Last year, almost 350 chess players from 48 different countries gathered in Moscow for the 2019 King Salman World Rapid and Blitz Championship. 

This event has grown in importance and popularity, turning it into one of our flagship competitions, almost on par with the Olympiad and the World Championship match. 

Unfortunately, under the present circumstances, such an international gathering of people would have not been possible. Holding the World Rapid and Blitz Championship during Christmas, as it was initially planned, is not feasible. The pandemic situation poses health and logistic challenges that can not be easily solved for an event of these characteristics. 

In view of the situation, FIDE has decided to postpone the 2020 edition of the World Rapid and Blitz Championship. We will do our best to make it happen in spring 2021.