The hallowed halls of the Polish Air Force University in Dęblin recently played host to a different kind of strategic exercise: the 35th NATO Chess Championship. From August 18 to 22, 2025, 115 players, representing various branches of the armed forces from NATO member states, traded bullets and bombs for pawns and kings. This annual event, more than just a tournament, serves as a testament to the alliance`s commitment to mental agility and cooperative spirit, culminating in a resounding victory for the Turkish team.
A Grand Welcome and a Nod to Intellectual Might
The championship kicked off with an opening ceremony rich in military tradition, yet punctuated by a surprising academic flourish. Brigadier General Pil. Dr. Krzysztof Cur, Commander of the Polish Air Force University, was addressed as `His Magnificence` – a title more commonly heard in the hallowed halls of academia than on a military parade ground. This intriguing detail quickly became a delightful talking point among participants, underscoring the unique blend of intellectual rigor and military discipline that defines the event.
General Cur highlighted a significant milestone: 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the Polish flight school, a proud heritage. Radosław Jedynak, President of the Polish Chess Federation, then lauded Colonel Sławomir Kędzierski for his substantial contributions to military chess, bestowing upon him the association`s gold medal of honour. Colonel Kędzierski concluded by emphasizing that chess is “one of the best sports for training the most important organ in our body – the brain,” and that “we are stronger and safer when we stand together,” perfectly encapsulating the championship`s dual purpose of strategic excellence and alliance building.
Turkey`s Strategic Dominance and Germany`s Unyielding Resolve
As the pieces began their intricate dance across 64 squares, it was clear that the competition would be fierce. The Turkish team, spearheaded by the formidable Grandmaster Batuhan Daştan (FIDE 2562), entered as strong favorites. They lived up to expectations, securing first place in the team standings with an impressive 23 points.
However, the battle for silver was a hard-fought affair. Germany, a nation with a deep-rooted and prolific chess tradition, prevailed against strong contenders like Poland and the USA to clinch second place with 19.5 points. This achievement, even without two of their top players, reaffirmed Germany`s status as a global chess powerhouse. With 96 registered Grandmasters and over 90,000 members across 2,500 clubs, the German Chess Federation (DSB) stands as a titan in the chess world, consistently nurturing talent and demonstrating strategic prowess on the international stage.
Insights from the Chessboard: An Interview with FM Robert Stein
To gain a deeper perspective on Germany`s performance and the championship experience, we had the opportunity to speak with FM Robert Stein, one of the German Armed Forces team`s strongest players. His insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the mindset of a high-level competitor:
On securing silver: “We always strive for gold, but we knew that Turkey had an exceptionally strong team – plus we were missing two of our top players. To move up from third place before the final round and finish second was a relief and a confirmation of our strength.”
On personal preparation: “I train consistently throughout the year. Two weeks before the event, I won a GM round-robin tournament and achieved my second IM norm – just half a point shy of the GM norm – so I went into the championship with momentum.”
A memorable game: “In round 5, when I played Marcin Pietruszewski from Poland with Black, we reached a Queen`s Gambit Declined. I launched a fierce attack on the kingside, advanced to h3 and checkmated him – which led to a classic, sporting finish.”
Staying mentally fit: “I drink a lot, take short walks during breaks and rely on my physical fitness – training helps me stay mentally alert during long games.” (Perhaps an understated secret to success: hydration and a constitutional walk can do wonders, even for grand strategy.)
Proposed rule change: “I would allow 10 minutes more time after the 40th move – that would improve the overall quality of the endgame.” (A poignant request from a player who appreciates the subtleties of the game`s final phase.)
Looking ahead: “We are already preparing to win back the gold medal next year!”
The Enduring Legacy: Alliance Building and Future Horizons
The closing ceremony, overseen by Brigadier General Hendrik Steffers from the Netherlands, marked not only the conclusion of this year`s championship but also a symbolic passing of the torch. The tournament`s unique Viking ship symbol was handed over to Latvia, the host nation for the 2026 championship. This tradition underscores the event`s ongoing role in fostering international cooperation and strategic dialogue.
Since its inception in 1989, the NATO Chess Championship has consistently provided a unique arena for strategic competition and alliance building. This year`s event in Dęblin once again demonstrated that while military might is crucial, intellectual prowess and mental fortitude remain invaluable assets. As NATO nations look to the future, the lessons learned on the chessboard – precision, foresight, and adaptability – resonate far beyond the confines of the game, strengthening the bonds that tie the alliance together.
