FIDE Online Arena

The FIDE Online Arena[1] is the International Chess Federation's (FIDE) official exclusive Internet chess server devoted to chess playing and related activities.[2] A test version of the server began on August 8, 2013; the fully operational version was announced for October 2013.[2] FIDE Online Arena is the only official online chess platform of the World Chess Federation where Online Official games can be played, with Official online rating and titles: AGM (Arena Grandmaster), AIM (Arena International Master), AFM (Arena Fide Master) and ACM (Arena Candidate Master). While these titles are recognized at FIDE-sanctioned over the board (OTB) events, should a player obtain a regular OTB title such as CM (Candidate Master) or FM (FIDE Master), this replaces their arena title.

The fully operational version of FIDE online arena was launched on April 4, 2014 with the announcement made by FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov. Games played between two FIDE online arena members will be for FIDE online ratings. A plan to merge online and over-the-board FIDE ratings for the blitz and rapid time controls in the future was also announced.

The new version of the iOS app has been released in 2021.[3] An Android app has been released in 2024.[4]

According to a September 2015 internal report, there were 4805 members, 2078 paying the subscription fee, with India the most populous.[5] In 2023, the platform has grown to 730000[6] registered members, according to the site.

In 2019, the Arena has been acquired and is now managed by World Chess,[7] the company that organized the World Chess Championship Matches in 2014, 2016, and 2018. In September of 2021, both World Chess and FIDE announced that the Arena ratings and titles will be included in the official players’ profiles on FIDE website.[8]

In 2024, Chess Arena introduced the feature to apply for a chess coach and create personalized lessons on the site.[9]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Fide Online Arena Official Website".
  2. ^ a b FIDE News
  3. ^ "FIDE Online Arena Now Has an iOS App. Hmmm". worldchess.com. Retrieved 2021-09-25.
  4. ^ "FIDE Online Arena - Apps on Google Play". play.google.com. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  5. ^ Annex 49 of the Sep 2015 FIDE Executive Board meeting
  6. ^ "FIDE Online Arena - Official FIDE Gaming Platform". FIDE Online Arena. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  7. ^ "FIDE Online Arena Now Has an iOS App. Hmmm". worldchess.com. Retrieved 2021-08-07.
  8. ^ "FOA Rating and Title Are Now Part of Your FIDE Profile". worldchess.com. Retrieved 2021-09-24.
  9. ^ "Fide Arena Coaches". Chessarena. Retrieved 2024-07-19.