FIDE’s 2024 Winter Finale: Co-World Champions Crowned, Controversial Rule Change, and More!

The 2024 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships concluded with a historic twist, as five world champions were crowned in the final events of the year. Volodar Murzin, Koneru Humpy, Ju Wenjun, Magnus Carlsen, and Ian Nepomniachtchi emerged as the world champions in their respective categories. Notably, Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi made history by becoming co-world champions in the Blitz event, marking the first time in chess history that such a scenario occurred.

The championships, held on Wall Street in New York, provided plenty of drama and excitement for chess fans. From controversies surrounding dress codes to last-minute rule changes, the events were filled with unexpected turns. Carlsen’s decision to return for the Blitz event after a dispute over attire, and the subsequent rule change during the final match, sparked debates and divided opinions among players and fans.

The new format introduced for the Blitz event also brought its own set of challenges, with players adapting to the Swiss format followed by a Knockout stage. Fabiano Caruana’s victory in the FIDE Circuit raised questions about the system, highlighting the need for improvements in future tournaments.

Despite early setbacks, players like Humpy and Carlsen showcased their resilience by bouncing back from losses to claim world titles. The success of players like Murzin and Lazavik also highlighted the emergence of young talents in the chess world.

The championships also saw the participation of athletes from other sports, further emphasizing the growing popularity of chess among a diverse audience. As the year came to a close, the chess world celebrated the achievements of the new world champions and looked forward to more exciting competitions in the coming year.