45th FIDE Chess Olympiad

One of our most innovative solutions was the production of 750 chess tables made entirely from paper. This provided a unique opportunity for both visual appeal and branding, while serving as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wooden or plastic tables. The paper tables prominently displayed the tournament’s visual identity, creating a fully customized and visually striking playing environment. The scoreboards accompanying the chess tables were also made of paper, further reinforcing sustainability considerations. This solution not only helped reduce the ecological footprint but was also highly practical: the boards were easy to replace, move, and recycle.

At the 45th Chess Olympiad, creativity and innovation were key elements in enhancing both the participant experience and the event’s environmental responsibility. One of our unique solutions was implementing a locker area for players, made entirely from paper boxes, offering a simple and effective way to store belongings during matches. We installed paper-based signage throughout the venue and implemented targeted measures to collect and recycle plastic waste. Beyond environmental considerations, we introduced several innovative engagement initiatives. These included immersive chess demonstrations, interactive learning corners for children, and a variety of cultural programs, enriching the spectator experience and making chess more accessible to wider audiences. Creativity and innovation at the 45th Chess Olympiad aligned with sustainability, enabling us to deliver not only a spectacular and memorable competition but also an inspiring new example for the world of sporting events.

Behind this remarkable achievement stood a core team of 30 dedicated organizers and over 600 volunteers, whose coordinated efforts brought the event to life - from initial planning to final execution. Ensuring accurate and secure broadcasting was a crucial aspect during implementation: each chessboard was individually wired, enabling uninterrupted recording and real-time analysis. To guarantee fair play and prevent external interference, live broadcasts were aired with a 15-minute delay. Cameras at the main tables also captured players’ emotions, enhancing the spectator experience. Transforming the competition venue was also challenging. The closing ceremony preparations had to be completed within two hours, requiring the tournament area to be rearranged and the award ceremony setup executed in parallel. Beyond the competition, the event featured several side events, such as the Opening Ceremony, the FIDE 100 Gala, and the Closing Ceremony, all elevating the Chess Olympiad’s prestige.

The event brought together participants from nearly 200 countries, with over 1,800 players competing across 10 intense days, featuring six hours of gameplay daily in expansive tournament halls. To support this unprecedented scale, more than 700 smart tables were deployed, each digitally connected to enable real-time broadcasting of every move, engaging a global audience. At its peak, the event attracted over 1 million simultaneous viewers, setting a new record as the most-watched Chess Olympiad in history. On-site spectators were welcomed with free admission, while an innovative seating rotation system ensured balanced access and effective crowd management: 100 seats were made available and rotated hourly, allowing thousands to experience the event in person.

Our strategic multi-channel campaign successfully engaged a global audience while generating significant local impact. We maximized online reach through digital platforms, including our official website and social media channels, and by partnering with leading chess platforms such as Chess.com. Prominent chess influencers and grandmasters further amplified our message worldwide. On display networks, the Chess Olympiad generated 5,250,556 impressions and 6,322 clicks. Social media efforts were particularly impactful with 24,157,698 impressions and 185,904 clicks. In cinemas, a 60-second short film was shown nationwide including all cinemas in Budapest and those in major cities reaching an estimated 391,630 viewers. For outdoor advertising, 206 Citylight posters were strategically placed at high-traffic intersections throughout Budapest. Additionally, two trams - on lines 4 and 6 - were fully wrapped with campaign visuals ensuring high visibility across the city.

As highlighted in an earlier section, sustainability was a key priority throughout the event. This focus was clearly reflected in the design and implementation of decor and functional elements. Paper-based signage was used across the venue and targeted initiatives were launched to facilitate the collection and recycling of plastic waste. Daily plastic bottle collection and exchange further supported our environmental efforts. Key furniture items, including chess tables, scoreboards and lockers for competitors' belongings were manufactured from paper and recyclable polypropylene — a solution that contributed to saving 66 tons of CO2 emissions. Beyond reducing the ecological footprint, these materials proved highly practical due to their lightweight, portable and fully recyclable nature. Additionally, the transportation of participants was optimized by organizing transfer buses more efficiently, thereby decreasing the number of vehicles required and reducing overall emissions.