20th ICCD World Deaf Chess Championships 2026

26/05/2026

During the 38th ICCD Congress, held in Roquetas de Mar, Spain, the Presidential Election of the International Chess Committee of the Deaf (ICCD) was conducted with the participation of accredited delegates from ICCD member federations.

Following the official voting process, Alfredo Gómez Fernández (Spain) was elected as the new President of ICCD, delivering his first words of gratitude, responsibility, and commitment to promoting and strengthening chess within the international deaf community.

Special thanks to outgoing President Philip Gardner for his years of dedication, leadership, and valuable service to ICCD and the worldwide deaf chess community.

A new chapter begins focused on strengthening ICCD, promoting deaf chess worldwide for people of all ages, fostering stronger connections with the international chess ecosystem, and embracing the digital modernization of the organization.

ThankYouPhilipGardner

24/05/2026

📺♟️ The ICCD Roquetas de Mar 2026 World Deaf Chess Championships were also featured on Spanish National Television (TVE)!

TVE captured special moments, interviews, and the unique atmosphere of this major international event, highlighting the passion, effort, and unity of the worldwide deaf chess community 🌍❤️

🎥 Watch the TV report here:

https://www.rtve.es/play/videos/en-lengua-de-signos/16-05-26/17071691/

A special thanks to TVE and the program “En Lengua de Signos” for helping promote deaf sport and giving visibility to the deaf community.

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20/05/2026

🎥♟️ We are sharing a very special video!

Relive some of the best moments from the Medal Ceremony of the ICCD World Chess Championships Roquetas de Mar 2026, held on May 11th and 13th.

These were truly emotional moments, full of joy, applause, and recognition for the efforts of the best deaf chess players in the world 🌍🤟♟️

The ceremony was full of energy and excitement, creating a wonderful international atmosphere among players, delegations, and supporters.

🏅 Congratulations to all medal winners, and thank you for making this championship an unforgettable memory!

Fundación Unicaja

19/05/2026

Recognition as Honorary President of ICCD for Philip Gardner

Proposal for Recognition

In recognition of his outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment, and invaluable contribution to the development and strengthening of the International Chess Committee of the Deaf (ICCD), it is proposed to grant Mr. Philip Gardner the distinguished title of:

Honorary President of ICCD

This recognition is awarded in appreciation of his years of dedicated service, his commitment to the international Deaf chess community, and his significant role in promoting and advancing Deaf chess worldwide.

His legacy, vision, and tireless efforts have left a lasting impact on ICCD and will continue to inspire future generations.

With gratitude and highest appreciation,
International Chess Committee of the Deaf (ICCD)

Fundación Unicaja

19/05/2026

17/05/2026

📸 PART 3 | Final memories of ICCD Roquetas de Mar 2026 ♟️🌍🤟

We share the final collection of photos from the 20th ICCD World Deaf Chess Championship – Roquetas de Mar 2026.

Thank you to everyone who made this world championship unforgettable. Beyond the chessboards, we shared friendship, emotions, and memories that will stay with us forever. 💙

See you at the next ICCD event! 🌍♟️

Fundación Unicaja

17/05/2026

📸 PART 2 | More memories from ICCD Roquetas de Mar 2026 ♟️🌍🤟

We continue sharing more special moments from the 20th ICCD World Deaf Chess Championship – Roquetas de Mar 2026.

A championship full of passion for chess, cultural exchange, and unforgettable experiences that will always remain in our memories. 💙

Fundación Unicaja

17/05/2026

📸 PART 1 | Memories of ICCD Roquetas de Mar 2026 ♟️🌍🤟

We share the first collection of photos from the 20th ICCD World Deaf Chess Championship – Roquetas de Mar 2026.

Unforgettable moments of chess, friendship, emotions, and international unity. Thank you all for being part of this incredible experience! 💙

# Fundación Unicaja

15/05/2026

More images from the ICCD championship Fundación Unicaja

15/05/2026

♟️🌍 The ICCD World Deaf Chess Championships – Roquetas de Mar 2026 came to an end the day before yesterday, leaving unforgettable moments and great champions.

The favorites did not disappoint: Yehuda Gruenfeld (Israel) once again proved he is still the king of deaf chess, becoming World Champion in Individual Blitz and Rapid. 👑♟️

In the women’s category, Tatiana Baklanova (Ukraine) confirmed her dominance as Women’s World Blitz Champion, ♟️👑

The future also shined brightly: young Spanish player Nerea Gallego Moreno made history by becoming World Deaf Junior Girls Blitz Champion, while Arsenii Filimonov (Switzerland) claimed the title of World Deaf Junior Boys Blitz Champion. 🌟♟️

In team competitions, the Team Blitz also crowned outstanding champions:
🥇 Men Team Blitz: Ukraine 🇺🇦
🥇 Women Team Blitz: Latvia 🇱🇻
🥇 Junior Team Blitz: Slovenia 🇸🇮

👏 Congratulations to all champions, medalists, delegations, arbiters, volunteers, and participants for making this World Championship full of excitement, friendship, and outstanding chess possible.

📍 Roquetas de Mar has now become part of the history of world deaf chess.

Fundación Unicaja