Continued FIDE and DGT cooperation
Since 1993 DGT supplies chess clocks and boards at all major FIDE events.
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Digital Game Technology (DGT) recently renewed its partnership with the International Chess Federation (FIDE), marking over 30 years of collaboration. This relationship, built on shared goals to support, promote, and elevate chess worldwide, has been transformative for the chess world. DGT has grown from a student-led project into the leading global supplier of chess technology.
In the early 1980s, University of Twente student Ben Bulsink developed a digital clock for the game of Go. With the encouragement of Albert Vasse a few years later the Go clock was turned into a chess clock. Initially held back by high production costs, the project gained momentum in 1992 when the chess world recognized the need for digital timing, particularly the use of increments.
FIDE President Florencio Campomanes (left) and DGT Director Albert Vasse sign the first agreement in 1993 in attendance of FIDE Secretary Casto Abundo (left) and Vice President GM Bachar Kouatly.
One of the first DGT clocks from the 80's.
FIDE’s recognition of DGT as its official chess clock supplier in the 1990s cemented the company’s status in the chess community. Since then, DGT's innovations accelerated to include electronic chess boards used in World Chess Championships, the Chess Olympiad and many other events. DGT clocks, known for their precision and reliability, are now essential tools in chess competitions worldwide, allowing tournament organizers, players, and referees to manage games with fair and accurate timing.
Today, under the new agreement, DGT continues to support the wider chess community through FIDE with top-quality equipment, providing around 4,500 clocks and 700 electronic boards for free. This partnership enables chess events at all levels to run professionally and reach wider audiences, supporting the game’s growth across countries and communities.
To learn more about the agreement:
Watch Sagar Shah's interview with DGT CEO Hans Pees: YouTube Interview.
Visit the FIDE website
