The campaign trail for European chess leadership just shifted gears as the ECU2030 team secured a monumental endorsement from the continent’s premier chess investor, the Super Foundation.
In a major announcement, the Super Foundation – one of continental Europe’s largest and most prolific investors in chess development, has formally endorsed the ECU2030 team, led by current European Chess Union (ECU) President and ECU2030 Presidential Candidate Mr. Zurab Azmaiparashvili.
The strategic alliance signals a powerful shift toward high-level corporate partnerships, aiming to combine Azmaiparashvili’s deep institutional experience with massive private and social investments to reshape the European chess landscape over the next years.
The Super Foundation’s backing carries immense weight in the global chess community. Led by President Augusta Dragic, the foundation invested nearly €14 million over the last seven years alone.
Their track record of elevating the sport is widely recognized across the continent:
- Elite Infrastructure: Serving as the primary partner for the prestigious Grand Chess Tour, bringing world-class events to European capitals including Warsaw, Bucharest, and Zagreb.
- Nurturing Next-Gen Talent: The launch of the ambitious Chess Nest project in 2026, which allocates up to €100,000 in direct support for elite juniors.
- Institutional Recognition: The foundation’s extensive contributions earned them the official ECU Award for Excellence in 2025.
In her official letter of support, President of Super Foundation, Augusta Dragic, emphasized that the ECU2030 ticket uniquely blends proven governance with the capacity required to take European chess to its next evolutionary phase.
Adding corporate and strategic backing to the endorsement, Hans-Holger Albrecht, Chairman of Super Technologies and Vice Chairman of the Super Foundation, released a dedicated video message cementing the foundation’s commitment to Azmaiparashvili’s vision.
Mapping Out the ECU2030 Vision
The ECU2030 team, which also features Vlad Ardeleanu (President of the Romanian Chess Federation) running as the candidate for the ECU Deputy President, has stated that this endorsement is perfectly aligned with their core pillars of growth.
Far from a mere symbolic gesture, the endorsement sets the stage for several ambitious joint initiatives between the ECU2030 administration and the Super Foundation, aiming to transform four key areas:
- Chess in Schools: Expanding structured, academic chess programs across European public school systems to boost cognitive development in youth.
- Elite Youth Development: Scaling up scouting and financial frameworks to ensure Europe’s prodigies can compete sustainably on the global stage.
- Social and Inclusive Projects: Leveraging chess as a tool for social integration, mental health, and accessibility.
- The European Chess Super League (2027): Laying the groundwork for a groundbreaking, highly professionalized team league format set to debut in 2027.
Looking Ahead to future of European Chess
As the campaign progresses, the ECU2030 team has made its ultimate objective clear: transitioning European chess into a modern, transparent, well-funded, and professionally managed sports environment. With a Super Foundation officially pledging its alliance, the ECU2030 platform has set a formidable benchmark for what the future of European chess could look like.
For those interested in reading the complete official statement and strategic goals, the formal Super Foundation Endorsement Letter is available for download on the official ECU2030 webpage.
