Total Chess World Championship Tour Launched with Official FIDE Endorsement

The Total Chess World Championship Tour has been officially launched by Norway Chess, with the backing of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) and top players, including world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. The tour seeks to name a new FIDE World Combined Champion across three time controls: 'fast classical', rapid, and blitz. The 'fast classical' format will feature a 45-minute time control with a 30-second increment and will now count for classically rated games under FIDE rules.

Key Takeaways:

• The Total Chess World Championship Tour will name a new FIDE World Combined Champion across three time controls: 'fast classical', rapid, and blitz.
• The 'fast classical' format will have a 45-minute time control with a 30-second increment and will count for classically rated games under FIDE rules.
• The first three events will have a prize fund of $750,000, and the four-player final will offer $450,000.
• The tour will consist of 24 players, with some qualifying through rating and the remaining through eligible tournaments.
• World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen has endorsed the tour, praising its well-thought-out format and predicting it will provide a more complete view of players' strengths.
• FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich has praised the new competition, saying it will complement the traditional World Chess Championship and offer more excitement for fans.

Statistics:

• The Total Chess World Championship Tour will have a total prize fund of $1.2 million for the first three events and $450,000 for the four-player final.
• The tour will consist of 24 players, with 8 players qualifying through rating and 16 players through eligible tournaments.
• The 'fast classical' format will have a time control of 45 minutes with a 30-second increment.
• The first season of the tour will take place in 2027 after a pilot season in 2026.

Sources:

• Norway Chess
• FIDE
• Hindustan Times