FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Championships 2026 Officially Begin in Hong Kong

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The FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Championships 2026 have officially started in Hong Kong. The opening press conference was held on June 16 at The Pavilion, The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong.

This prestigious event is one of FIDE’s most exciting and spectator-friendly tournaments. For the first time ever, Hong Kong is hosting the championship, marking its debut in East Asia.

The fourth edition of the tournament will be held from June 17 to 21 at Queen Elizabeth Stadium. More than 40 teams and over 300 players from across the world are taking part in the competition.

Fans can look forward to seeing elite grandmasters, top women players, rising stars, and amateur chess enthusiasts competing together in a unique team format.

Star Players Attend Opening Ceremony

The opening press conference featured FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, Hong Kong China Chess Federation President K.K. Chan, GM Levon Aronian of Team Hexamind, and GM Lei Tingjie of Team Dragon Chilling.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich highlighted the importance of the event for Hong Kong and the global chess community. He said that Hong Kong is not just hosting a tournament but is becoming an important destination on the world chess map. Players, rising talents, and fans from all over the world have gathered in the city to celebrate chess.

Dvorkovich described the championship as more than just a tournament. According to him, it is a festival of chess where people connect, share ideas, and help build a stronger global chess community.

Rapid Growth of the Championship

The FIDE President also spoke about the impressive growth of the event. The championship started in Düsseldorf with only 36 teams. Today, it has grown into a major international competition.

This year, the World Team Rapid and Blitz Championships, along with the newly introduced FIDE World Team Amateur Rapid Chess Cup, have attracted more than 800 participants. Dvorkovich added that the event is designed for spectators because it is fast-paced, international, team-based, and easy to follow.

Hong Kong Welcomes the Chess World

K.K. Chan, President of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, warmly welcomed players and visitors to the city. He described the championship as a major milestone for chess development in Hong Kong.

Chan stated that Hong Kong is open, ambitious, and ready to host world-class events. He believes chess perfectly belongs in a city known for competition, culture, and ambition. He also emphasized the importance of inspiring young chess players.

According to Chan, countries do not wait to produce champions before hosting world events. Instead, hosting such events allows young players to see champions in action and dream big. He further revealed that the championship has received the prestigious “M” Mark status from Hong Kong’s Major Sports Events Committee, recognizing the city’s ability to host world-class sporting events.

Team Hexamind Strengthened for Gold

During the interactive session, GM Levon Aronian spoke about Team Hexamind’s ambitions. He said that the addition of Alireza Firouzja has greatly strengthened the team’s chances of winning gold.

Aronian also highlighted the importance of having a second female player in the team. Multiple-time world rapid and blitz champion Kateryna Lagno has joined the lineup.

He praised Divya Deshmukh for her excellent performance in London last year but noted that the demanding schedule made additional support necessary.

The Story Behind “Dragon Chilling”

GM Lei Tingjie shared insights about Team Dragon Chilling, which features an all-Chinese lineup. She explained that the team focuses on unity and competing together as one.

When asked about the unusual team name, Lei revealed that “Dragon Chilling” was inspired by the famous “Ding Chilling” moment from the 2024 FIDE World Championship Match. The team name was chosen by captain GM Ni Hua. The word “dragon” also carries deep cultural significance in China.

Five Days of Exciting Chess Ahead

The press conference concluded with media questions and a group photo session. From June 17 to 21, chess fans can enjoy five days of thrilling rapid and blitz action at Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Hong Kong.

With world-class players, exciting team battles, and a festival-like atmosphere, the FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Championships 2026 promises to be an unforgettable event for chess lovers around the world.