Exciting format changes announced for 2024 World Rapid & Blitz Championships

FIDE is pleased to announce a significant format change for the 2024 World Rapid & Blitz Championships, scheduled to take place in New York, Wall Street, from December 26 to 31, 2024. This year’s event will introduce a new knockout structure for the Blitz Championship, along with the addition of a free day between the championships, will serve as a media day and host the prestigious Chess Davos conference, bringing together the worlds of chess and finance.

Blitz Championship: New Swiss-Knockout Format

In a major shift from the traditional structure, the 2024 World Blitz Championship will be decided through a two-stage format. The first stage will follow the familiar Swiss system, consisting of 13 rounds for the open section and 11 rounds for the women’s section, with a time control of 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment per move. The top eight players from this stage will qualify for the knockout phase. The knockout stage will feature four-game matches, allowing players to have ample fighting opportunities, and giving viewers a show that will keep them on the edge of their seats.

Speaking about the changes, FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky said: „This year, FIDE adjusted the format, and the Blitz Championship will be decided in the KO. This is not only much more exciting but also will allow for the direct match-ups of the strongest players to decide the winners. The Blitz format allows for the matches of four games to be played at each stage of the KO, whilst a long-enough qualifier with eight spots reduces the role of chance. Oftentimes, there is a trade-off between objective merit and attractiveness – here, we will have both. FIDE is already in talks with several networks, and we believe this format would ideally suit for TV broadcast.“

Media Day & Chess Davos

The free day on December 29 will serve as both a media day and the occasion for „Chess Davos“, a unique chess and finance conference. The media day is designed to offer press outlets access to interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and other content that will enrich the broadcast experience for fans worldwide.

These changes ensure that the 2024 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships will be not only a gathering of top chess players but also a spectacle for media and fans. The knockout format for Blitz promises to create high-stakes drama while maintaining fairness, allowing the top eight players to battle it out in direct competition.

This is one of the most anticipated events in the chess calendar, and whether attending in person or following via broadcast, chess fans are in for an extraordinary experience.

Further details and ticket information will be released soon. Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the grand event.