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What is FIDE Online Arena? Where do I start?
What is FIDE Online Arena? Where do I start?

What are the benefits of the Arena? Is it right for me?

Updated over a month ago

FIDE Online Arena is the exclusive online chess gaming platform of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). This is the only place on the internet where you can play for the official FOA rating recognized by FIDE and even earn official Arena titles.

To register for FREE and upgrade to PRO, take a look at our step-by-step guide.

You don’t need to register to enjoy a casual game. If you are not a PRO member yet*, and even not signed up yet, we suggest starting with an unrated single game of your preferred time control. Simply click the time control and wait a few seconds for the opponent to be paired with.

*If you’d like to get all great Arena opportunities right away, consider registering and upgrading to PRO.

Register for a free account and you can save your games and train with the World Chess rating. Once you decide to upgrade to a Pro-account, you instantly become an official chess player! You get FIDE ID, start playing for the official rating recognized by FIDE, and work your way towards your first title!

Arena Benefits:

  • Play unrated games

  • Play in World Chess tournaments

  • Play in prized tournaments with entry fee

  • Analyze your games

  • Get online tournaments certificates

  • Start or join Clubs

As a PRO Member you can

  • Play unrated, World Chess-rated, and FOA-rated games

  • Get a FIDE ID (🤔What is FIDE ID?)

  • Get Official Online Rating recognized by FIDE

  • Get FOA titles recognized by FIDE

  • Play Official FOA-rated tournaments

  • Play in prized tournaments with entry fee

  • Analyze your games

  • Get online tournaments certificates

  • Start or join Clubs

  • Change Board designs

  • Solve unlimited Puzzles

  • Get access to full masterclass collection with top GMs

  • Have live masterclass sessions


Free membership for Titled Players

Titled players are eligible for a lifetime free Pro subscription. This applies to WIM / IM / WGM / GM title holders.

Get in touch with support@chessarena.com and send the following docs so we can match you to your FIDE ID:

  • A selfie where you are holding your ID (passport or driver's license will work perfectly)

  • Your FIDE ID number

If you are a titled woman player, you might be interested in joining Swiss Queens Tournament Series and get a free PRO membership! More about Swiss Queens here.


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