Dreams Come True: Before the Chess Olympiad

Well, this year it's going to be different! For once, instead of being glued to my screen every day, I will get a chance to report on the stories as they unfold at the venue, the impressive BOK Sports and Conference Center in Budapest, Hungary. I couldn't have passed up on the opportunity, especially as it's only a 3-hour ride from my longtime hometown of Arad, Romania. The organizers have granted me an accreditation in the Media/Press category, so I will try to make full use of that! The most interesting stories will be here, on Lichess, so please let me know in the comments if there's any type of chess content you would like me to cover.

Hungary has had a rich history at the Olympiad, which will hopefully be reflected within the standard of organization this year. I have heard stories from previous Olympiads, and let's say, not all Olympiads are created equal. However, there are big hopes for this year's edition. Not only is Hungary one of the earliest members of FIDE, but they've also won 7 gold, 12 silver, and 4 bronze medals in both sections throughout the years, which is truly an impressive tally! Additionally, FIDE is celebrating its 100-year anniversary, so there will be a feeling of grandeur surrounding this event for sure. Personally, I've always been extremely satisfied with the level of organization at Hungarian tournaments - I have extremely fond memories from playing the series of tournaments known as the Buda GP, so returning to Budapest will always carry some personal relevance.

There's something for everyone who is not only interested in the chess, too! Budapest is a beautiful city to visit year-round, but even more so in September, when the temperatures are finally starting to settle down and become more manageable even throughout the day. Beyond the main event, there will be the FIDE Congress at the fancy InterContinental Hotel on the shores of the Danube, the Judit Polgar Chess Festival, which gathers thousands of participants, and also the extremely famous Bermuda Party, scheduled right before the rest day.

You may wonder then, what are the true expectations at such a tournament, from the side of a freelance/independent chess journalist?

• Stay true to my independent nature. My reports will never contain any corporate boilerplate language, or any dosage of curbed speech. You can be sure that what you read is fully authentic, even if flawed. I will criticize FIDE when they do weird stuff, and also praise them when they do the right thing (the rating system update in March 2024, for example).
• Report in true boots-on-the-ground fashion. I want you to catch a glimpse of the action through my eyes, and maybe I'll even pair up with a photographer buddy to bring you the best photos.
• Not shy away from making new connections in the evolving digital chess world. There will be a booth in the Fan/Expo zone, with people trying to expose and sell their new software solutions, and many other chess-related products. Who knows, maybe I'll also see YOU there!
• Have some facetime with some of my closest friends who are partaking in the tournament. There's a caveat though: they're mostly there to play chess! Still, who has ever said no to a refreshing drink in the picturesque center of Budapest, especially if they are not in the lineup next day?
• Explore the city a bit and most importantly, have fun there.

Thanks for reading till here. In the next installment, we'll look at the September starting rank lists, and make some proper predictions before the event starts in earnest.

Cheers,
Vlad