Karpowership launches Future Grandmasters program for youth chess

Karpowership, through its corporate social responsibility arm One World Karadeniz Foundation, announced the launch of the Future Grandmasters programme. The initiative aims to identify and support chess players under 16 in the countries where the energy company operates, with Turkish Grandmaster Ediz Gürel appointed as international ambassador.

The pilot phase took place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on 11 April 2026. The three top finishers were selected for a year of training and mentorship by Grandmaster Nebojša Nikčević. Karpowership’s commercial director Zeynep Harezi Yılmaz said chess “teaches young people patience, resilience and confidence to make decisions under pressure.”

Future expansion plans include Mozambique, Angola and the Dominican Republic, among other markets where Karpowership has a presence.