Moments from Day 1 of the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad

by Rasika Ratnaparkhi - 17/09/2026

The Chess Olympiad is much more than just the games. When thousands of people from different countries come together for one event, there is bound to be plenty happening around the venue. We spotted quite a few interesting moments on Day 1, so let’s take a little break from the chess and have a look.

Photo: Michal Walusza

We have already talked about the Round 1 games in this article. But a chess Olympiad is not just about the games. There are plenty of interesting moments happening away from the boards too. So, let's put the serious tournament report aside and take a look at some of the interesting photos from Day 1 of the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad.

One of the things we rarely get to see in chess tournaments is players in team uniforms. Most of the time, we see them in their usual tournament attire, but the Olympiad is different. Players from different countries come together, proudly wearing their national team colours and representing their countries. It is probably the closest chess comes to a fashion parade!

So, here is a look at some of the different team uniforms that were spotted on Day 1 of the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad.

Sometimes, it is the little things that catch your eye. There were some details to notice beyond the outfits!

Chess-themed nail art! | Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz

A cute hair band! | Photo: Michal Walusza

A very cool chess-themed shirt! | Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz

A rather creative hair accessory! | Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz

It’s lovely to see chess players bringing their fashion game too! | Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz

Another creative hair accessory! | Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz

These players were spotted wearing a rather unusual tie. | Photo: Michal Walusza

Zoom in, and there it is: “Kiribati” | Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz

And now, let's get a little creative. Some photographs need no explanation. They need IMAGINATION! So, for the next photographs, I am taking the liberty of imagining whatever I want. After all, it's all just for fun!

"I’m watching you. And yes, I mean you." | Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz

Just two people waiting for someone to say, ‘Okay, got it!’ | Photo: Michal Walusza

"Don't disturb my player!" | Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz

"Can we just hug and forget it happened?" | Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz

A little laughter before the serious faces come out! | Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz

Can you guess the country? | Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz

Waittt... books are allowed inside the playing hall? | Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz

This looks like a good conversation! | Photo: Michal Walusza

"I have a chocolate in my pocket. Want half?" | Photo: Michal Walusza

Imagine the World Champion casually taking a look at your game. | Photo: Michal Walusza

I am always scared of playing against kids who look this innocent. | Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz

Can these kids beat the robot too? | Photo: Michal Walusza

A T-shirt with a little wisdom on it. | Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz

Where can we find this game? | Photo: Michal Walusza

Not a single eye on anything else. | Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz

No particular reason. I just wanted an Anish Giri photo in this article. | Photo: Michal Walusza

Now THAT is a lot of chess! | Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz

Meanwhile, the tiniest spectators at the Olympiad...

That’s a wrap on Day 1’s fun moments! Now, it’s time to get back to the chessboards. Round 2 is just a few minutes away, so enough of the peeking around. The real action is about to begin!

Catch all the action live here: