The Chess Olympiad is a team tournament held every two years by FIDE, the world chess federation (founded in Paris in 1924). The first official Olympiad was London 1927; the open and women's events have run together since 1976. Teams of four plus a reserve play 11 rounds; the open winner takes the Hamilton-Russell Cup, the women's winner the Vera Menchik Cup and the best combined country the Gaprindashvili Cup.
Key facts
- Biennial team event organised by FIDE; first official Olympiad London 1927; an unofficial one in Paris in 1924, where FIDE was formed.
- Trophies: Hamilton-Russell Cup (open), Vera Menchik Cup (women), Gaprindashvili Cup (best overall).
- Teams have four players and a reserve; since 2008 match points decide the standings; no event in 2020 (online Olympiads instead).
- The first Women's Olympiad was 1957; open and women's events have been held together since 1976.
Latest
At the 46th Olympiad in Samarkand (September 2026) 11-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan, playing board one for England, completed her third WGM norm to become the youngest player to meet the Woman Grandmaster requirements.
Why exams ask about it
The host city, the winners, India's results and the prodigies who set records are asked after every Olympiad.