Qatar to Host Prestigious FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship

Strategic Insights -

The Qatar Chess Association is gearing up to host the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship for men and women in Doha from December 25 to 31. The tournament is expected to feature around 350 top-ranked players from around the world, competing for a total prize pool of one million euros. The championship is a significant event for the Association, building on its previous successful hosting of the event in 2016. The Qatar Chess Association is committed to delivering an outstanding edition of the championship, with a focus on expanding chess participation across the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship will be held in Doha from December 25 to 31, featuring around 350 top-ranked players from around the world.
  • The total prize pool stands at one million euros, with 700,000 euros allocated to the open category and 300,000 euros for the women's category.
  • The Qatar Chess Association has organized 50 local tournaments in cooperation with various national entities and institutions.
  • The second edition of the 'Naqla' school chess initiative saw the participation of 300 students from public schools.
  • The Association has collaborated with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development to introduce chess into schools and academies.
  • The partnership aims to promote chess culture within the Foundation's schools, broaden the base of youth participants in local tournaments, and increase the number of registered and FIDE-rated players.
  • The Qatar Chess Association has supported three Qatari referees in obtaining their international refereeing licenses.
  • The Association has launched a summer program at its training center to broaden the base of chess participation, discover emerging talent, and implement development plans to nurture and refine players' skills.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 350 top-ranked players from around the world are expected to participate in the championship.
  • The total prize pool stands at one million euros.
  • 700,000 euros are allocated to the open category, with 350,000 euros for the rapid format and 350,000 euros for the blitz format.
  • 300,000 euros are allocated to the women's category, equally divided between the rapid and blitz formats.
  • 50 local tournaments have been organized in cooperation with various national entities and institutions.
  • The second edition of the 'Naqla' school chess initiative saw the participation of 300 students from public schools.
  • 72 players representing six schools participated in the 2025 Pre-University Education Chess Championship.
  • Three Qatari referees have obtained their international refereeing licenses.

Sources:

  • Qatar News Agency, Qatar Chess Association (June 26, 2025)