.
Global Inclusion
Dedicated development funds for Africa, Central Asia, and the Pacific. No federation left behind. Travel subsidies so small nations can compete at every level.
Anti-Cheating & Integrity
World-leading anti-cheating protocols at every rated event. A fully resourced integrity unit independent of the FIDE board. Chess must be trusted to be loved.
Chess is the greatest game humanity has ever devised. It deserves the greatest organisation in sport. We're not there yet — but we can be.
— Malcolm PeinThe Team
People who've built things that last.
Every campaign is only as good as the people behind it. We've assembled a team from across the chess world — organisers, educators, players, and advocates.
Malcolm Pein
Presidential Candidate
Founder of Chess in Schools and Communities. Organiser of the London Chess Classic. Daily Telegraph chess columnist.
Campaign Manager
Campaign Director
20 years in international sports governance. Has led three successful federation reform campaigns.
Policy Lead
Strategy & Policy
Former national federation president. Expert in international sports law and governance reform.
Outreach Lead
Global Outreach
Speaks six languages. Has run chess programmes across four continents with over 200 national federations.
Endorsements
The chess world is speaking.
"Malcolm understands chess from the inside — what makes it tick, what makes it grow, and what it needs from its leadership. He has my full support and the support of everyone I've spoken to in the professional game."
World Champion (name TBC)
Grandmaster · Former World Champion
"Chess in Schools and Communities changed a generation of young people's lives. Malcolm built that. Imagine what he'll do with the whole sport."
ECF President
English Chess Federation
"We've been waiting for a candidate who sees Africa, not just Europe. Malcolm's platform has concrete commitments for the developing world. That matters."
African Chess Confederation
Pan-African Chess Body
"The reform candidate we've been waiting for."
US Chess Federation
National Federation
"Professional, principled, and passionate about the game."
DSB — German Chess Federation
National Federation
"Finally, a candidate with a genuine women's chess agenda."
Women's Chess Alliance
International Advocacy Group
Latest News
What's happening.
Campaign Launch
Malcolm Pein officially announces FIDE presidential bid
After months of conversations with federations across five continents, Malcolm Pein has confirmed he will stand for the FIDE Presidency at the 2026 Congress.
Platform
Full platform document released ahead of FIDE Congress
Six pillars, forty specific commitments. Read the full document.
Endorsement
African Chess Confederation backs Pein for FIDE top job
A landmark endorsement that signals broad support beyond European chess.
Interview
"Chess deserves the best governance in sport" — full interview
Women's Chess
Pein pledges equal prize funds within four years
Events
Where we'll be.
Come and talk chess governance, policy, and the future of the game.
Campaign Rally — London
Olympia Conference Centre, London, UK
Q&A with National Federations — Online
Zoom Webinar · Register to attend
European Chess Union Meeting
Vienna, Austria
African Chess Confederation Forum
Nairobi, Kenya
Americas Federation Meeting
Buenos Aires, Argentina
FIDE Congress — Election Day
Budapest, Hungary
Get Involved
Join the campaign.
Whether you represent a federation, work in chess professionally, or just love the game — there's a place for you in this campaign.