Magnus Carlsen Officially In for Doha 2025 World Rapid & Blitz
The speculation about whether reigning World Blitz Champion Magnus Carlsen would participate in the highly anticipated 2025 World Rapid & Blitz Championships ended today when FIDE officially confirmed the Norwegian’s entry. Joining Magnus will be his co-champion in Blitz, Ian Nepomniachtchi, the young reigning World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin, and classical World Champion D. Gukesh — all ready to dive into the massive 230-player open battlefield. “Looking forward to the event!” exclaimed GM Anish Giri in response to the news of Carlsen’s participation.
The royal chess soil of Doha, Qatar will host over 360 players (including the women’s section) across six days from December 25–30. Most of the world’s top players and rising talents will be vying for the prestigious speed-chess crowns. 16 out the world 20 highest rated players will be contesting in the Open section. Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun will headline the women’s section alongside elites such as Koneru Humpy Koneru, Zhu Jiner, Lei Tingjie, the Muzychuk sisters, Aleksandra Goryachkina, and many others. “The lineup shows the immense strength and magnetism of the World Rapid & Blitz,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich.
Photo: Michal Walusza / FIDE
The FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships boast a prize fund exceeding €1,000,000 spread across the Open and Women’s events. The tournament returns to Doha after nearly a decade — the last time being 2016 — this time featuring a modified Blitz format. With this star-studded field now complete, fans can hardly wait for the fireworks on the 64 squares.
Photo courtesy: FIDE
