Echesspedia

The Federata Shqiptare e Shahul became a full member of FIDE in 1953. Albania’s 1^st National Championship was played in 1933 and the National Federation was created in 1952. Participated in the Olympiads since 1960 and 1990 for Women Olympiads. The best Olympic ranking was 26 in 1962.
In 2010 Albania was ranked 69^th among the countries (av.2345) with 1 IGM, 5 IMs and a total of 16 titled players. The best player is IGM Erald Dervishi.

Albania (right) vs. Portugal at the 2010 Olympiad.

The last national champions were: Lorenc Rama, in 2001; Lorenc Rama, 2002; Laert Shytaj, 2003; Lorenc Rama, 2004; Ilir Karkanaqe, 2005; Dritan Mehmeti, 2006; Dritan Mehmeti, 2007; Lorenc Rama, 2008.