The 40th World Chess Olympiad, which has been accepted as the biggest chess organization on international platform and organized officially by FIDE (World Chess Organization) since 1927, was organized by Turkish Chess Federation in Istanbul with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

More than 1,500 athletes from 161 countries and over 3,000 guests participated in the 40th World Chess Olympiad, where Turkey was represented by three different teams and 30 athletes.

Armenia won the gold medal at the 40 th Chess Olympiad, while Russia won the championship in womenʼs section.

Representatives of 158 national federations came to Istanbul to participate in the Olympics.

27 August - 10 October 2012, WOW Convention Center, Istanbul