FIDE press release

In the backdrop of the historical city of Samarkand, the stage is set for the convergence of top world chess players at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships. The past, present and future of chess will meet in Samarkand, as the city where the worlds oldest chess pieces have been found (dating from the 6-8 century AD) will play host to many of the greatest chess players of today.

From December 26 to 30, this highly anticipated five-day event is poised to witness the worlds premier chess players vie for the prestigious titles of World Champion in Rapid and Blitz across both Open and Womens categories. The prize fund totals one million US dollars, with $700,000 for the Open and $300,000 for the Womens tournaments.

The event boasts an impressive lineup featuring illustrious names synonymous with chess brilliance.

Magnus Carlsen | Photo: Lennart Ootes

Bibisara Assaubayeva | Photo: Lennart Ootes

In the mix are also three former World Champions, Antoaneta Stefanova, Alexandra Kosteniuk and Mariya Muzychuk, whose remarkable achievements and unyielding determination have propelled them to the summit of womens chess.

The forthcoming event marks an important moment for the local organizers as Uzbekistan gears up to host the 2026 Chess Olympiad, leveraging the World Rapid and Blitz Championships to fortify their preparations for this upcoming grand affair.

The competition will unfold amidst the architectural marvel of the Silk Road Samarkand, a multifaceted resort boasting eight world-class hotels, cultural sites, and a state-of-the-art international congress center.

As the chess elite get ready to converge on Samarkand, their participation in the World Rapid and Blitz Championships is promising thrilling excitement and high drama, where nerves and speed will be (the) key.

2023 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championship Rapid Open List of participants

2023 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championship Rapid Women List of participants

2023 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championship Blitz Open Listof participants

2023 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championship Blitz Women List of participants

Information about the event:

Dates:

Opening ceremony: December 25 World Rapid: 26 28 December World Blitz: 29 30 December Closing ceremony: December 30

Eligibility:

For the Open, a rating of at least 2550 in any of the twelve most recent FIDE rating lists (Standard, Rapid or Blitz) at the moment of the beginning of the WRB; the reigning National Champions (in Standard, Rapid, Blitz) representing their National Federation regardless of their title or rating, as well as up to 30 nominations by FIDE and 15 by the Uzbekistan chess federation.

For the Womens tournaments, a rating of at least 2250 in any of the twelve most recent FIDE rating lists (Standard, Rapid or Blitz) at the moment of the beginning of the WRB; the reigning National Champions (in Standard, Rapid, Blitz) representing their National Federation regardless of their title or rating, as well as up to 20 nominations by FIDE and 10 by the Uzbekistan chess federation.

Format:

Both the Rapid and the Blitz will be played under the Swiss System.

The Open Rapid will consist of 13 rounds, while the Blitz will have 21 rounds. The Womens Rapid will have 11 rounds, while the Blitz will have 17 rounds.

Time Control:

Rapid: 15 minutes + 10 seconds increment per move, starting from move one. Blitz: Three minutes + 2 seconds increment per move, starting from move one.

Prizes:

Read the original:

Everything ready for the start of World Rapid and Blitz in Samarkand - ChessBase