FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships come to New York
Blitz Championship: New Swiss-Knockout Format
In a major shift from the traditional structure, the 2024 World Blitz Championship will be decided through a two-stage format. The first stage will follow the familiar Swiss system, consisting of 13 rounds for the open section and 11 rounds for the women’s section, with a time control of 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment per move. The top eight players from this stage will qualify for the knockout phase. The knockout stage will feature four-game matches, allowing players to have ample fighting opportunities, and giving viewers a show that will keep them on the edge of their seats.
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.
● 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.
Chess enthusiasts should get ready for an unforgettable experience as the most intensive global chess event — FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships — are coming to the Big Apple in the last week of December for the first time in history!
This globally renowned tournament celebrated as one of the most eagerly anticipated, most exciting and most followed in the chess world, promises a week-long extravaganza of unparalleled intensity
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.
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.
Official Hotels
1) Four Points by Sheraton Hotel located at: 6 Platt St, New York, NY 10038
Book with the R&B special rate
2) Residence Inn New York Downtown Manhattan/Financial District located at: 215 Pearl St, New York, NY 10038
Book with the R&B special rate
3) New York Downtown Manhattan/Financial District located at 215 Pearl Street, New York City, NY 10038
Book with the R&B special rate
FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships Regulations (PDF)
FIDE Women’s World Rapid & Blitz Championships Regulations (PDF)
