Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, a former leader of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), recalled encounters with the seer Vanga. He spoke of vast knowledge she carried and claimed that she foretold his eventual presidency of FIDE. Daily miracles, in his view, accompanied those conversations and shaped his perspective during that period, as reported in spor.ru.
In recounting memories from years past, Ilyumzhinov also described a moment when Vanga reportedly cursed builders who had nailed a beam incorrectly. He noted that even though he was visually impaired at the time, the crooked beam was a tangible reminder of the warning, bringing into relief the power some claimed to wield in prophetic words.
During his tenure, Ilyumzhinov led FIDE from 1995 until 2018. He also served as the head of Kalmykia from 1993 to 2010, shaping regional policy and chess development in that republic.
In the broader chess landscape, reports indicated a shift in the world rankings, with Ian Nepomniachtchi reportedly dropping to a lower position in the updated FIDE standings. Meanwhile, Magnus Carlsen of Norway continued to top the rankings, and a notable change in the second spot saw Alireza Firouzja of France displacing a Russian challenger in recent assessments. These movements reflect ongoing competition among elite players for the game’s crown, illustrating how form and match outcomes continually reshape the global ladder.
Observers note that leadership transitions within FIDE and the activity of top grandmasters influence chess publicity and development across regions including Canada, the United States, and Europe. The interplay between administration, coaching, and high-stakes competition remains a defining feature of the modern chess era, with players and officials alike navigating a landscape shaped by ratings, titles, and strategic planning. At the same time, historical anecdotes about public figures linked to chess culture contribute to the sport’s enduring narrative, underscoring how personal stories intertwine with a game played on the world stage. [citation: FIDE archives; contemporary reporting on rankings and leadership transitions.]