The FIDE World Schools Team Chess Championship showcased the remarkable talents of Cyprus’ school team, representing The Grammar School, Limassol. From August 2-7, 2025, this spirited group of young chess enthusiasts took to the boards at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, where they faced competitors from across the globe.
Beginning the tournament ranked 34th out of 55 teams, the Limassol team swiftly demonstrated their determination and skill. Their journey to this prestigious event began on May 11, 2025, when they clinched first place at the Pancyprian Schools Team Championship, earning their spot on the world stage.
Fide world: A Cohesive Team Effort
The team, consisting of Daniil Daniil, Alexandros Thrasyvoulou, Christodoulos Daniil, Ioannis Alichanides, and Nicos Misirlis, approached each round with a mix of commitment and strategic insight. A distinctive choice was made to rotate players throughout the matches rather than strictly adhering to Elo ratings, allowing every member to experience the thrill of competition.
Thrasyvoulou took on the role of the “rock” on board two, facing the toughest opponents, which allowed Daniil and Alichanides to seize crucial opportunities to secure points. Their efforts paid off, as both players maintained positions among the top 15 on their boards until the sixth round.
Defying Expectations
Despite facing rivals with Elo ratings significantly higher by 100-380 points, the Cypriot team proved that rankings do not always reflect capability. By the sixth round, they had climbed to a commendable top-20 position, an impressive leap from their initial rank.
In the end, their record stood at two wins, four draws, and two losses, ultimately placing them 30th overall, tied on points with the 26th place team. This outcome was a testament to their resilience and adaptability throughout the tournament.
Voices from the Team
WFM Marianna Stefanidi, the team captain, expressed pride in their performance, stating, “My goal was clear, at least 4/8 points against the strongest teams possible. We didn’t just meet that goal, we exceeded it. Midway through the tournament, we all realised… we really do have strength!”
The team members shared their experiences, highlighting the friendships and lessons learned. Daniil Daniil noted, “I met so many new people with common interests. I wish I could have saved that last draw, it would have meant a team win.” Alexandros Thrasyvoulou appreciated the independence they experienced without their parents, while Christodoulos Daniil remarked on their camaraderie: “We were a true team. We lived together and played more than just chess.”
Ioannis Alichanides described the event as “an unforgettable experience,” and Nicos Misirlis, on his first official international trip, found joy in making friends with fellow participants and sharing the journey as a team.
Chess as a Tool for Education
Alongside the tournament, the Smart Moves Summit 2025 provided a platform for discussing the transformative role of chess in education. Keynote speeches and expert panels explored how integrating chess into school curricula can enhance critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. and president of the International School Chess Federation, underlined the urgent need for children to learn not just to read and write, but also to think strategically. “Chess is the ideal tool to cultivate that mindset,” he asserted during the opening session.
Under the theme “Mastering the Long Game,” the Summit addressed essential issues such as training teachers to nurture strategic thinking and developing soft skills like empathy and resilience among students.
A Celebration of Cultural Exchange
The tournament was not merely about the chess matches; it also offered participants a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture of Virginia. Organisers facilitated excursions to key landmarks, enriching the overall experience and broadening the players’ horizons beyond the confines of the event.
Through this international competition, the young players from Cyprus not only showcased their chess prowess but also exemplified the spirit of cultural exchange and teamwork, leaving with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
