Bayegan Pendik Chess Club, reigning undefeated champion of the 2024 Turkish Chess Super League, proudly announces the signing of Grandmaster (GM) Ediz Gürel, one of the youngest Grandmasters in Turkish history and the current world number one in the U18 category.
To mark this milestone and to celebrate World Chess Day on July 20, Bayegan hosted a special event at its headquarters under the theme “Think with Chess, Win with Strategy.” The event brought together Bayegan employees and their children, young chess enthusiasts, and their families for a day of shared inspiration.
During the Bayegan Chess Gathering, Grandmasters Işık Can and Ediz Gürel played simultaneous exhibitions with participants and offered tactical demonstrations and educational presentations. The event, which drew considerable interest, featured interactive matches between attendees and the GMs, as well as a blindfold exhibition and a head-to-head showdown between the two Grandmasters.
Ercüment Bayegan: "We embrace this mind sport with a sense of legacy."
Ercüment Bayegan, Chairman of the Board at BAYEGAN, emphasized the company’s longstanding investment in chess: “As a company with deep roots in the Turkish petrochemical industry and a robust global supply and sales network, we see it as our responsibility to contribute not only to economic value creation but also to social development and future generations. At BAYEGAN, we carry this vision beyond business, it touches our people and the broader society. To us, chess is more than a game; it’s a symbol of multi-dimensional thinking, foresight, accountability, and progress through reasoning. With a legacy passed down through generations, we proudly support this intellectual pursuit. Our aim is not only to teach young people the power of the pieces but also the power of their decisions. The addition of Ediz Gürel, the only Turkish player currently ranked in the world’s top 100, to our club is more than a sporting achievement. It reflects our deep belief in strategic thinking, young potential, and sustainable success.”
Burcu Olcay Üstüner: “Chess, a mirror for the business world.”
Bayegan CEO Burcu Olcay Üstüner highlighted the company’s aim to inspire youth and make chess a lasting tradition within the Bayegan community: “Chess teaches us, in the simplest yet most powerful ways, the very skills that are critical in business: attention to detail, foresight, patience, and strategic thinking. At BAYEGAN, we regard chess not just as a sport, but as a platform that nurtures cognitive development. As seen today, it becomes a shared and inspiring experience for both our employees and their children. The connection we’ve built through chess also reflects the kind of corporate culture we aspire to one that supports young talent, inspires future generations and moves forward through thoughtful action. Ediz’s extraordinary trajectory on the international stage at such a young age embodies the kind of potential that aligns perfectly with our vision. With great pride and excitement, we welcome Ediz to our Bayegan family.”
Turgay Seçkin Serpil: “Chess shapes character and confidence.”
Turgay Seçkin Serpil, Vice President of the Turkish Chess Federation, expressed his appreciation for BAYEGAN’s steadfast support: “Chess is not just a sport; it is a tool to cultivate thoughtful, confident, and principled individuals. The commitment of visionary institutions like BAYEGAN plays a vital role in increasing access to this strategic pursuit, not only for young athletes but across society. The accomplishments of Bayegan Pendik Chess Club demonstrate how effective these partnerships can be. As a Federation, our mission is to popularize chess, provide space for emerging talents and integrate chess into education. With the right support, we believe many more world champions will rise from Türkiye, and having partners like BAYEGAN by our side makes this journey all the more powerful.”
Ediz Gürel: The Road to Grandmastery
Starting his chess career at age seven, Ediz Gürel quickly distinguished himself on both national and international stages. At the 2023 FIDE World Cup, he became the youngest Turkish player to compete, and win in just 28 moves, against a fellow Grandmaster.
His notable achievements at the European Club Cup, Grand Swiss, Prague Chess Festival, Chess Olympiad and Tata Steel tournaments have cemented his place in global chess history. With a 2652 ELO rating, Ediz currently ranks as the top player in Türkiye, 71st globally, 6th in the U20 category and 1st worldwide in U18 as of July 2025.
“The recognition and admiration I receive from younger players and chess fans is deeply humbling,” said Ediz Gürel. “But with it comes responsibility. I want to lead not only through my rankings but also through my character and behavior. Chess has taught me discipline and structure, especially in my ever-evolving training routine. I’m honoured to represent both my country and BAYEGAN at upcoming international tournaments. It was also a true privilege to share the board with GM Işık Can during the Bayegan Chess Gathering.”
About BAYEGAN Pendik Chess Club
Established in 2015 in Istanbul’s Pendik district, Bayegan Pendik Chess Club aims to make chess accessible to individuals of all ages. Functioning as both an educational and developmental hub, the club nurtures strategic thinking, patience, and mental discipline. It offers structured chess education for children and youth at beginner and advanced levels, while supporting lifelong learning for adults. Through partnerships with schools, the club also promotes early chess education and builds a strong foundation for future talent. The club is dedicated to cultivating not only skilled chess players but also individuals who are confident, multi-dimensional, and strategic thinkers in life.
About BAYEGAN
With over 85 years of experience, BAYEGAN is a global leader in petrochemical distribution, marketing, and logistics. The company’s extensive portfolio includes chemicals, polymers, and engineering plastics. As Türkiye’s leading polymer distributor and a key international player, BAYEGAN connects the world’s largest petrochemical producers with global customers. Renowned for its resilient partnerships, agile supply chain, end-to-end services, and competitive solutions, BAYEGAN continues to lead the sector through innovation and excellence. With a strong financial foundation, it invests in R&D and production capabilities to support the sustainable growth of the global petrochemical industry.
For more information, please visit www.bayegan.net.
You can view the Anadolu Agency news article as well as the event video and event photos using the links below.
https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/kultur/bayegan-satrancla-dusun-stratejiyle-kazan-temali-bulusma-duzenledi/3635794#
