Doha will host the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships from December 25 to 30, with a total prize fund of one million euros. FIDE has released the regulations for the 2025 edition, which returns to Qatar nine years after the city last staged the event in 2016.
Exciting Format and Prize Fund
The end-of-year competition crowns the world champions in chess’s fastest formats and is expected to attract leading players in both the Open and Women’s sections. FIDE emphasized the tournament’s global following and noted close cooperation with the Qatar Chess Association. Organizers reported that venues, hotels, and logistics are in place and aim to deliver a high-standard experience for participants and audiences on-site and online, while further boosting chess in Qatar and the wider region.
Format and Time Control
In the Rapid event, there will be 13 rounds in the Open and 11 in the Women’s event, utilizing a Swiss system with 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment per move. If players remain tied for first after all tiebreak criteria, a blitz playoff will decide the champion. The Blitz format includes two stages: the first is a large Swiss (19 rounds Open, 15 rounds Women), followed by knockout matches for the top four players.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the Open requires a minimum Elo rating of 2550 on any 2025 FIDE rating list, while Women players must have a minimum rating of 2250. National champions in standard, rapid, or blitz formats are also eligible. A limited number of additional participants may be nominated by FIDE and the organizers.
Prize Fund Breakdown
The total prize fund of one million euros is divided between the Open and Women’s events. The Open features 700,000 euros, split equally between Rapid and Blitz, with each champion earning 70,000 euros. The Women’s section offers a total of 300,000 euros, with each champion in Rapid and Blitz earning 40,000 euros.
Player Support and Schedule
Travel and accommodation are covered for Open players rated 2750+ and Women’s players rated 2500+. Medalists from the 2024 World Rapid & Blitz receive full accommodation and a daily allowance. The tournament schedule includes an opening ceremony on December 25, followed by the Rapid Championships from December 26–28, and the Blitz Championships on December 29–30.
Qatar has increased its presence on the global chess calendar in recent years, hosting events such as the Qatar Masters and the Qatar Rail Chess Open. Organizers expect a strong field and a high-profile finish to the chess year in Doha.