2025 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships: Registration Open
The year will close with one of the biggest chess events in the world. The 2025 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships is back with top players, fast time controls, and a massive €1 million prize fund. The tournament will take place from December 25 to 31 in Doha, Qatar, a premium venue for elite chess action.
Registration is now open, and FIDE invites all eligible players to take part in this high-energy event loved by fans and professionals worldwide.
🏁 Tournament Format
✅ Rapid Championship
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Open section: 13 rounds (Swiss system)
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Women’s section: 11 rounds (Swiss system)
✅ Blitz Championship
Two-stage format:
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Swiss Stage
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Open: 19 rounds over two days
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Women: 15 rounds over two days
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Knockout Stage
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Top 4 players from each Swiss section advance
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Semifinals and finals played over 4 games
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If the match is tied, a sudden death (Armageddon) game decides the winner
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💶 Prize Fund
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Open Rapid: €350,000
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Open Blitz: €350,000
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Women’s Rapid: €150,000
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Women’s Blitz: €150,000
🎯 Eligibility Criteria
Players can participate if they meet any of the following:
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Rating requirement:
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Open: 2550+
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Women: 2250+
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Rating can be from Standard, Rapid, or Blitz on any recent FIDE list
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National Champions: Automatically eligible regardless of rating
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Wild cards: Players may also be nominated by the FIDE President or the organiser
📝 Registration Details
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Entry Fee:
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Open: $100
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Women: $50
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Late Fee:
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Double the amount if paid less than 10 days before the event
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Deadline: November 1, 2025
All players and accompanying persons must stay in the official hotels, which can be booked during registration.
✈️ Travel & Accommodation Support
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Fully covered travel and stay for:
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Open players rated 2750+
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Women players rated 2500+
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Free accommodation for all 2024 medalists (gold, silver, bronze)
👥 Accompanying Person Fee
An accompanying person must pay $100 by November 1, 2025, which includes:
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Airport–hotel–tournament transport
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Accreditation
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Visa support
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General admission ticket
📄 Regulations
Official regulations are available in PDF format:
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Open Section
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Women’s Section
🌟 Final Word
With elite competition, rapid-fire formats, and global attention, Doha is set to host one of the most thrilling chess events of 2025. Players and fans can look forward to a spectacular finish to the year.
Photos: FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
