World Chess Plc

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

Launch of Secure FIDE ID Verification

World Chess Launches Instant, Secure FIDE ID Verification - Paving the Way for a Trusted Global Chess Platform

World Chess Plc, the London-listed chess organisation and operator of the official FIDE Online Arena, is pleased to announce the launch of instant, secure identity verification on its digital platform chessarena.com, available as of today in over 160 countries.

This new system allows users to verify their identity, obtain a FIDE ID, and begin playing a FIDE-recognised game within minutes - removing a significant barrier to entry for competitive chess. Powered by Stripe Identity, the same verification technology used by leading online banks and fintech companies, this marks a major step toward building a trusted, scalable global gaming platform for chess.

Chess Arena is the first and only online platform in the world where players can go from unregistered to recognised by FIDE in a matter of seconds - with no paperwork, no delays, and no manual processing.

Building Infrastructure for the Future of Competitive Chess

While the benefits for individual players are immediate - faster access to rated play, smoother onboarding, and tournament readiness - the longer-term implications are even more significant.

The launch of secure, real-time identity verification forms the foundation for:

●    A global player identity layer, enabling verified participation online and offline

●    Federation partnerships, with pilot programs launching this summer to allow national bodies to register and verify players at scale

●    A stronger ecosystem for anti-cheating, based on verified users and trusted accounts

●    Simplified access to official competition for players in emerging chess markets

●    Increased trust and transparency in the online chess experience

Ilya Merenzon, CEO of World Chess, commented:

"If you can open a bank account online, you should be able to get your FIDE ID just as easily - and now, you can.

This isn't just a product update. It's the beginning of a chess platform that understands the modern world: trusted, fast, and global. It means fewer fake accounts, faster access to competition, and a future where verified players compete on equal terms - whether they're in Berlin or Bangkok.

It's not just about making chess easier. It's about making it work for the next 100 million players."

This development aligns with World Chess Plc's mission to create the leading global chess ecosystem - combining verified identities, official ratings, real-world clubs, and digital infrastructure into a single, unified experience for players, federations, and fans.

This announcement contains information which, prior to its disclosure, was inside information as stipulated under Regulation 11 of the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019/310 (as amended).

For more information, visit: www.worldchess.com or contact:

Notes to Editors

About World Chess Plc

World Chess (LSE: CHSS) is a London-based chess gaming and entertainment company and Fédération Internationale des Échecs ('FIDE') official commercial partner. World Chess organised the FIDE Championship Matches in the USA, and the UK, and revolutionised the sport by signing the biggest media partnerships in history. World Chess develops Armageddon, the chess league for prime-time television. World Chess also runs FIDE Online Arena, the exclusive official chess gaming platform. More at worldchess.com.