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

For further information, media inquiries, or access to official St. Teresa of Avila, Patron Saint of Chess materials, please contact: [email protected].

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.