World Chess rolls out instant FIDE ID Verification, streamlining global player access
() , a London-based chess gaming and entertainment company, has announced the launch of Secure FIDE ID Verification for its flagship digital platform chessarena.com.
World Chess is the exclusive operator of chessarena.com (FIDE Online Arena), which allows paid members across 160 countries to receive an online rating recognised by FIDE, the international chess federation and world governing body. FIDE is part of the International Olympic Committee.
The new FIDE ID Verification system enables instant and secure identity verification on the platform. The system allows users to verify their identity, obtain a FIDE ID, and begin playing a FIDE-recognised game within minutes, removing a significant barrier to entry for competitive chess.
The system is powered by Stripe Identity, the same verification technology used by major online banks and fintech companies.
Ilya Merenzon, CEO of World Chess, commenting:
"If you can open a bank account online, you should be able to get your FIDE ID just as easily - and now, you can.
This isn't just a product update. It's the beginning of a chess platform that understands the modern world: trusted, fast, and global. It means fewer fake accounts, faster access to competition, and a future where verified players compete on equal terms - whether they're in Berlin or Bangkok.
It's not just about making chess easier. It's about making it work for the next 100 million players."
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World Chess has announced a major enhancement to its online platform chessarena.com with FIDE ID Verification, enabling players to easily verify their ID and enter a game in seconds. The system is powered by Stripe, the familiar SaaS used by major banks and fintechs. For ' platform, easier registration and ID means more players can get into more games more quickly, enhancing and unifying the overall user experience.
The move makes Chess Arena the first online platform where players can go from unregistered to recognised by FIDE in seconds, without any paperwork, delays, or manual processing. Beyond the immediate benefits, adoption of the Stripe-based system is expected to accelerate platform growth and associated revenues. The new system lays the foundation for a global player identity layer, enabling verified participation online and offline. It also supports Federation partnerships, with pilot programs set to begin in summer 2025, allowing national bodies to register and verify players at scale.
Additionally, the new system fosters a stronger ecosystem for anti-cheating based on trusted accounts, simplifies access to official competitions for players in emerging markets, and enhances the transparency of the platform. The move to Stripe makes sense in the context of the platform's and online chess' rapid growth as part of the larger esports space. The global chess market was valued at US$2.5bn in 2023 and is projected to grow to $3.8bn by 2032, with rising interest fueled by pop culture and shows like The Queen's Gambit.
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