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: This structure allows teams to combine world-class grandmasters with club players, creating a format where amateurs can share the same stage as some of the strongest players in the world. Tournament schedule The competition will begin with the World Team Rapid Chess Championship, followed by the World Team Blitz Chess Championship later in the week. Full details of the playing schedule and prize fund are available in the official regulations. 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. Regulations (PDF) Official website: https://worldrapidblitzteams2026.fide.com/ 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. Register here: https://worldteamamateurrapid2026.hkchessevent.com/registration/ Regulations (PDF) Official event website: http://worldteamamateurrapid2026.hkchessevent.com Contact: hkchessevent@gmail.com