Regulations for FIDE Rapid and Blitz

by ChessBase
4/16/2026 – Preparations are fully underway for the FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2026 in Hong Kong from 16 to 22 June. In previous editions, the tournament has featured numerous top players competing alongside amateurs and rising talents, producing a dynamic atmosphere rarely seen in traditional elite events. Magnus Carlsen is expected to participate in Hong Kong, adding further star power to the competition.
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Regulations published for the 2026 FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in Hong Kong

With the publication of the official regulations, preparations are now fully underway for the FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2026, which will take place in Hong Kong from 16 to 22 June. Following successful editions in Düsseldorf, Astana, and London, the championship returns with the concept that has made it popular among players and fans: mixed teams combining elite professionals with recreational players competing side by side in rapid and blitz formats.

Team composition

Every match is played on six boards and must meet the following requirements:

Registration

Team registration for the championship will open next week. Clubs, companies, federations, and independent teams from around the world will be eligible to enter.

Further information on the registration process will be published closer to the opening date.

Top players expected

The event has consistently attracted many of the world’s strongest players. According to WR Chess, Magnus Carlsen is expected to return to the championship this year as part of their team, adding further star power to the competition.

In previous editions, the tournament has featured numerous top players competing alongside amateurs and rising talents, producing a dynamic atmosphere rarely seen in traditional elite events.

Amateur teams to compete alongside the elite

Alongside the main championship, Hong Kong will also host the inaugural FIDE World Team Amateur Rapid Chess Cup, running from 16 to 22 June 2026. The event is designed specifically for amateur players and will allow club teams, friends, and local groups to take part in the same international chess festival.

Open to teams of six players who have never achieved a FIDE rating of 2000 or higher, the tournament will be played with a rapid time control of 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment. The competition will feature a two-stage format, culminating in final matches to determine the champion.

By staging the Amateur Rapid Cup alongside the elite team championship, players will experience the atmosphere of a major international event while competing for their own title.

With the regulations now published and teams beginning to form their lineups, attention turns to Hong Kong, where several days of fast-paced team chess will bring together players from across the world.

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