The 35th NATO Chess Championship recently concluded in Dęblin, Poland, reaffirming the crucial role of strategic thinking and alliance-building within the armed forces. Hosted with Polish hospitality at the esteemed Polish Air Force University, the event brought together 115 players from across NATO member nations, culminating in a resounding victory for the Turkish team. This year`s championship was more than just a test of individual skill; it was a vibrant display of unity, mental discipline, and international camaraderie.
A Grand Opening in Dęblin
From August 18th to 22nd, 2025, the serene campus of the Polish Air Force University transformed into a battlefield of minds. The opening ceremony set a distinct tone, with Brigadier General Pil. Dr. Krzysztof Cur, Commander of the Polish Air Force University, addressing the participants. His rather grand title, “His Magnificence” – a formal academic honor rarely heard in military sports circles – quickly became a jovial topic of conversation, underscoring the unique blend of military discipline and academic gravitas present at the event. General Cur`s welcome speech highlighted 2025 as a milestone year, marking the 100th anniversary of the Polish flight school.
Radosław Jedynak, President of the Polish Chess Federation, further emphasized the significance of chess in the military community, recognizing Colonel Sławomir Kędzierski`s dedicated contributions with a gold medal of honor. Colonel Kędzierski, in turn, passionately articulated why Poland was a fitting host, citing the nation`s consistent presence among Chess Olympiad medalists. His parting words resonated with purpose: “Chess is one of the best sports for training the most important organ in our body – the brain. We are stronger and safer when we stand together,” a powerful testament to both the individual and collective benefits of the game.
Participants gather for a group photo before the first round.
Turkey`s Strategic Victory
From the outset, the Turkish team emerged as the favorites, spearheaded by the formidable Grandmaster Batuhan Daştan, boasting a FIDE rating of 2562. Their performance did not disappoint. Demonstrating exceptional coordination and individual prowess, Turkey secured the top spot in the team standings with an impressive 23 points. This victory underscores Turkey`s growing strength in the international chess arena and their military personnel`s dedication to mastering strategic challenges.
GM Batuhan Daştan, leading the victorious Turkish team.
Germany`s Enduring Chess Legacy and Robert Stein`s Insights
While Turkey celebrated gold, Germany reaffirmed its formidable reputation in chess, clinching a hard-fought second place with 19.5 points, prevailing over strong contenders like Poland and the USA. Germany`s consistent high performance is hardly surprising; it remains one of the world`s leading nations in terms of grandmasters, with 96 registered in June 2025, and its Chess Federation is among the largest globally.
The German team proudly accepts their silver medals.
We had the opportunity to speak with FM Robert Stein, one of the German Armed Forces team`s strongest members, to delve into their performance and his personal experience:
On Germany`s Silver Medal: “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.”
On 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.”
On Mental Fitness: “I drink a lot, take short walks during breaks and rely on my physical fitness – training helps me stay mentally alert during long games.”
On Rule Changes: “I would allow 10 minutes more time after the 40th move – that would improve the overall quality of the endgame.”
Looking to the Future: “We are already preparing to win back the gold medal next year!”
FM Robert Stein sharing his insights.
The Enduring Legacy: From Poland to Latvia
The championship`s closing ceremony, presided over by Brigadier General Hendrik Steffers from the Netherlands, marked a symbolic transition. The tournament`s distinctive Viking ship symbol, a testament to strategic journeys, was ceremoniously handed over to Latvia, the host country for the 2026 event. This ritual underlines the continuous commitment of NATO nations to foster competitive spirit and strategic partnership through the universal language of chess.
Brigadier General Hendrik Steffers hands over the Viking ship symbol to Latvia`s representatives.
Since its inception in 1989, the NATO Chess Championship has consistently served as a unique platform for both strategic competition and alliance building. This year`s edition in Dęblin not only celebrated Turkey`s triumph and Germany`s steadfast resilience but also underscored the unwavering unity and intellectual vigor that define the NATO armed forces. As the chess world looks forward to Latvia 2026, the spirit of competitive excellence and collaborative strength continues to thrive.
