Leon Watson
@leonwatson.bsky.social
Editor-in-Chief at WorldChess.com. PR advisor to the English Chess Federation. Previously worked for Chess.com, Chess24, The Telegraph, MailOnline & The Sun. Cricket fan. Chess coach. Season ticket holder at Spurs. #COYS
Yes, we know the World Cup is wild and exciting. But on its rest day we just want to draw your attention to another international tournament World Chess has helped boost. worldchess.com/news/preside...
worldchess.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Yes, we know the World Cup is wild and exciting. But on its rest day we just want to draw your attention to another international tournament World Chess has helped boost. worldchess.com/news/preside...
After looking at the various possibilities, here's my bet on who'll qualify for the 2026 FIDE Candidates:
- Erigaisi
- Abdusattorov
- Firouzja
- Pragg
- Nakamura
London Chess Classic looks critical for FIDE Circuit points.
------------
Giri, Caruana and Bluebaum are already there.
- Erigaisi
- Abdusattorov
- Firouzja
- Pragg
- Nakamura
London Chess Classic looks critical for FIDE Circuit points.
------------
Giri, Caruana and Bluebaum are already there.
November 7, 2025 at 4:07 PM
After looking at the various possibilities, here's my bet on who'll qualify for the 2026 FIDE Candidates:
- Erigaisi
- Abdusattorov
- Firouzja
- Pragg
- Nakamura
London Chess Classic looks critical for FIDE Circuit points.
------------
Giri, Caruana and Bluebaum are already there.
- Erigaisi
- Abdusattorov
- Firouzja
- Pragg
- Nakamura
London Chess Classic looks critical for FIDE Circuit points.
------------
Giri, Caruana and Bluebaum are already there.
The Chess World Cup in Goa is throwing up some incredible pictures. Here's a roundup of what's happened this week: worldchess.com/news/world-c...
worldchess.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:53 PM
The Chess World Cup in Goa is throwing up some incredible pictures. Here's a roundup of what's happened this week: worldchess.com/news/world-c...
Nepomniachtchi Crashes Out Of World Cup In Latest Sign Russian Chess Is In The Doldrums
worldchess.com/news/ian-nep...
worldchess.com/news/ian-nep...
Nepomniachtchi Crashes Out Of World Cup In Latest Sign Russian Chess Is In The Doldrums / News / World Chess - Official FIDE Online Chess Gaming Platform
The elimination of GM Ian Nepomniachtchi, Russia's number-one, in Round 2 typifies the state of Russian chess. He went out with a whimper.
worldchess.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Nepomniachtchi Crashes Out Of World Cup In Latest Sign Russian Chess Is In The Doldrums
worldchess.com/news/ian-nep...
worldchess.com/news/ian-nep...
Russian number-one Ian Nepomniachtchi is on the brink of crashing out of the chess World Cup in R2.
Nepo has already fallen out of the world's top 20.
Russian chess, which used to dominate the world, is in the doldrums.
Nepo has already fallen out of the world's top 20.
Russian chess, which used to dominate the world, is in the doldrums.
November 5, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Russian number-one Ian Nepomniachtchi is on the brink of crashing out of the chess World Cup in R2.
Nepo has already fallen out of the world's top 20.
Russian chess, which used to dominate the world, is in the doldrums.
Nepo has already fallen out of the world's top 20.
Russian chess, which used to dominate the world, is in the doldrums.
FIDE says it has been busy strengthening ties with the IOC.
Hmm.
Grovelling might be more accurate?
www.fide.com/fide-strengt...
Hmm.
Grovelling might be more accurate?
www.fide.com/fide-strengt...
FIDE strengthens ties with IOC, UEFA and ARISF – International Chess Federation
www.fide.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:37 PM
FIDE says it has been busy strengthening ties with the IOC.
Hmm.
Grovelling might be more accurate?
www.fide.com/fide-strengt...
Hmm.
Grovelling might be more accurate?
www.fide.com/fide-strengt...
It's a sorry state of affairs when there's only one woman among 206 competitors at FIDE's flagship chess World Cup, one of the most prestigious events the game has.
But this is where chess finds itself.
worldchess.com/news/divya-d...
But this is where chess finds itself.
worldchess.com/news/divya-d...
Farewell, Divya! Only Woman Competing At Chess World Cup Is Knocked Out / News / World Chess - Official FIDE Online Chess Gaming Platform
India's 19-year-old star-in-the-making GM Divya Deshmukh, the FIDE Women's World Cup winner, was in a field with 205 men. We really hoped she would make her mark.
worldchess.com
November 3, 2025 at 11:53 AM
It's a sorry state of affairs when there's only one woman among 206 competitors at FIDE's flagship chess World Cup, one of the most prestigious events the game has.
But this is where chess finds itself.
worldchess.com/news/divya-d...
But this is where chess finds itself.
worldchess.com/news/divya-d...
🎵Oh, Mickey, you're so fine...
England's chess hero Michael Adams has started the FIDE World Cup with a trademark win.
C'mon Mickey!!!
England's chess hero Michael Adams has started the FIDE World Cup with a trademark win.
C'mon Mickey!!!
November 1, 2025 at 6:25 PM
🎵Oh, Mickey, you're so fine...
England's chess hero Michael Adams has started the FIDE World Cup with a trademark win.
C'mon Mickey!!!
England's chess hero Michael Adams has started the FIDE World Cup with a trademark win.
C'mon Mickey!!!
Your regular @theworldchess.bsky.social weekly roundup
This week: Magnus does his thing, the World Cup (!), and sadness and anger over Danya's death continue as details emerge, the funeral is held, and Kramnik sticks to his guns.
The chess world remains a dark place.
worldchess.com/news/world-c...
This week: Magnus does his thing, the World Cup (!), and sadness and anger over Danya's death continue as details emerge, the funeral is held, and Kramnik sticks to his guns.
The chess world remains a dark place.
worldchess.com/news/world-c...
World Chess Weekly: Magnus Rules Again As World Cup Starts (Without Him) / News / World Chess - Official FIDE Online Chess Gaming Platform
While the sad controversy over Daniel Naroditsy's death rumbles on, the chess world hasn't stood still this week. Particularly, GM Magnus Carlsen.
worldchess.com
October 31, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Your regular @theworldchess.bsky.social weekly roundup
This week: Magnus does his thing, the World Cup (!), and sadness and anger over Danya's death continue as details emerge, the funeral is held, and Kramnik sticks to his guns.
The chess world remains a dark place.
worldchess.com/news/world-c...
This week: Magnus does his thing, the World Cup (!), and sadness and anger over Danya's death continue as details emerge, the funeral is held, and Kramnik sticks to his guns.
The chess world remains a dark place.
worldchess.com/news/world-c...
Emil Sutovsky, the FIDE CEO who usually has a lot to say, hasn't posted on X since October 22.
His last post was, at best, insensitive about Naroditsky.
His last post was, at best, insensitive about Naroditsky.
October 30, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Emil Sutovsky, the FIDE CEO who usually has a lot to say, hasn't posted on X since October 22.
His last post was, at best, insensitive about Naroditsky.
His last post was, at best, insensitive about Naroditsky.
Tata Steel and the @schoolschess.bsky.social London Chess Classic are two events where politics and controversy rarely happen. They're just about good chess, and we love that.
Enter GM Hans Niemann.
worldchess.com/news/tata-st...
Enter GM Hans Niemann.
worldchess.com/news/tata-st...
Two Classics Of The Chess Calendar Unveil Line-Ups—And Hans Niemann Finally Gets An Invite / News / World Chess - Official FIDE Online Chess Gaming Platform
Tata Steel and the London Chess Classic are two events where politics and controversy rarely happen. They're just about good chess, and we love that. Enter GM Hans Niemann.
worldchess.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Tata Steel and the @schoolschess.bsky.social London Chess Classic are two events where politics and controversy rarely happen. They're just about good chess, and we love that.
Enter GM Hans Niemann.
worldchess.com/news/tata-st...
Enter GM Hans Niemann.
worldchess.com/news/tata-st...
Ready, Set...Goa! Why The FIDE World Cup In India Will Be Spectacular (Even Without Carlsen)
share.google/ffljTxsRJyRp...
share.google/ffljTxsRJyRp...
Ready, Set...Goa! Why The FIDE World Cup In India Will Be Spectacular (Even Without Carlsen) / News / World Chess - Official FIDE Online Chess Gaming Platform
Upsets, knockouts and a competition where it's impossible to predict who'll win. The FIDE World Cup is fantastic. It starts on Thursday.
share.google
October 28, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Ready, Set...Goa! Why The FIDE World Cup In India Will Be Spectacular (Even Without Carlsen)
share.google/ffljTxsRJyRp...
share.google/ffljTxsRJyRp...
In its promo, the Saint Louis Chess Club doesn't seem to be referencing what happened the last time Magnus Carlsen visited... wonder why! worldchess.com/news/magnus-...
Magnus Back At Saint Louis For First Time Since THAT Hans Niemann Cheating Scandal / News / World Chess - Official FIDE Online Chess Gaming Platform
There's an angle the Saint Louis Chess Club hasn't included in the promo for the 2025 Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown. What happened the last time GM Magnus Carlsen was in the house.
worldchess.com
October 27, 2025 at 1:47 PM
In its promo, the Saint Louis Chess Club doesn't seem to be referencing what happened the last time Magnus Carlsen visited... wonder why! worldchess.com/news/magnus-...
In today's World Chess Weekly, some thoughts about Naroditsky's death and updates on two major tournaments.
worldchess.com/news/world-c...
worldchess.com/news/world-c...
World Chess Weekly: Fallout From Naroditsky's Death Dominates, Caruana Leads U.S. Champs / News / World Chess - Official FIDE Online Chess Gaming Platform
Chess was in in the spotlight for heart-breaking and deeply controversial reasons this week following the sad death of GM Daniel Naroditsky. Meanwhile, over the board two major tournaments have been t...
worldchess.com
October 24, 2025 at 11:09 AM
In today's World Chess Weekly, some thoughts about Naroditsky's death and updates on two major tournaments.
worldchess.com/news/world-c...
worldchess.com/news/world-c...
Chess fans watching The Celebrity Traitors are doing their nut right now.
October 23, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Chess fans watching The Celebrity Traitors are doing their nut right now.
Chess is in a dark place right now. But here's some light: worldchess.com/news/Aleksan...
Incredible Sportsmanship! World's Tallest Grandmaster Is Sick—So Opponent Offers Draw / News / World Chess - Official FIDE Online Chess Gaming Platform
On the 16th move, GM Aleksandar Indjic had to leave the playing hall at the European Club Cup in Rhodes. An ambulance was called.
worldchess.com
October 22, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Chess is in a dark place right now. But here's some light: worldchess.com/news/Aleksan...
'I played him on my wedding night and in hospital waiting for my baby'
Magnus Carlsen remembers Daniel Naroditsky:
worldchess.com/news/magnus-...
Magnus Carlsen remembers Daniel Naroditsky:
worldchess.com/news/magnus-...
Carlsen Remembers Naroditsky: 'I Played Him On My Wedding Night And In Hospital Waiting For My Baby' / News / World Chess - Official FIDE Online Chess Gaming Platform
World number-one Magnus Carlsen offers a fascinating insight into his relationship with the tragic grandmaster whose death was announced this week.
worldchess.com
October 22, 2025 at 11:09 AM
'I played him on my wedding night and in hospital waiting for my baby'
Magnus Carlsen remembers Daniel Naroditsky:
worldchess.com/news/magnus-...
Magnus Carlsen remembers Daniel Naroditsky:
worldchess.com/news/magnus-...
World Chess, one of the other platforms out there, tackles cheating. Play on it here: worldchess.com
October 21, 2025 at 9:47 AM
World Chess, one of the other platforms out there, tackles cheating. Play on it here: worldchess.com
Now Is Not The Time For Recriminations: Daniel Naroditsky's Life Should Be Celebrated
The chess world is in mourning. But at the same time, tearing itself apart.
worldchess.com/news/Daniel-...
The chess world is in mourning. But at the same time, tearing itself apart.
worldchess.com/news/Daniel-...
Now Is Not The Time For Recriminations: Daniel Naroditsky's Life Should Be Celebrated / News / World Chess - Official FIDE Online Chess Gaming Platform
Almost immediately GM Daniel Naroditsky's death became the subject of not just sadness, but anger, accusations and recriminations. It needs to stop.
worldchess.com
October 21, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Now Is Not The Time For Recriminations: Daniel Naroditsky's Life Should Be Celebrated
The chess world is in mourning. But at the same time, tearing itself apart.
worldchess.com/news/Daniel-...
The chess world is in mourning. But at the same time, tearing itself apart.
worldchess.com/news/Daniel-...
Daniel Naroditsky, the American chess Grandmaster, simply amazing commentator and all-round good guy, has died.
Heartbreaking news.
Heartbreaking news.
October 20, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Daniel Naroditsky, the American chess Grandmaster, simply amazing commentator and all-round good guy, has died.
Heartbreaking news.
Heartbreaking news.
Here's what happened:
Girl Wonder Of Chess Bodhana Sivanandan, 10, Beats A World Champion.
worldchess.com/news/bodhana...
Girl Wonder Of Chess Bodhana Sivanandan, 10, Beats A World Champion.
worldchess.com/news/bodhana...
Girl Wonder Of Chess Bodhana Sivanandan, 10, Beats A World Champion / News / World Chess - Official FIDE Online Chess Gaming Platform
The English super prodigy has pulled off yet another incredible feat—downing GM Mariya Muzychuk at the European Club Cup in Rhodes, Greece.
worldchess.com
October 20, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Here's what happened:
Girl Wonder Of Chess Bodhana Sivanandan, 10, Beats A World Champion.
worldchess.com/news/bodhana...
Girl Wonder Of Chess Bodhana Sivanandan, 10, Beats A World Champion.
worldchess.com/news/bodhana...