2024 FIDE Rapid & Blitz World Championship Preview
The 2024 FIDE Rapid & Blitz World Championship is set to take place in the heart of New York City, with top players from around the world competing for prestigious titles and a significant prize pool. The tournament will be held at Cipriani 55 Wall Street for the open section and 48 Wall Street for the women’s section.
The event will kick off with the rapid tournament from December 26-28, featuring a time control of 15 minutes per game with a 10-second increment per move. Following a day off, the blitz portion will begin on December 30 with a time control of 3 minutes per game with a 2-second increment. The top players from each section will then face off in knockout matches on December 31 to determine the winners.
The tournament has attracted top players such as reigning World Rapid and Blitz champion Magnus Carlsen, as well as American stars like Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura. The field includes a total of 184 players in the open rapid and blitz tournaments, with 31 Americans participating.
In the women’s section, top Chinese players dominate the field, with GM Ju Wenjun leading the pack. Other notable players include former Women’s World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk and reigning World Blitz champion Valentina Gunina. A total of 115 players will compete in the women’s rapid and blitz events, with 14 American players in the mix.
The tournament will also have implications for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament, with qualification spots up for grabs based on the FIDE Circuit standings. Players will be vying for points in both the rapid and blitz events to secure their spots in the prestigious tournament.
Chess fans can watch the games online or purchase tickets to attend the event in person. Additionally, there are plenty of chess-related activities and attractions in New York City for players and fans to enjoy during the tournament.
Overall, the 2024 FIDE Rapid & Blitz World Championship promises to be an exciting and competitive event, with top players from around the world showcasing their skills in the Big Apple.