The world’s best chess players under 18 have gathered in Florianópolis, Brazil, for the 2024 World Youth Chess Championship (WYCC), held at the Canasvieiras Internacional Hotel from October 28 to November 10. The opening ceremony took place on Tuesday at the venue.

A total of 527 players, including 150 titled players, from 62 countries—among them the United States, India, France, Spain, Georgia, China, Norway, Germany, Kazakhstan, and Poland—are competing in this year’s event. Host nation Brazil has the largest representation with 97 players.

Organized by FIDE in collaboration with the Brazilian Chess Confederation (CBX) and led by Chief Arbiter IA Kaiser Luiz Mafra, the championship features three age categories (Under 14, 16, and 18) in both open and girls’ divisions, with six 11-round Swiss tournaments with classical time control running simultaneously.

Following international organizational standards, the venue is equipped with metal detectors to prevent unauthorized electronic devices. The event is supported by a skilled team of FIDE arbiters and technical staff.

The first World Youth Chess Solving Championship will be held during the WYCC on November 4, mirroring the age and gender categories of the main event.
Registration is open via email at worldyouth@fide.com.

Written by Liziane Nathália Vicenzi

Photo: André Gemmer