FIDE Announces Schedule Change for 2024 World Rapid & Blitz Championships in New York
FIDE Shakes Up 2024 World Rapid & Blitz Championships Schedule in New York
In a surprising move, FIDE has announced a significant change to the schedule of the highly anticipated 2024 World Rapid & Blitz Championships, set to take place in New York in the last week of December. The chess world-governing body revealed that the event will now include a rest day, allowing the competition to end on New Year’s Eve.
The decision to add a rest day to the championships, which will be held on U.S. soil for the first time, has sparked excitement and speculation within the chess community. FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This is going to be a unique event in so many ways. Top chess grandmasters will gather at the financial heart of the world, and what fascinates me is the enormous concentration of the sharpest minds and the synergies that will be born.”
The iconic Wall Street district has been chosen as the backdrop for the championships, adding to the prestige and excitement surrounding the event. The schedule change will see the rapid event kick off on December 26, followed by a rest day on December 29 dedicated to Chess Davos, a conference exploring the intersection of chess and finance. The blitz event will then commence on December 30 and conclude on New Year’s Eve.
While the schedule change is designed to enhance the experience for players and spectators, it has also raised some concerns. Chess fans in Europe and Asia may find it challenging to participate in the final day of blitz due to New Year celebrations, and players will have to spend New Year’s Eve in New York City.
Despite these challenges, anticipation for the championships is high, with renowned players such as Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana expected to participate in the Open events. FIDE has announced that ticket sales for general admission and VIP packages will begin soon, promising an unforgettable experience for chess enthusiasts and players alike.