FIDE Rapid and Blitz World Championships 2024: Registration open

FIDE invites all eligible players to take part in one of the most exciting events on the chess calendar – the 2024 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships, taking place in New York City from December 26-31, 2024.

The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships offer the opportunity to play fast-paced, high-stakes chess in an incredible venue – right in the heart of New York’s Wall Street. With increased prize money of $1,428,500 spread across the four events, this is a chance to compete for the World Rapid and Blitz titles.

Tournament overview

● World Rapid Chess Championship: Swiss system tournament. The open section includes 13 rounds and the women’s section includes 11 rounds. The thinking time is 15 minutes + 10 seconds per move.

● World Blitz Championship: The Blitz event begins with a 13-round Swiss tournament (Open Section) and 11 rounds (Women’s Section), followed by a knockout round for the top 8 players. The time control is 3 minutes + 2 seconds per move.

Both tournaments bring together the best players from around the world.

Prize Fund

● Open Rapid Chess Championship: Prize money of US$550,000
● Open Blitz Championship: $450,000 in prize money
● Women’s Rapid Chess Championship: Prize money of US$228,500
● Women’s Blitz Championship: $200,000 in prize money

The Open champion will receive $90,000, while the women’s champion will take home $60,000.

Registration process

Players with a FIDE rating of 2550 (Open Area) or 2250 (Women’s Area) or higher in a current FIDE rating list (Standard, Rapid or Blitz) are eligible to participate. Reigning national champions also qualify regardless of the ranking.

Registration is possible HERE. The deadline for submissions is December 1st, 2024.

● Entry fee: $100 for the open section and $50 for the women’s section.
● Late Registration Fee: Double the original fee if payment is made less than 10 days before the tournament.

FIDE has secured discounted hotel rates for participants in the championships. Official hotels can be booked when filling out the registration form.

Regulations:

Regulations of the FIDE Rapid and Blitz World Championships (PDF)

FIDE Regulations for Women’s Rapid and Blitz World Championships (PDF)

About the 2024 FIDE Rapid and Blitz World Championships

The FIDE Rapid and Blitz World Championships take place annually and bring together the best players in exciting, fast-paced chess formats. This year the Open Championships will take place at Cipriani 55 Wall Street, one of the most famous venues in the financial center of New York City. The women’s tournament takes place directly across the street at 48 Wall Street, another historic venue.

The rapid chess championships will take place from December 26th to 28th and the blitz championships from December 30th to 31st. For the first time ever, there will be a free day between 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. Further details will be released shortly.

The Championships will also be open to the public, offering fans a unique opportunity to see the world’s best players live in action. Ticket sales begin at the beginning of November. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic event!