Doha, Qatar: Qatar Chess Association (QCA) yesterday underlined its readiness to stage the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships 2025, bringing the world’s top chess players to the ‘global sport capital’ from December 26 to 30.
QCA President and Chairman of the Organising Committee Mohammed Ahmed Al-Mudahka, joined by QCA Executive Director and Tournament Director Hamad Mohammed Al-Tamimi, said the high-profile championship will be staged at the Qatar University Sports and Events Complex.
The programme includes Open and Women’s events in both Rapid and Blitz formats, with a total prize fund exceeding €1m.
QCA President and Chairman of the Organising Committee Mohammed Ahmed Al-Mudahka speaks during the press conference.
According to FIDE, 230 players have registered for the Rapid Open, while 233 will compete in the Blitz Open.
“Doha is now the only city to host the World Rapid and Blitz Championships twice. This is a proud moment for us and a clear sign of our commitment to chess and to hosting major international events.”
Al-Mudahka said during a press conference held at the Rosewood Doha hotel in Lusail yesterday.
The tournament will feature a field of more than 360 players, led by reigning World Champion Gukesh D and former world champion Magnus Carlsen, whose participation has already drawn interest among fans.
Carlsen returns after falling short in the Rapid and sharing the Blitz title at last year’s event in New York. He is expected to face a tough challenge from reigning World Rapid champion Volodar Murzin.
Gukesh’s presence is also set to be a major draw. His performances this year, including an impressive effort in Zagreb, have made him one of the leading contenders in the Rapid competition.
The line-up also includes a strong group of well-known names, such as 2024 World Blitz co-champion Ian Nepomniachtchi, Fabiano Caruana, Anish Giri, Wesley So and Levon Aronian.
QCA President and Chairman of the Organising Committee Mohammed Ahmed Al-Mudahka, Tournament Director Hamad Mohammed Al-Tamimi, and representatives of the sponsors of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships.
They will be tested by a new wave of young players eager to make their mark at the highest level, including Vincent Keymer, Arjun Erigaisi, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Praggnanandhaa R, Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus and Ediz Gurel.
The Women’s Championships also promise equally high standards.Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun heads a field of 130 players, with top contenders such as Zhu Jiner, Lei Tingjie, Aleksandra Goryachkina and Humpy Koneru also confirmed.
Former double champion Anna Muzychuk, who won both Women’s Rapid and Blitz titles in Doha in 2016, will return to the Qatari capital alongside her sister Mariya.
Meanwhile, a group of premium sponsors signed deals with the QCA yesterday, confirming their commitment to make the Championships a resounding success.
The sponsors include the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM), Ooredoo, Mowasalat (Karwa), Total, Al Abdulghani Motors, AlkaLive and Qatar University. Senior officials from each organisation attended the signing ceremony.
