Beyond the clatter of weaponry and the roar of engines, a different kind of strategic battle unfolds annually: the NATO Chess Championship. In August 2025, the serene yet intellectually charged environment of the Polish Air Force University in Dęblin became the epicenter for the 35th iteration of this unique event. Here, military personnel, typically accustomed to tactical maneuvers on a grander scale, engaged in a cerebral contest, showcasing not only individual prowess but also the enduring unity of the NATO alliance. This year`s championship saw Turkey emerge victorious, with Germany securing a commendable silver medal after a hard-fought struggle.
The Setting and a Touch of Magnificence
From August 18th to 22nd, 115 players representing various branches of NATO armed forces converged on the Polish Air Force University. This institution, a venerable establishment poised to celebrate its centennial in 2025, provided a fitting backdrop for a tournament that blends military discipline with intellectual pursuit. The opening ceremony itself offered a moment of delightful eccentricity when Brigadier General Pil. Dr. Krzysztof Cur, Commander of the University, was addressed as `His Magnificence.` One might imagine such a formal academic title more suited to ancient philosophical debates than a military sports event, yet it perfectly underscored the intellectual gravity and venerable tradition embedded within the championship.
General Cur, in his welcoming address, highlighted the academy`s upcoming 100th anniversary, connecting the present intellectual contest to a century of Polish military and academic excellence. He then ceded the floor to Radosław Jedynak, President of the Polish Chess Federation, who fittingly acknowledged Colonel Sławomir Kędzierski`s significant contributions to the development of chess within the military community, bestowing upon him the association`s gold medal of honour.
Colonel Kędzierski concluded the ceremony by emphasizing Poland`s strong chess tradition, noting the nation`s frequent medal finishes at previous Chess Olympiads. His message resonated deeply: “Chess is one of the best sports for training the most important organ in our body – the brain.” He succinctly encapsulated the championship`s dual purpose: “We are stronger and safer when we stand together,” underscoring the competition as a testament to both sporting excellence and NATO solidarity.
The Battle Commences: A Clash of Titans
With 115 players, this 35th edition stood as one of the largest championships to date. The stage was set for intense intellectual combat, where strategy, foresight, and tactical precision were the ultimate weapons. The Turkish team, spearheaded by the formidable Grandmaster Batuhan Daştan (FIDE rating 2562), entered the tournament as clear favorites. Their reputation preceded them, and they were expected to perform with the clinical efficiency of a well-oiled machine.
Strategic Brilliance: Turkey`s Triumph and Germany`s Resilience
When the final pawns had fallen and the last clocks had been stopped, Turkey stood victorious, clinching first place in the team standings with an impressive 23 points. Their strategic depth and collective skill proved insurmountable. However, the narrative of the 35th championship would be incomplete without acknowledging Germany`s remarkable resilience.
Securing second place with 19.5 points, Germany prevailed in a hard-fought battle against strong contenders like Poland and the USA. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given that the German team competed without two of its top players. Germany`s consistent performance underscores its deeply rooted chess tradition and its status as a global powerhouse in the game. With 96 registered Grandmasters in June 2025 and over 90,000 members across more than 2,500 clubs, the German Chess Federation (DSB) stands as one of the largest national chess associations worldwide. Their silver medal at Dęblin served as a powerful reminder that even when facing unforeseen challenges, German chess remains a formidable force.
A Grandmaster`s Glimpse: Insights from FM Robert Stein
To gain a deeper insight into the strategic mindset required at such an elite level, we had the opportunity to speak with FM Robert Stein, one of the strongest members of the German Armed Forces team. His reflections offer a personal perspective on the pressures and triumphs of the championship.
Question: Congratulations on another strong performance. Germany`s silver medal is impressive – how did the team feel given its history with gold medals?
Robert Stein: “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.”
Question: How did you personally prepare for the championship?
Robert Stein: “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.”
Question: Is there a particular game that you would highlight?
Robert Stein: “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.”
Question: Long games can be exhausting – how do you stay mentally fit?
Robert Stein: “I drink a lot, take short walks during breaks and rely on my physical fitness – training helps me stay mentally alert during long games.”
Question: What would you do if you could change one rule or format?
Robert Stein: “I would allow 10 minutes more time after the 40th move – that would improve the overall quality of the endgame.”
Question: Looking to the future – what will you take with you into the next year?
Robert Stein: “We are already preparing to win back the gold medal next year!”
Beyond the Board: Unity and Legacy
As the 35th NATO Chess Championship drew to a close, Brigadier General Hendrik Steffers from the Netherlands presided over a symbolic transfer of the tournament`s Viking ship emblem. This cherished symbol of strategic competition and alliance building was ceremoniously handed over to Latvia, the host country for 2026, ensuring the continuation of a tradition that began in 1989.
The NATO Chess Championship remains a unique platform where the strategic minds of the alliance converge, not on battlefields, but on the 64 squares of a chessboard. This year, Germany once again demonstrated its profound chess tradition and unyielding resilience, proving that even in the face of heightened competition and without key players, it remains a force to be reckoned with. Beyond the individual victories and team triumphs, the championship reinforces the critical message that collective strength, strategic thinking, and intellectual camaraderie are cornerstones of enduring alliances.
Final Standings – Teams
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Turkey | 23 |
| 2 | Germany | 19.5 |
| 3 | Poland | |
| 4 | USA |
Final Standings – Individual Results
| Rank | Name | Country | FIDE Elo | Points | BHM1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daştan, Batuhan | Turkey | 2562 | ||
| Stein, Robert | Germany | 2404 | |||
| Pietruszewski, Marcin | Poland | 2130 |
