Virtual chess pieces form a backdrop for the Red Queen during a dance performance at FIDE World Cup Opening Ceremony in Baku ©ITG

Picture gallery 

Volunteers pose with a giant pawn at the 2023 FIDE World Cup in Baku ©ITG
Volunteers pose with a giant pawn at the 2023 FIDE World Cup in Baku ©ITG
A television reporter on a giant chess board at the Baku Convention Center © ITG
A television reporter on a giant chess board at the Baku Convention Center © ITG
Welcome to the Land of Fire, a scene from the Opening Ceremony at the FIDE World Cup ©ITG
Welcome to the Land of Fire, a scene from the Opening Ceremony at the FIDE World Cup ©ITG
A close look wheel which determines who has the first move in Baku ©ITG
A close look wheel which determines who has the first move in Baku ©ITG
The FIDE logo is displayed on the big screen at the Opening Ceremony ©ITG
The FIDE logo is displayed on the big screen at the Opening Ceremony ©ITG
Five-time world champion Vishwanathan Anand of India helping determine which player begins with each colour ©FIDE
Five-time world champion Vishwanathan Anand of India helping determine which player begins with each colour ©FIDE
The Opening Ceremony was held in the huge auditorium at Baku Convention Center © FIDE
The Opening Ceremony was held in the huge auditorium at Baku Convention Center © FIDE
The Opening Ceremony in Baku contained many spectacular visual effects ©ITG
The Opening Ceremony in Baku contained many spectacular visual effects ©ITG
Musical performances formed part of the Opening Ceremony ©ITG
Musical performances formed part of the Opening Ceremony ©ITG