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SportsFIDE announces Total Chess World Championship combining classical, rapid and blitz formats
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The International Chess Federation (FIDE) announced the Total Chess World Championship, a new competition combining classical, rapid, and blitz formats to crown the most complete player in both men's and women's categories. The inaugural event will take place in Budapest from November 10 to 21, featuring world number one Magnus Carlsen. This format will only have one edition; starting March 2027, it will become an annual circuit with four stages in different cities involving 24 players per category. FIDE states the tour aims to redefine elite competition by rewarding versatility and consistency. The project has financial backing from Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland and Olympic cross-country skiing champion Johannes Klaebo, and is sponsored by Norway Chess. Budapest was chosen due to Hungary's chess history and the legacy of Judit Polgar.
Source report
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) announced on Tuesday the Total Chess World Championship, a competition that unites the three official formats—classical, rapid, and blitz—to determine the most complete player in both the men's and women's categories.
Inaugural Event in Budapest
The competition will be held in Budapest from November 10 to 21 and will feature world number one Magnus Carlsen of Norway. This event will be the only edition in this format.
New Annual Circuit from 2027
Starting in March 2027, the World Championship will transition into an annual circuit consisting of four stages in different cities, with 24 players competing in each category. The overall champion will be determined by the sum of results across all three formats.
A New Era for Chess
According to FIDE, the new Total Chess World Championship Tour "ushers in a new era" and aims to "redefine the way" the world's best compete, creating a "more dynamic and attractive" product for players, audiences, and commentators.
Unlike traditional tournaments focused on a single time control, the format now rewards "versatility, consistency, and adaptability," highlighted the federation, whose president is Russian Arkady Dvorkovich.
FIDE summarized the new competition with the motto: "Three disciplines. One champion. One world circuit."
Financial Backing from Sports Stars
The project has financial support from prominent sports figures, including Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland and Olympic cross-country skiing champion Johannes Klaebo. FIDE described this as a sign of "growing confidence in the commercial potential of chess."
The tour will be sponsored by Norway Chess, organizer of the prestigious annual tournament held in Norway since 2013.
Budapest as Host City
Budapest was chosen as the host city due to "Hungary's fundamental role in the history of chess" and the influence of figures such as Judit Polgar, widely regarded as the greatest female player of all time.
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FIDE Announces Total Chess World Championship Combining Three Formats