Fast Moves, Global Teams: Register for FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Team Championships
Get ready for one of the biggest chess events of the year!
The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships are coming to London from June 10 to 16. This exciting tournament features a fast-paced format and international teams, making it a must-watch event for players and fans alike.
Top Players, Top Teams
Registration of FIDE World Rapid & Blitz is now open, and top chess stars are already joining the action. Teams are made up of elite players from around the world—from Super Grandmasters to rising young talents.
Leading the field is WR Chess, the 2023 Rapid and 2024 Blitz champions. Their squad just got stronger with the addition of Hikaru Nakamura, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and Alireza Firouzja, along with the return of Wesley So.
Maxime Vachier-Lagrave shared his excitement:
“I always enjoy team events. There’s a lot at stake, but it’s also a chance to bond with teammates and meet new people from all over the world. I’m looking forward to fighting for a world title with WR Chess!”
Other Powerhouse Teams
Close behind is Al-Ain ACMG UAE, winners of the 2024 Rapid event. Their strong lineup includes Daniil Dubov, Kateryna Lagno, and Rapid World Champion Volodar Murzin.
The Indian team MGD1, led by Arjun Erigaisi, will also return. He is joined by Pentala Harikrishna and Harika Dronavalli, both Olympiad gold medalists.
“Thanks to the great team atmosphere, MGD1 has won medals in both editions. We’re ready to give our best in London,” said Harikrishna.
Legends and Rising Stars
The Hexamind Superteam will also compete, bringing together legends like Levon Aronian, Vladimir Kramnik, and Peter Svidler.
Another exciting team is led by Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, who will play alongside young prodigies Ediz Gurel and Yagiz Erdogmus.
The full list of players is available on the official website, and it includes some of the top chess talent in the world.
Inclusive and Inspiring
One of the most unique parts of this tournament is its inclusive format. Each team must include:
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6 to 9 players
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At least one female player
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At least one recreational player (never rated above 2000 FIDE)
This format allows club-level players to compete side by side with the world’s best. A great example is Pang Bo, the unrated player from Team China. She played alongside Ding Liren and Ju Wenjun and impressed everyone with her performance.
A Celebration of Chess
This event is part of the FIDE Year of Social Chess, promoting chess as a way to bring people together. It’s more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of chess around the world.
Whether you’re a pro or a fan, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Tournament Details
Rapid Tournament
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Format: 12-round Swiss system
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Time control: 15 minutes + 10 seconds increment
Blitz Tournament
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Stage 1: Round-robin pools based on strength
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Stage 2: Knockout format for top 16 teams
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Time control: 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment
Total Prize Fund: €500,000
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€310,000 for Rapid
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€190,000 for Blitz
Ready to join?
Register your team now and be part of this amazing chess event in London!
For full details and the list of registered teams, visit the official website.
Photos: Niki Riga, Michal Walusza, FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
