Chess village will have a 'chess emperor'

FIDE officially announces a new era of chess, by approving the Total Chess World Championship Tour tournament system.

Chess king Gukesh (left) faces chess legend Magnus Carlsen - Photo: Noway Chess

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has approved a brand new tournament system called the Total Chess World Championship Tour. This is an effort to create a comprehensive chess supertournament, honoring the best players in all three categories of fast classical chess, rapid chess and blitz chess.

The tournament, initiated by the Norway Chess Organizing Committee, is expected to be tested in the fall of 2026 and officially operate from 2027.

This new system includes the first three qualifying rounds, bringing together 24 players with a total prize fund of at least 750,000 USD per tournament.

The final stage is the Final Four. Here, the four best players will compete for the title of FIDE World Combined Champion with a prize fund of at least 450,000 USD.

The highlight of this tournament is the introduction of rapid standard chess. Each game lasts only 45 minutes plus 30 seconds per move. This format is expected to shorten the duration compared to traditional standard chess, creating dramatic matches while still maintaining tactical depth.

The Total Chess World Championship Tour is expected to create a "FIDE supertournament cycle" similar to the ATP Tour in tennis. The aim is to maintain year-round appeal for the sport , rather than focusing solely on the traditional World Chess Championship (currently held by Gukesh Dommaraju).

"The goal is to honor players with comprehensive abilities and quick adaptation to many types of competition," Norway Chess representative affirmed.

World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen is considered the most suitable face for this new format. Carlsen is known as a versatile player, often dominating rapid and blitz chess tournaments. FIDE's approval of this tournament is considered an indirect step to create a big stage for Carlsen to show his talent without having to return to the traditional Candidates arena.

The Total Chess World Championship Tour will be open to both men and women, with a commitment to maintain at least one women's tournament alongside it and equal prize money. FIDE insists that this is a supplementary system, not a replacement for the current World Chess Champion title.

TUAN LONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/lang-co-vua-se-co-dai-de-co-20251016110827145.htm