2025 FIDE Rapid and Blitz Explained: Schedule, Format Changes, Prize Split

When and where will the 2025 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships take place?

The 2025 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships are scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar from December 26 to December 31.

What is the total prize fund for the 2025 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships?

The total prize fund for the 2025 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships is one million euros, which is approximately 1.125 million USD.

How is the prize fund distributed between the Open and Women’s sections?

The Open section receives €700,000, which is evenly divided between the Rapid and Blitz tournaments (€350,000 for each). The Women’s section receives €300,000, also split equally between the Rapid and Blitz tournaments (€150,000 for each).

What significant format changes have been introduced for the 2025 Blitz Championships?

For the 2025 Blitz Championships, FIDE has introduced a more streamlined knockout stage. In both the Open and Women’s sections, only the top four players from the initial Swiss stage will advance directly to the knockout semifinals. Previously, eight players qualified for the knockout phase.

How does the new Blitz format aim to enhance the event?

According to FIDE officials, the new format is an “exciting mix of the Swiss system and knockout.” The increased number of rounds in the qualifying Swiss stage is intended to ensure that the strongest players progress to the knockout phase. Additionally, the scheduling of the final match-up is designed to suit audiences across major chess hubs.

What are the regulations and schedule for the 2025 Blitz Championships?

In the Blitz Championships, the Open section will have 19 Swiss rounds, while the Women’s section will have 15 Swiss rounds. These will be followed by semifinals and finals on December 30. Detailed regulations for the Open and Women’s events are available on the FIDE website.

Has the format for the World Rapid Championships also changed for 2025?

No, the format for the World Rapid Championships remains unchanged for 2025. The Open competition will consist of 13 rounds, and the Women’s competition will have 11 rounds. A playoff will be conducted in case of a tie for first place.