The 2025 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships will take place in London, United Kingdom, between June 10 and 16, 2025. With the prize fund amounting to $500,000 (a substantial increase from 2024 edition) the competition is expected to attract world's top players. Thus, the event is set to deliver an unforgettable week of high-level chess action.
The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships have quickly became one of the highlights on the chess calendar. Now in its third edition (and second for the blitz format), the event brings together players from around the world. Competing in mixed teams, they create an exciting blend of top-level competition and team camaraderie. Fans can expect to see some of the biggest names in chess battling it out alongside emerging talents and even amateur players, thanks to the event’s inclusive format.
The 2023 FIDE World Rapid Team Championship, the very first edition of the event, saw WR Chess Team clinch the title with a dominant performance. In 2024, the rapid title was secured by Al-Ain ACMG UAE, while WR Chess Team, led by Magnus Carlsen, triumphed in the Blitz portion.
London has previously hosted major chess events, including the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League 2024, its annual London Chess Classic, and of course the historic 2018 World Chess Championship match between Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana. The return of a premier FIDE championship to London highlights the city’s growing role in the global chess boom.
FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky commented: “FIDE is proud to bring one of the most exciting events of our Calendar to London. World Rapid Teams is a mix of a top-level chess and fun. We expect the World's best players to take part - but also the format of the event will allow many English club players to face the biggest stars of the game. The event has a record prize fund, and in addition to awarding the top, we will introduce significant prizes for non-professional clubs and teams. Top FIDE competition comes to London after a long break, and it reflects the ongoing chess boom in England. I am certain, that this event will further boost the public and media attention for our game.”
This year, the event is supported by the Scheinberg family, long-term partners of FIDE. Their contributions have elevated top-level chess through events like the FIDE Grand Swiss (2019, 2021, 2023), Women’s Grand Swiss (2021, 2023), the FIDE Candidates Tournament (2022, 2024), and the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2024. By partnering with FIDE for the 2025 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships, the Scheinberg family continues to promote chess worldwide, ensuring this event in London reaches new heights.
The tournament regulations will be finalized and published in early February 2025, with more details on team composition and qualifications to follow.
FIDE looks forward to welcoming players, teams, and fans from around the world to London for this exciting chess spectacle.
