Dragon Chilling Secures Double Gold at 2026 FIDE World Blitz Team Championship! 🥇🥇
“It’s like a dream!” exclaimed Captain GM Ni Hua as the Chinese team triumphed in both rapid and blitz formats.
Dragon Chilling Captures Double Gold at 2026 FIDE World Blitz Team Championship
Hong Kong, June 21, 2026 — “It’s like a dream!” exclaimed Dragon Chilling captain GM Ni Hua as the Chinese chess team celebrated their remarkable triumph at the 2026 FIDE World Blitz Team Championship. Following their earlier victory in rapid chess, the team added gold medals in blitz, solidifying their dominance in the tournament.
In a thrilling final, Dragon Chilling decisively defeated GM Hans Niemann‘s Endgame.AI team with a commanding score of 5-1 in both matches. Uzbekistan claimed the bronze medal after overcoming Hexamind, reversing last year’s third-place match outcome.
A Family Affair
The camaraderie within Dragon Chilling was palpable, with GM Ding Liren leading the charge. “Because we are family,” said Lei Tingjie, echoing Ni’s sentiments about their close-knit team dynamic. Ni, visibly moved, took a moment to gather his thoughts before sharing, “We prepared for this tournament a long time. I understand that people always think our players are a little bit shy, but I know all of them, I know they want to win here very, very much!”
The blitz final proved to be the easiest part of their journey, as the team showcased their skill and teamwork. GM Wei Yi, GM Lu Shanglei, and Zihao Wang on the bottom board won both their games, while GM Ju Wenjun contributed with a win after an unusual three-move draw in her first game.
Ding’s Redemption
Ding, who had faced challenges earlier in the tournament, found his stride at the perfect moment, scoring a crucial win against Niemann in the final match. “It takes long to wait, but it’s all worth it! I can say I’m back to the complete team competition,” he remarked, celebrating his return to form.
The path to the final was not without its hurdles. Dragon Chilling faced a tough start, losing their first match of the day 2.5-3.5 to Mr. Birdie and Friends. However, they rallied back, winning the second match by the same narrow margin and clinching a semifinal spot with a 4-2 victory in the first tiebreak match.
Uzbekistan’s Triumph
Uzbekistan’s team, led by GMs Javokhir Sindarov and Nodirbek Abdusattorov, showcased their prowess by defeating WR Chess, the reigning champions, in the quarterfinals. They later secured the bronze medal by overcoming Hexamind in a dramatic third-place match, showcasing their resilience and skill.
WR Chess’s Disappointment
The once-dominant WR Chess team, featuring chess legends like Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana, struggled throughout the tournament, finishing in fifth place after a series of narrow defeats. Team owner Wadim Rosenstein humorously acknowledged their challenges, stating, “Thank you for making sure nobody accuses us of winning every tournament.”
Celebrations Ahead
As the tournament concluded, the victorious Dragon Chilling team looked forward to celebrating their hard-earned success. “Maybe we will go for the party for three whole days!” said Wei, encapsulating the joy and relief that comes with such a monumental achievement.
The 2026 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships, held from June 17-21, featured nearly 50 teams, each showcasing their talent and teamwork in a unique format that included both rapid and blitz chess. As the chess world reflects on this thrilling event, one thing is clear: Dragon Chilling has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in the realm of competitive chess.