FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Speed chess is where instinct trumps calculation, and reputations are made or broken in seconds. From December 26 to 30, Doha becomes the epicentre of that chaos as the 2025 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships bring together the sharpest minds in chess, led by Magnus Carlsen and world champion Gukesh Dommaraju.
What is the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship?
It is the most prestigious global event in speed chess, crowning world champions in Rapid and Blitz formats across Open and Women’s categories. The tournament tests intuition, nerve, and consistency under extreme time pressure.
Where and when is it being held?
The championships take place at Qatar University’s Sports Complex in Doha from December 26 to 30, 2025. Rapid games run from December 26–28, followed by Blitz on December 29–30.
Why is Magnus Carlsen the overwhelming favourite?
Carlsen enters as the top seed and the most decorated speed-chess player ever, with 13 world titles across rapid and blitz. He also holds world No.1 rankings in both formats, making him the man everyone must beat.
Who are the main challengers?
The field is stacked. Key contenders include Gukesh Dommaraju, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Fabiano Caruana, Alireza Firouzja, and Levon Aronian. On the women’s side, Ju Wenjun, Tan Zhongyi, and Aleksandra Goryachkina headline a fiercely competitive draw.
How does the Rapid format work?
Rapid uses a Swiss system—13 rounds in the Open, 11 in the Women’s section—with a 15+10 time control. Ties at the top are resolved through playoffs, ensuring a clear champion.
What’s different about the Blitz format this year?
Blitz has been expanded. The preliminary stage now features 19 rounds in the Open and 15 in Women’s, followed by knockout matches. The longer format rewards consistency over chaos.
Why is Gukesh Dommaraju’s presence intriguing?
Fresh off becoming the youngest classical world champion, Gukesh enters with nothing to prove and everything to explore. He has said rapid and blitz are “less of a priority,” a statement that makes him even more dangerous.
What is the prize money at stake?
The total prize pool exceeds €1 million, with €700,000 allocated to Open events and €300,000 to Women’s competitions, making it one of the richest speed-chess tournaments in the world.
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