Hong Kong Makes Chess History as FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Championships Begin
Hong Kong has officially joined the global chess spotlight as the fourth edition of the FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships (WTRBCC) gets underway.
A total of 48 teams are competing in this exciting event, making it one of the biggest chess tournaments of the year. For the first time since the competition was launched in 2023, FIDE is also hosting the World Team Amateur Cup alongside the main event.
Chess Legends and Rising Stars Together
The tournament features some of the biggest names in chess. Six World Champions are taking part, including Zhu Chen, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Ju Wenjun, Magnus Carlsen, Viswanathan Anand, and Ding Liren.
The event also includes World Cup winners and rising stars such as Javokhir Sindarov and Vaishali Rameshbabu. This creates a unique mix of experienced champions and talented young players competing on the same stage.
Fast-Paced Team Chess Action
The championships are being held at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Hong Kong.
The competition begins with a three-day Rapid event, followed by a two-day Blitz tournament. Each team consists of six to nine players, including at least one female player and one recreational player. Every match is played across six boards.
This format makes the tournament exciting, competitive, and inclusive.
First-Ever World Team Amateur Cup
Alongside the elite competition, FIDE is organizing the inaugural World Team Amateur Cup.
This event is designed specifically for amateur chess players. It gives recreational players the chance to experience the atmosphere of a world-class chess championship and compete against teams from around the world. More than 800 players are participating across both events.
A Historic Moment for Hong Kong Chess
This championship is the largest and most prestigious chess event ever hosted in Hong Kong.
The city previously hosted the Asian Rapid Teams Championship in 2024 and the FIDE Asian Amateurs Championship in 2025. Hosting the World Team Rapid and Blitz Championships marks another major step forward for chess in the region.
Representing the Hong Kong SAR Government, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Lau Chun Raistlin said the tournament strengthens Hong Kong’s position as a leading destination for major international sporting events.
Hong Kong Becomes a Global Chess Hub
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich described Hong Kong as a new hub for international chess. According to Dvorkovich, the event demonstrates how modern chess is becoming more professional, inclusive, competitive, and accessible to players of all levels.
The championship brings together grandmasters, amateurs, young talents, and chess enthusiasts from across the world.
Local Leaders Proud of the Achievement
Geoffrey Kao, Honorary President of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, called the event a major statement about Hong Kong’s ambitions as an international chess city.
K.K. Chan, President of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, praised Geoffrey Kao for helping bring the event to Hong Kong and highlighted the significance of having the world’s best players competing in the city.
Following the team presentations, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich officially declared the tournament open and made the ceremonial first move alongside Lau Chun Raistlin.
The opening ceremony also included a special birthday celebration for Peter Svidler, the legendary chess player representing Team Barys, who recently turned 50.
Why This Event Matters for World Chess
The Hong Kong championship reflects many of FIDE’s key goals for the future of chess. The tournament promotes:
- Elite rapid and blitz chess
- Team-based competition
- Women’s participation
- Amateur involvement
- Youth development
- Corporate and private team engagement
- Growth of chess across Asia
FIDE believes Asia is becoming one of the most important regions for the future of chess, producing new champions and world-class talents every year.
FIDE Expands Its Presence in Asia
Just before the tournament, Arkady Dvorkovich visited Shenzhen, one of China’s leading technology centers, to open FIDE’s new Asian office.
The office will focus on building partnerships with technology companies and business organizations to support the continued growth of chess across Asia and worldwide.
About the Championships
The FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships were launched in 2023. The event brings together elite grandmasters, young prodigies, and recreational players in a unique team format.
The 2026 edition marks the first time the tournament is being held in Hong Kong and East Asia. The event runs from June 17 to June 21, featuring three days of Rapid chess and two days of Blitz chess. The total prize fund is €500,000 for the World Team Rapid and Blitz Championships and €25,000 for the World Team Amateur Cup.
With world champions, rising stars, amateurs, and chess fans all gathered in one city, Hong Kong is making a powerful statement as one of the newest destinations on the global chess map.
Photos: Michal Walusza
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
