The world of chess is set to witness a revolutionary new chapter! In an exciting collaboration, Norway Chess and the global governing body, FIDE, have announced the launch of a groundbreaking ‘Total Chess’ World Championship tour. This innovative series aims to crown a brand-new World champion, adding another prestigious title to the already established classical, rapid, and blitz formats.
Kjell Madland, the visionary CEO of Norway Chess, shared details of this ambitious initiative, confirming that a pilot tournament will take place next year, paving the way for the inaugural World Championship tour in 2027. “The new tour will feature games played across all three popular formats – classical, rapid, and blitz – and will consist of four thrilling legs hosted in distinct venues around the world,” Madland revealed in an exclusive conversation.
He elaborated on the format, stating that the classical games will adopt a slightly reduced time control of 45 minutes, with an increment, while still retaining their official classical rating. This duration could even be extended to 60 minutes, ensuring a dynamic yet strategic experience. Madland also confirmed that top players globally have expressed keen interest in this multi-format challenge and will qualify for the tour through diverse pathways.
The stakes are incredibly high, with a minimum prize fund of $750,000 allocated for each of the first three events. The grand finale, where the ultimate ‘Total Chess’ champion will be decided among four elite players, boasts an impressive prize purse of at least $450,000.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich expressed his enthusiasm, remarking that the Total Chess World Championship Tour represents a magnificent enhancement to the rich tradition of the World Championship. “We are confident that this tournament will captivate both dedicated chess enthusiasts and draw in new audiences,” Dvorkovich stated, highlighting the long-term commitment between FIDE and Norway Chess. “These championships are designed to complement each other, marking a significant, enduring partnership.”
Intriguingly, Madland also hinted at potential global venues, indicating that India is a strong candidate to host one of the legs of the pioneering World Total Chess Tour. “We would be absolutely thrilled to collaborate with organizers in India for this historic event,” he added.