FIDE invites all eligible players to take part in one of the most exciting events of the chess calendar—the 2024 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships, set to take place in New York City from December 26 to 31, 2024.
The FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships offer an opportunity to play fast-paced, high-stakes chess, in an incredible venue—right in the heart of New York’s Wall Street. With an increased prize fund of $1,428,500 spread across the four events, this is a chance to contend for the World Rapid and Blitz titles.
Tournament Overview
● World Rapid Championship: Swiss-system tournament. The Open section will have 13 rounds, and the Women’s section will feature 11 rounds. The time control is 15 minutes + 10 seconds per move.
● World Blitz Championship: The Blitz event starts with a 13-round Swiss tournament (Open section) and 11 rounds (Women’s section), followed by a knockout stage for the top 8 players. The time control is 3 minutes + 2 seconds per move.
Both tournaments will bring together the top players from around the world.
Prize Fund
● Open Rapid Championship: $550,000 prize fund
● Open Blitz Championship: $450,000 prize fund
● Women’s Rapid Championship: $228,500 prize fund
● Women’s Blitz Championship: $200,000 prize fund
The Open champions will walk away with $90,000, while the Women’s champions will take home $60,000.
Registration process
Players with FIDE rating of 2550 (Open section) or 2250 (Women’s section) or higher in any recent FIDE rating list (Standard, Rapid, or Blitz) are eligible to participate. Reigning national champions also qualify regardless of rating.
Registration can be done HERE. The deadline for submitting entries is December 01, 2024.
● Entry fee: $100 for the Open section and $50 for the Women’s section.
● Late entry fee: Double the original fee if paid less than 10 days before the tournament.
FIDE has secured discounted hotel prices for the participants of the Championships. Official hotels can be booked while filling out the registration form.
Regulations:
FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships Regulations (PDF)
FIDE Women’s World Rapid & Blitz Championships Regulations (PDF)
About the 2024 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships
The FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships are held annually, bringing together the best players in thrilling, fast-paced chess formats. This year, the Open championships will take place at Cipriani 55 Wall Street, one of the most iconic venues in New York City’s financial hub. The Women’s tournament will be held right across the street at 48 Wall Street, another historic venue.
The Rapid Championships will take place from December 26-28, and the Blitz from December 30-31. For the first time ever, there will be a free day between the events, which will be used to host a Conference on Chess and Finance, bringing together chess legends and financial leaders to explore the fascinating intersections between the two worlds. More details to be released soon.
The Championships will also be open to the public, giving fans the unique opportunity to watch the world’s top players live in action. Tickets will be for sale in early November. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic event!
