Using Blockchain-Based Digital Identity & Verifiable Credentials for Chess

This proposal, developed with our partners at World Chess, introduces portable, verifiable credentials for chess players—bringing fairness, reputation, and rewards into one unified ecosystem.

A globally beloved and ever-challenging game, chess also has a notable history as a proving ground for new technologies. One immediately recalls the famous Deep Blue vs Kasparov matches, which broadly changed the perception of AI and machine learning, and the more recent AlphaZero program from DeepMind. With this new whitepaper, we present the chess community with yet another opportunity to demonstrate what is possible with cutting-edge technology – all while improving the user experience of the chess ecosystem in the process.

The paper conceptualizes a new system that utilizes blockchain to establish secure, portable digital identities and verifiable credentials for chess players everywhere. Utilizing standardized data models and decentralized identifiers (DID), the proposed system is secure and privacy-preserving.

If adopted, this "universal chess passport" will allow chess players to independently manage their identity and credentials across chess platforms and organizations. This means that players could port their identity, achievements, records of play, rankings, and rewards across not only various online chess platforms, but seamlessly from the digital world to in-person games and tournaments. For chess organizations, it means simpler verification of player identities and records, a new tool for maintaining integrity across both online and offline tournaments, a simple solution for transparently adjusting player ratings across various federations, and more.

The system will bring efficiency to chess entities and organizations, and a simpler, more streamlined experience for chess players, all without sacrificing security or trust. It will break down siloes between platforms, creating a more connected and inviting chess ecosystem for all.

See what a “universal chess passport” looks like in action:

Acknowledgements & invitation to collaborate 

This proposal was developed by software architects at the Algorand Foundation, in close partnership with World Chess, operators of the FIDE Online Arena. Particular thanks to World Chess COO, Matvey Shekhovtsov, and chess grandmaster Evgenij Miroshnichenko, both of whom contributed essential insights and guidance throughout the paper’s development. Thanks also to Kim Hamilton Duffy, Executive Director at the Decentralized Identity Foundation, for reviewing the proposal and providing valuable feedback.


The system described in this paper is currently in development on a small scale to test its feasibility. We invite chess platforms, organizations, and players to collaborate in its further development.

The Ruy Lopez 2024 Roadmap image

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