FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships 2025: Countdown Begins
Doha is getting ready to host one of the most thrilling chess events of the year — the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships 2025. The tournament will run from December 25 to 30, featuring a massive one million euro prize fund.
This event is often called the fastest and most exciting chess championship. It closes the calendar year by crowning the kings and queens of rapid and blitz chess.
A Return to Doha
The championship returns to Qatar after nine years. Doha first hosted the World Rapid & Blitz in 2016. Since then, Qatar has become a strong hub for chess, hosting famous events like the Qatar Masters and the Qatar Rail Chess Open.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said the event plays a key role in promoting chess worldwide. He thanked the Qatar Chess Association for working closely with FIDE to make this a world-class tournament.
Qatar Chess Association President Mohammed Al-Mudhahka added that preparations are already in full swing. He promised players and fans an unforgettable experience, both on-site and online.
Tournament Format
The format remains the same as last year, with a few changes.
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World Rapid Championship
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13 rounds in the Open, 11 rounds in the Women’s event
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Time control: 15 minutes + 10 seconds per move
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In case of ties, playoffs will decide the champion.
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World Blitz Championship
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Stage 1: Swiss tournament (19 rounds Open, 15 rounds Women’s)
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Stage 2: Top four players advance to knockouts
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If tied, one sudden-death game decides the winner
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This knockout system was first introduced in 2024 but has now been reduced to four qualifiers instead of eight.
Who Can Play?
The championship is open to the world’s strongest players.
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Open: Minimum 2550 ELO rating
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Women: Minimum 2250 ELO rating
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National champions in any format (Standard, Rapid, Blitz) also qualify
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FIDE and the Organiser may nominate additional players
Prize Fund
The total prize pool is €1,000,000.
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Open Event: €700,000 (Rapid €350,000, Blitz €350,000)
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Winner’s prize: €70,000 in both Rapid and Blitz
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Women’s Event: €300,000 (Rapid €150,000, Blitz €150,000)
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Winner’s prize: €40,000 in both Rapid and Blitz
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Player Support
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Travel and stay covered for Open players rated 2750+ and Women players rated 2500+
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Medal winners from 2024 World Rapid & Blitz will have free accommodation and daily allowances
Schedule
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Dec 25 – Opening ceremony & technical meeting
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Dec 26-28 – World Rapid Championships
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Dec 29-30 – World Blitz Championships
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Dec 30 – Semi-finals (5:30 PM), Finals (7:15 PM), Closing Ceremony (9 PM)
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Dec 31 – Departures
Final Countdown
With just 100 days to go, anticipation is rising. Chess fans can expect fast-paced battles, dramatic finishes, and a spectacular close to the year. Doha is ready, the players are preparing, and the countdown has begun.
Photos: FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
