FIDE Announces Star Lineup for the 2025 World Rapid & Blitz in Doha
The chess world is buzzing as FIDE releases the list of players for the 2025 World Rapid & Blitz Championship, set to take place in Doha, Qatar from December 25 to 30. More than 360 top players are ready to compete in one of the most exciting events of the year.
⭐ Big Names Confirmed
World Champion Gukesh D and former World Champion Magnus Carlsen headline the field. Carlsen, who narrowly missed the Rapid title last year and shared gold in Blitz, is back to fight for the crown again. His main challenger will be 2024 Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin, who has been in brilliant form throughout the year.
World Champion Gukesh D’s presence will attract huge attention, especially after his impressive performance in Zagreb. His speed chess skills make him a strong favorite in Rapid.
🔥 A Battle of Generations
Alongside them, many elite stars will compete, including:
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Ian Nepomniachtchi
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Fabiano Caruana
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Anish Giri
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Wesley So
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Levon Aronian
But the younger generation is ready to shake things up. Rising forces like Arjun Erigaisi, Vincent Keymer, Praggnanandhaa R, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, and Ediz Gürel are eager to challenge the established legends.
Chess fans will also enjoy watching iconic veterans like Alexander Grischuk and Vasyl Ivanchuk, a former Rapid World Champion in Doha (2016).
👑 Women’s Championship Highlights
The women’s competition will feature 130 top players, led by Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun. Other stars joining her include:
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Zhu Jiner
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Lei Tingjie
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Aleksandra Goryachkina
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Humpy Koneru
Fans will also be excited to see Anna Muzychuk, who won both titles in 2016 in Doha, competing again along with her sister Mariya Muzychuk.
💬 What Leaders Say
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich described the event as “a magnet for the world’s strongest and most exciting players.”
FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky called it “a real chess feast with nearly all the world’s best players.”
Qatar Chess Federation President Mohd Al-Mudahka proudly noted that Doha becomes the only city to host the event twice, showing Qatar’s strong commitment to chess.
💰 Prize Fund & Venue
The tournament will take place at the Sports and Events Complex, Qatar University, featuring:
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Open & Women’s Rapid
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Open & Women’s Blitz
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A combined €1,000,000+ prize fund
📍 Final Note
Doha previously hosted the championship in 2016, when Vasyl Ivanchuk won the Rapid and Sergey Karjakin won Blitz. With top talent from every generation, the 2025 edition promises a thrilling end to the year.
Photos: Lennart Ootes, Michal Walusza, Anna Shtourman, FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
