The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2025 are taking place in Doha, Qatar, from December 26 to 30, 2025. The event will be daily live on Chessdom.com with live games, interviews, video coverage, and more. The World Rapid and Blitz 2025 is held at the Qatar University Sports and Events Complex, featuring both Open and Women’s sections in Rapid and Blitz formats, with a massive prize fund exceeding €1,000,000.
Follow: World Rapid and Blitz 2025 live / Press conference with Carlsen and Gukesh / Participants
World Rapid 2025 (December 26–28): 13 rounds Swiss in Open (15+10 time control), 11 rounds in Women’s. Playoffs on December 28 if needed.
World Blitz Section (December 29–30): Swiss qualifier followed by a 4-player knockout final in each category.
Former World Champion Magnus Carlsen returns to Doha as the reigning co-Blitz Champion and attended the press conference alongside his family. Asked about becoming a father, Carlsen said, “I love being a husband and a father. It has been a fantastic experience this year.” He added with a smile that “neither my wife nor my son are too much of a help when it comes to chess advice yet,” before underlining his competitive focus: “I am here to win, as always. That does not change.” When questioned about his motivation for the event, Carlsen stated that he is competing to win, while also noting with a smile that there are expectations in Norway for him to provide good holiday entertainment.
