FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Samarkand
Ten days until the final world-class event of the year begins. The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships take place from December 25 to 30 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with an impressive line-up of players for both the Open and the Women’s Tournaments.
Elite Showdown in Samarkand
The highly anticipated event features a staggering one-million-dollar prize fund, with $700,000 allocated for the Open category and $300,000 for the Women’s tournaments. The world’s premier chess players are gearing up to compete fiercely for the coveted titles of World Champion in both Rapid and Blitz disciplines.
Magnus Carlsen’s Quest for Glory
In the Open section, all eyes are on Magnus Carlsen, the former World Champion, who is set to defend both his Rapid and Blitz crowns. Despite relinquishing his claim to the classical chess crown, Carlsen remains undeterred, seeking to secure his fourth title in both competitions. Alongside him, Fabiano Caruana arrives in Samarkand with remarkable momentum, aiming to cap off an outstanding year with another triumph.
Star-Studded Lineup
The Open section boasts a star-studded lineup, featuring renowned names like Ding Liren, Hikaru Nakamura, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Levon Aronian, Anish Giri, and promising talents like Jan-Krzysztof Duda and Vincent Keymer. The Indian contingent, led by Praggnanandhaa, Vidit, Erigaisi, and Gukesh, adds further depth to this formidable assembly.
Uzbek Hopes and Rising Stars
Uzbekistan, the host country, pins its hopes on Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Javokhir Sindarov, while the rising stars continue to shine. This includes the host country’s 2021 World Rapid Champion Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Javokhir Sindarov.
Women’s Battle Royale
In the Women’s section, defending Rapid champion Tan Zhongyi faces stiff competition from Bibisara Assaubayeva, aiming to replicate her successes from 2022 and 2021 in the Blitz and Rapid events, respectively. The lineup features formidable opponents like Ju Wenjun, Aleksandra Goryachkina, Koneru Humpy, Lei Tingjie, Kateryna Lagno, Anna Muzychuk, and Nana Dzagnidze. Adding a touch of legacy to the competition are three former Women’s World Champions, Antoaneta Stefanova, Alexandra Kosteniuk, and Mariya Muzychuk.
Schedule
Opening ceremony: December 25
World Rapid: 26 – 28 December
World Blitz: 29 – 30 December
Closing ceremony: December 30
Time: 13:00 CET
Format
System: Swiss
Open Rapid: 13 rounds
Open Blitz: 21 rounds
Women’s Rapid: 11 rounds
Women’s Blitz: 17 rounds
Time Control
Rapid: 15 minutes + 10 seconds increment per move
Blitz: Three minutes + 2 seconds increment per move
Security
The games will be broadcast with a delay of 5-minutes for Rapid, and 2-minutes delay for Blitz.
Watch the World Chess Rapid with us
Writing: Maria Fragaki
