RCS - World Chess PLC - World Chess Introduces the Patron Saint of Chess

World ChessAnnouncement

11/03/2025 10:15

For best results when printing this announcement, please click on link below:
https://newsfile.refinitiv.com/getnewsfile/v1/story?guid=urn:newsml:reuters.com:20250311:nRSK1940Aa&default-theme=true

RNS Number : 1940A  World Chess PLC  11 March 2025

 

World Chess Plc

("World Chess" or the "Company" or the "Group")

World Chess Introduces the Official Patron Saint of Chess: St. Teresa of Avila

 

London, 11 March 2025 - World Chess PLC (LSE: CHSS), a global leader in chess
innovation and cultural initiatives, today announces the formal introduction
of St. Teresa of Avila as the official Patron Saint of Chess. This recognition
places chess within a long-standing tradition of sports and cultural patronage
and reinforces its historical and intellectual significance, particularly in
Catholic-majority countries where the game has been deeply embedded in
education and society for centuries.

Restoring a Lost Tradition

Throughout history, various disciplines-including athletics, the arts, and
academic fields-have had patron saints who embody their values and
aspirations. Chess, despite its deep-rooted global influence, had not formally
celebrated its historic patron saint. World Chess has now restored this
connection, officially recognising St. Teresa of Avila, the 16th-century
Spanish mystic, intellectual, and strategist, as the guiding figure for the
global chess community.

St. Teresa was known for her strategic thinking, discipline, and
problem-solving skills-qualities essential to chess at all levels. She
famously used chess as a metaphor for intellectual and spiritual growth,
emphasising patience, foresight, and calculated decision-making-principles
that continue to define the game today.

Significance for Chess in Catholic-Majority Countries

This announcement is of particular relevance to chess communities in Spain,
Italy, Poland, Argentina, the Philippines, and other Catholic-majority
countries with long-standing chess traditions. These nations have
produced legendary grandmasters, national federations, and vibrant chess
cultures, making the recognition of St. Teresa of Avila an important
milestone in connecting the game's historical and religious roots.

"Chess has shaped history-from royal courts to Cold War strategy-and remains
one of the most respected intellectual disciplines in the world," said Ilya
Merenzon, CEO of World Chess. "Restoring St. Teresa of Avila as the Patron
Saint of Chess acknowledges the game's enduring cultural and philosophical
importance, especially in countries where chess has been played for centuries
as both a sport and a symbol of intellectual pursuit."

Commemorating the Historic Recognition

To mark this significant moment in chess history, World Chess is launching a
series of initiatives, including:

·      Official iconography of St. Teresa of Avila as the Patron Saint
of Chess

·      A collector's edition chess set and first edition of the official
icon

·      A global tournament series in her honour, bringing together top
players and emerging talents

·      Cultural and academic discussions on chess's role in philosophy,
history, and education

With chess experiencing a global resurgence-driven by online platforms,
mainstream media coverage, and increased participation-this recognition
further cements its status as one of the most intellectually and culturally
significant games in history.

To access the St. Teresa First Edition Print and World Chess Studio Set,
please visit:

https://shop.worldchess.com/collections/gifts/products/patron-saint-of-chess-box-st-teresa-first-edition-print-and-world-chess-studio-set
(https://shop.worldchess.com/collections/gifts/products/patron-saint-of-chess-box-st-teresa-first-edition-print-and-world-chess-studio-set)

 

For further information, media inquiries, or access to official St. Teresa of
Avila, Patron Saint of Chess materials, please contact: media@worldchess.com
(mailto:media@worldchess.com) .

About World Chess

World Chess PLC (LSE: CHSS) is a leading organisation in chess innovation,
tournaments, and cultural development. Through elite competitions, strategic
partnerships, and digital transformation, World Chess continues to shape the
modern chess landscape. The company's shares are traded on the London Stock
Exchange under the ticker LSE: CHSS.

 

This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact
rns@lseg.com (mailto:rns@lseg.com)
 or visit
www.rns.com (http://www.rns.com/)
.

RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our
Privacy Policy (https://www.lseg.com/privacy-and-cookie-policy)
.   END  NRASFUSUFEISEID