The 2025 Intellect Academy Cup International Youth Chess Festival took place in Novokuznetsk, Kuzbass, from February 12–18, 2025. Organized by the Siberian Mining and Metallurgical Company (SGMK) with support from the Government of the Kemerovo Region – Kuzbass and the Chess Federation of Russia (CFR), this groundbreaking event was a resounding success.
A total of twenty-seven domestic teams and sixteen foreign teams participated, competing in an innovative “Intellect Academy” format that combined simultaneous exhibitions and team matches. Talented and ambitious children battled fiercely at the boards, forging lasting friendships beyond the playing hall. Among the international delegations were teams from Kenya, South Africa, Canada, Ecuador, Venezuela, Cuba, the UAE, Thailand, Mongolia, and the CIS countries, reflecting a truly global celebration of youth chess.
Participants enjoyed the highest standard of hospitality, including free accommodations with full board, lavish gifts, guided excursions, and a variety of entertainment. They even received free winter clothing and footwear, ensuring comfort in the chilly Kuzbass climate. The Organizing Committee spared no expense, investing over USD 250,000—far exceeding the typical budget for a FIDE youth championship—to maintain these exceptional standards.
Four of our own promising juniors—Mila Snyman, Madison Lambrechts, Mila Lambrechts, and Reuben Lambrechts—had the privilege of attending this spectacular festival. They immersed themselves in the intense competition, made new friends, and came away inspired by the remarkable organization and warm hospitality of the hosts.
The success of the event was made possible by the collective efforts of many dedicated individuals. Notable contributors included:
IA Alexander Shukan, Tournament Director
Mr. Mikhail Gavrish, Principal of Intellect Academy
Mr. Denis Kraev, CEO of SGMK
Ms. Elena Rybkina, Chair of the Intellect Academy Board of Trustees and spouse of the SGMK owner
IO/IA Alexander Tkachev, Executive Director of the Chess Federation of Russia
IO/IA Vadim Tsypin (CAN), Organizing Committee Liaison with Foreign Teams
Special thanks go to Mr. Alexander Rybkin, the owner of SGMK, whose unwavering commitment to promoting and expanding the Intellect Academy Cup made this festival possible. The government of Kuzbass, local municipal and sports authorities, event partners, co-sponsors, and hundreds of SGMK volunteers also played critical roles in creating a welcoming environment. Their dedication ensured that the 2025 Intellect Academy Cup International Youth Chess Festival was not just a chess tournament, but a grand celebration of global friendship, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment.
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