World Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship Qatar 2025 Kicks Off
Global chess stars compete in Qatar 2025 World Rapid and Blitz Championship for over €1 million prize pool.
The World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship Qatar 2025 officially opened today at Qatar University’s Sports and Events Complex, launching five days of world-class competition that will run until December 30.
The global tournament has drawn more than 400 top players from 70 countries, cementing Qatar’s role as a leading host for major international sporting events.
Four titles are up for contention across rapid and blitz formats in both open and women’s divisions. Over 250 competitors are registered in each elite open category, while the women’s tournaments feature 142 players, including reigning world champions, top-seeded grandmasters, and promising young talents.
The opening ceremony highlighted Qatari heritage through traditional Ardah performances and a theatrical showcase. The event was inaugurated by Qatar Chess Federation President Mohammed Al Mudahka alongside FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, in the presence of senior officials and international delegations.
Competition began with a strong performance from World Champion Magnus Carlsen, who secured three straight victories on day one of the men’s rapid event. The championship has also attracted global chess icons such as Gukesh Dommaraju, Fabiano Caruana, Anish Giri, Wesley So, Levon Aronian, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and R. Praggnanandhaa, highlighting the tournament’s prestige.
In the women’s bracket, five-time World Champion Ju Wenjun, former World Champion Tan Zhongyi, and several top-ranked players from Europe, Asia, and the Americas delivered intense early-round battles.
Qatari players are also competing, gaining international-level exposure and contributing to the country’s ongoing efforts to develop homegrown chess talent.
Officials from the Ministry of Sports and Youth expressed that hosting the championship reinforces Qatar’s position as a global sports hub, supported by advanced facilities and organisational experience. Organisers noted that extensive planning has gone into delivering a seamless world-class chess event.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich commended Qatar’s consistent success in hosting chess tournaments, emphasising that the championship provides a thrilling end to the global competitive calendar while boosting regional interest in the game.
The total prize pool exceeds €1 million, allocated equally across rapid and blitz divisions for both open and women’s competitions—one of the highest prize funds in international chess.