Photo: Alexey Tarakanov
We are pleased to announce that the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz will take place in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. The event will be held on its traditional dates: December 25-30, 2021.
As in previous editions, the World Rapid and Blitz will have a total prize fund of 1,000,000 USD:
$350,000 for the Open Rapid Championship
$350,000 for the Open Blitz Championship
$150,000 for the Women's Rapid Championship
$150,000 for the Women's Blitz Championship
The World Rapid and Blitz is one of the most awaited events in the chess calendar for most chess fans. After the force majeure cancellation in 2020, FIDE is happy to bring it back in cooperation with the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.
Just like in 2019, the Rapid and Blitz Championships will be Swiss tournaments (13 and 11 – rapid and 21 and 17 rounds - blitz respectively) with the time control 15 minutes + 10 seconds increment per move, starting from move 1 (rapid) and 3 minutes + 2 seconds, starting from move 1 (blitz).
Open competition eligibility
- Players rated at least 2550 in any FIDE rating lists (Standard, Rapid or Blitz) from January 1st to December 1st, 2021.
- The reigning National Champions representing their National Federation regardless of their title or rating.
- The Organiser is entitled to invite up to 15 additional players of his/her own choice.
Women's competition eligibility
- Players rated at least 2250 in any FIDE rating lists (Standard, Rapid or Blitz) from January 1st to December 1st, 2021.
- The reigning National Champions representing their National Federation regardless of their title or rating
- The Organiser is entitled to invite up to 15 additional players of his/her own choice.
Regulations for FIDE Open Rapid & Blitz World Championship (pdf)
Regulations for FIDE Women's Rapid & Blitz World Championship (pdf)
The last months of the year will be full of challenges for Magnus Carlsen. Will he be able to end the year holding the triple crown, as he did in 2019?
For further information, please contact: worldrapidandblitz@fide.com
