The first official FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship to be hosted in Weissenhaus
Weissenhaus / Hamburg / Germany, January 7, 2026 The International Chess Federation (FIDE) and Freestyle Chess Operations GmbH have agreed to stage the first official FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship in Weissenhaus, Germany, from February 13–15, 2026. The event is governed by FIDE in collaboration with Freestyle Chess. On January 7, 2026, FIDE and Freestyle Chess signed a cooperation agreement, giving the green light to the first joint World Championship. This is the first time that the World Championship title in this format is awarded under a joint framework between FIDE and a private organiser. As confirmed by the Parties, “no event may be designated as an official ‘World Chess Championship’ in any format, including Freestyle Chess, without the prior written consent of FIDE”. Freestyle Chess is also known as Chess960 or FIDE Fischer Random Chess as per the FIDE Charter. The FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship will be a continuation of FIDE’s previous events in the Fischer Random format (previously held in 2019 and 2022) and will feature eight players. Six players have qualified based on their results during the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour: Magnus Carlsen, Levon Aronian, Fabiano Caruana, Vincent Keymer, Arjun Erigaisi, and Javokhir Sindarov. Two additional participants will be selected separately, one by FIDE and one by Freestyle Chess. Freestyle Chess has already nominated Hans Niemann, due to his outstanding performance in the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam in Las Vegas. FIDE will hold an Online Qualification Tournament on Chess.com as early as January 14 and 15 to determine the eighth player. A Women’s Exhibition Match between two of the best women will be held in parallel in Weissenhaus. Additionally, the Parties have agreed to the launch of the inaugural FIDE Women’s Freestyle Chess Championship in late 2026. The event will feature a $50,000 prize fund, financed from the payment made by Freestyle Chess under the current agreement with FIDE. “This World Championship and signed cooperation agreement bring FIDE and Freestyle Chess together within a clear and transparent sporting framework,” said Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE. “It is important that elite competition in this format is governed under established international standards administered by FIDE as the sole governing body of world chess.” “Our aim from the outset was to build a serious competitive structure, not isolated events,” said Jan Henric Buettner, CEO of Freestyle Chess. “After completing our first Grand Slam season, a World Championship in cooperation with FIDE is the logical next step – a defined title, a fixed venue, and a clear competitive peak.” The FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship 2026 follows the conclusion of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour 2025, which recently crowned Freestyle Chess co-founder Magnus Carlsen as its first overall champion at the season final in South Africa. The inaugural Grand Slam Tour established Freestyle Chess as a structured, season-long elite circuit. Set on Germany’s Baltic Sea coast, Weissenhaus has already established itself as a distinctive venue for elite chess events. The historic estate offers seclusion, architectural character, and controlled playing conditions, providing a focused environment for top-level competition and broadcast production. Format and Schedule Friday, February 13: The tournament opens with a rapid round-robin stage, following the format used in the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam events. All eight players face each other once with a time control of 10 minutes plus 5-second increment. The top four players advance to the semifinals, while the remaining players move into placement matches. Saturday, February 14: The knockout stage begins with the semifinals and placement matches, played with a time control of 25 minutes plus 10-second increment. The semifinals will be played as four-game matches. Sunday, February 15: The final, played over four games, and the placement matches use the same 25 minutes plus 10-second increment. In the final, the FIDE Freestyle Chess World Champion is determined. All final places from first to eighth will be decided over the board. The total prize fund is $300,000, with $100,000 awarded to the FIDE Freestyle Chess World Champion. Arrivals are scheduled for February 11, with February 12 reserved as a media and content day. The event concludes on Sunday, February 15, followed by departures on February 16.
FIDE introduces updated Circuit format for 2026-2027
FIDE has approved a new format for the FIDE Circuit, introducing a series of regulatory and structural updates that will apply to the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The revised regulations further define the Circuit as a unified system of top individual chess tournaments worldwide and strengthen its role as a performance-based qualification pathway, with increased emphasis on consistency, strength of opposition, and participation at the highest level. The updated regulations were approved by the FIDE Council on 26 December 2025 and will come into force on 1 January 2026. Summary of key changes: Introduction of a two-year Circuit cycle covering the 2026 and 2027 seasons Expansion of the number of results counted toward the final score Introduction of a separate FIDE Open Circuit sub-ranking Updated tournament strength calculation Expanded eligibility for rapid and blitz tournaments Inclusion of the Total Chess World Championship Tour Adjusted bonus scoring for the World Championship Match For the first time, the FIDE Circuit will operate over a two-year cycle. Instead of an annual ranking, results from the 2026 and 2027 seasons will be combined into a single Circuit ranking. A player’s final score will be calculated as the sum of their twelve highest event scores achieved across the two-year period, or all event scores if fewer than twelve are available. Alongside this expansion, new balance rules have been introduced to ensure that a player’s final score reflects a broad and competitive tournament portfolio. When a final score includes eleven or twelve event scores, no more than four rapid or blitz tournaments may be counted. In addition, no more than seven events, in the case of eleven results, or eight events, in the case of twelve results, may come from tournaments with fewer than 50 participants. When a final score is based on ten or fewer events, these limits are reduced accordingly. These measures reinforce classical chess as the core of the Circuit, while allowing rapid and blitz events to contribute in a limited and clearly defined way. To be eligible to qualify for the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2028 via the Circuit, a player’s final score must include at least eight eligible tournaments, of which at least five must be standard time-control events. Depending on the total number of tournaments counted, a minimum number of these standard tournaments must also have participation of 50 players or more. Event scores of zero points may be included for the purpose of meeting participation requirements. A new Open Circuit sub-ranking has been introduced as part of the overall structure. This ranking will include only tournaments with more than 50 participants and is intended to highlight performances in large open events. The top players in this sub-ranking will earn qualification opportunities for selected FIDE competitions, such as the Total Chess Tour, further strengthening the link between open tournaments and the elite pathway. Another significant update concerns tournament strength calculations. The average rating used to determine a tournament’s strength will now be based on the top twelve players, rather than eight as in previous cycles. This adjustment provides a more accurate reflection of the competitive level of elite events and aligns scoring more closely with the actual strength of the field. Eligibility for rapid and blitz tournaments has also been expanded. The minimum average rating threshold required for such events to be included in the Circuit has been lowered from 2700 to 2650. Eligible rapid and blitz events remain subject to reduced weighting through established multipliers. The Total Chess World Championship Tour 2026-2027 has been formally included in the FIDE Circuit. Results from these events will count toward Circuit scores, with specific coefficients applied, and are treated as standard tournaments for the purposes of participation requirements. Adjustments have also been made to bonus scoring related to the World Championship Match, where the runner-up of the World Championship match will get fewer points with a coefficient decrease to 1.5 compared to the Circuit 2025, ensuring a better balance between match results and tournament performance across the Circuit as a whole. “It is extremely important for FIDE to provide equal competitive opportunities to grandmasters of all levels and increase the role of sporting merit in selection. The new FIDE Open Circuit allows all grandmasters to compete for direct spots in the most prestigious FIDE tournaments. Thus, the top 3 players in the 2026 FIDE Open Circuit standings as of September 1, 2026, qualify for the 2026 pilot Total Chess event. Furthermore, the top 2 players as of January 1, 2027, will also qualify for the 1st leg of the 2027 event,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. The revised regulations further clarify eligibility criteria for tournaments, including minimum numbers of players and rounds, rating thresholds, federation representation requirements, the mandatory application of FIDE Fair Play procedures, and advance notification obligations for organisers. The FIDE Council retains authority over the regulations, with any unforeseen circumstances or formats not covered referred to the FIDE President for a final decision. The official FIDE Circuit rankings will be published and updated on a weekly basis throughout the 2026-2027 cycle. Regulations are available in the FIDE Handbook: handbook.fide.com/files/handbook/Regulations_for_FIDE_Circuit_2026.pdf FIDE Circuit 2026-2027 page: fide.com/fide-circuit-2026-2027/
Inaugural Pia Cramling Cup and DGT Board Operator Seminar successfully held in Stockholm
The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess was proud to co-organize the first-ever Pia Cramling Cup and the DGT Board Operator Certification Seminar, which took place in Stockholm, Sweden, alongside the prestigious and long-standing Rilton Cup. Inaugural Pia Cramling Cup Held in collaboration with Pia Cramling and the Stockholm Chess Federation on January 2, the 7-round FIDE-rated rapid tournament brought together 38 girls and women from seven countries. With free entry and strong organizational support, the Pia Cramling Cup reflected the Commission’s continued commitment to creating accessible, meaningful opportunities for girls and women in chess. Honoring a legend More than a tournament, the Pia Cramling Cup was a tribute to one of the most iconic figures in the history of women’s chess. A former world number one and a true pioneer of the game, Pia Cramling has inspired generations through her achievements at the board. Her personal presence and involvement throughout the event sent a powerful message to every participant: ambition, perseverance, and belief can take you far in chess and beyond. Tournament Results The competition concluded with the following results: 🥇 Winner: Agnesa Stepania Ter-Avetisjana (Latvia)🥈 Second place: Irina Tetenkina (Sweden)🥉 Third place: Susanne Hansson (Sweden) From the youngest participant, Miya Sundell, to the oldest, Paula Svensson, the tournament demonstrated how chess connects and empowers women of all ages, creating a shared space for learning, competition, and mutual respect. Connection across generations Adding to the special atmosphere of the Rilton Cup, Anna Cramling – a WFM and one of the world’s most recognized chess content creators – was competing simultaneously in the Rilton Cup. The connection to the Pia Cramling Cup was highlighted when Anastasia Sorokina, Chair of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, made the ceremonial first move on Anna Cramling’s board. Together with Pia Cramling, Anna has played a remarkable role in bringing chess to wider audiences, presenting the game in a way that is engaging, authentic, and always true to its values. DGT Board Operator Seminar Hosted at the same venue, the Scandic Continental Hotel, from January 3-4, the seminar unfolded in a vibrant chess atmosphere, with participants surrounded by one of Scandinavia’s most traditional international tournaments. The seminar was organised by DGT (Digital Game Technology) in cooperation with the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, the Stockholm Chess Federation, and the Rilton Cup organisers, highlighting the strong and growing partnership between DGT and the Commission. A total of 26 participants took part in the seminar, representing eight countries: Sweden, Mexico, Latvia, Denmark, Iceland, Romania, Portugal, and Slovenia. Particularly encouraging was the strong female participation, with 14 women attending. It reflects the Commission’s ongoing commitment to improving gender balance in technical and professional chess roles, including officiating, tournament operations, and chess broadcasting. As part of this commitment, the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess fully waived the participation fees for all female attendees, ensuring access to high-level technical education and supporting women’s representation in areas of chess that remain traditionally male-dominated. Creating such opportunities is a key part of the Commission’s broader mission to promote equality, visibility, and sustainable involvement of women at all levels of chess. The seminar was led by International Arbiter (Category A) Sotiris Logothetis, who delivered a high-quality, hands-on programme focused on modern chess technology and event operations. Participants received practical training on the use of DGT e-Boards and e-Pieces, event setup through DGT LiveChess, live game broadcasting, troubleshooting, and integration with major online platforms such as Chess.com and Lichess. Upon successful completion, participants received official DGT Board Operator certification, an internationally recognized qualification that supports professional involvement in modern chess tournaments and digital broadcasting. The Commission is also pleased to underline that DGT is a key partner and sponsor of the Pia Cramling Cup, further demonstrating shared values in supporting girls and women in chess through concrete actions. Appreciation and thanks The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess extends its sincere thanks to the Stockholm Chess Federation and the Rilton Cup organisers for their close cooperation, as well as to the event sponsors DGT (Digital Game Technology) and Majana, whose support helped make these events possible possible. We also warmly thank International Arbiter Sotiris Logothetis for his high-level instruction and practical approach throughout the programme. Above all, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Pia Cramling herself. Her warmth, integrity, and enduring passion for chess continue to inspire players and organisers alike. The Pia Cramling Cup stands as a reflection of her values – excellence, kindness, and belief in the next generation. The Commission is honoured to be part of this initiative. The FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess looks forward to building on this successful first edition of the Cramling Cup and continuing its close cooperation with DGT through future educational initiatives that expand professional opportunities, strengthen technical expertise and support balanced representation in chess worldwide.
Sixteen players earn the right to compete in 2026 Total Chess pilot event
FIDE and Norway Chess are pleased to announce the first 16 players who have earned the right to receive an invitation to the 2026 Total Chess World Championship Tour pilot tournament (“Total Chess 2026 Pilot”), the new combined competition across Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz. The 2026 event is officially a pilot, testing the full concept, format, and regulations of the Total Chess World Championship Tour. The inaugural full Tour season, with the official crowning of the first Total Chess World Champion, will start in 2027. The pilot tournament is scheduled to take place from October 3–15, 2026. The host destinations/locations will be announced at a later date. Formal invitations to the qualified players will be sent out in the coming days and within the next week. Based on the qualification criteria approved by FIDE, the group already includes the top 13 players in the January classical rating list, the Women’s World Champion, plus additional elite qualifiers from the World Rapid and World Blitz Championships – a more than respectable lineup for the 2026 pilot. Players who have earned the right to receive an invitation 1–2. World Champions GM Gukesh Dommaraju – World Champion GM Ju Wenjun – Women’s World Champion 3–5. World Rapid Championship 2025 (three places) The three medalists of the 2025 World Rapid Championship have earned the right to be invited: GM Magnus Carlsen GM Vladislav Artemiev GM Arjun Erigaisi 6–7. World Blitz Championship 2025 (two places) The two qualifiers from the 2025 World Blitz Championship are: GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (qualified via the lowest average sum of placements) 8–16. Top-9 Rated Players (January 2026 list, with replacements) Based on the classical rating list as of 1 January 2026, and applying the agreed replacement rules (to account for players already qualified via World Championships and World Rapid/Blitz), the following players have earned the right to receive an invitation via rating: GM Hikaru Nakamura GM Fabiano Caruana GM Vincent Keymer GM Anish Giri GM Alireza Firouzja GM Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa GM Wei Yi Two further places are filled according to the replacement criteria: GM Wesley So – first replacement (lowest average sum of placements) GM Viswanathan Anand – first replacement according to rating A star-studded field and the road ahead In summary, the right to receive an invitation to the 2026 Total Chess pilot tournament has currently been granted to 16 chess players, comprising: The top 13 players in the January classical rating list GM Vladislav Artemiev GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and The Women’s World Champion, GM Ju Wenjun The next two players who will earn the right to receive invitations will become known in April 2026, following the conclusion of the FIDE Candidates Tournament and the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, whose winners will also qualify for the Tour. They will be joined by the top three players in the standard rating list (June 1, 2026), excluding those already qualified, and three FIDE Open Circuit qualifiers (special ranking, including only open events). The 2026 pilot 24-player tournament will be held from October 3-15, 2026, with destinations/locations to be announced later. The inaugural full Total Chess World Championship Tour season will then launch in 2027. Regulations of the Total Chess World Championship Tour FIDE and Norway Chess are also announcing that the official Regulations of the Total Chess World Championship Tour have now been published. They define in detail: The full qualification system Event structure and scoring system across Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz Tie-break and replacement rules Prize fund distribution and tour standings The regulations can be found here: fide.com/wp-content/uploads/Total-Chess-WCT-Regulations.pdf
Blend of generations: Line-ups set for FIDE Candidates 2026
With the qualification cycle complete, the line-ups for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournaments are known, setting the stage for the final step on the road to the next World Championship matches. After debuting in North America in 2024, the iconic event is returning to Europe and to be held at the luxury Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort near Paphos, on the south-western coast of Cyprus. The Candidates Tournament 2026 will feature a field shaped by performances across two seasons of FIDE Circuit (2024 and 2025), the 2025 World Cup, the 2025 Grand Swiss, and rating qualification. The confirmed line-up brings together proven contenders and players from the new generation, including Fabiano Caruana, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, Anish Giri, Matthias Blübaum, Javokhir Sindarov, Wei Yi and Andrey Esipenko. The final spot was secured by Hikaru Nakamura, who earned qualification as the player with the highest average classical rating over the qualification period – rounding out a diverse and highly competitive field that blends youth and experience. The Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026 lineup is also fully confirmed, with eight players having qualified through the Women’s World Championship cycle. Zhu Jiner and Aleksandra Goryachkina earned their places by finishing first and second, respectively, in the 2024–25 FIDE Women’s Grand Prix series. Divya Deshmukh, Humpy Koneru, and Tan Zhongyi qualified through the 2025 Women’s World Cup. Two further places were decided at the 2025 Women’s Grand Swiss, where Vaishali Rameshbabu and Kateryna Lagno claimed top two qualifying positions. The final spot was awarded to Bibisara Assaubayeva, the 2025 Women’s Blitz Champion, via the Women’s Events qualification path. This lineup promises a fiercely competitive battle to determine the next challenger for the Women’s World Championship title – a contest that balances established excellence with the energy of a new generation. With both fields finalized, attention now turns fully to the Candidates tournaments themselves, where preparation, endurance, and composure under pressure will decide who earns the right to challenge for the world titles in 2026. Key details and information about the event Two tournaments will be held side by side – the (Open) FIDE Candidates Tournament and the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. Format: In both the Open and the Women’s, the eight qualified players will compete in a double round-robin tournament, consisting of 14 rounds. Time control: The games will be played with a time control of 120 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move 41. Draw rule: Players are not permitted to agree to a draw before the completion of Black’s 40th move. Prize fund: The minimum prize fund for the event stands at a record €1,000,000. Tie-breaks: In the event of a tie for first place after 14 rounds, a playoff will be played to determine the winner who qualifies for the World Championship Match, due to take place in November 2026. For a detailed look at the regulations, please see: Regulations for the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 (PDF) Regulations for the FIDE Women’s Candidate Tournament 2026 (PDF) Venue information: capstgeorges.com/
Unique family simul by the Karácsonyi siblings in Budapest
Standing: Bánk and Gellért, sitting: Luca and Kata On December 28, 2025, four siblings from the Karácsonyi family – all rated above 2000 – hosted a remarkable 150-board team simultaneous exhibition in Budapest, Hungary. The simul-givers were: IM Gellért Karácsonyi (2412) Kata Karácsonyi (2238), who earned her third WIM norm in December Luca Karácsonyi (2064) Bánk Karácsonyi (2107), the youngest of the quartet The siblings shared every board, taking consecutive moves in rotation. This required deep mutual understanding of each other’s thought processes across all 150 games. Two players lost by forfeit, but on 148 remaining boards the games were played to completion. After six hours, the Karácsonyi siblings won 109 games, drew 22, and lost only 17. Notably, the opposition included many experienced players – not just beginners. Kata Karácsony, the top scorer for Hungary at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, in action during the simul To the best of available knowledge, no similar event has ever taken place in chess history: a simul featuring four siblings, playing so many boards, and achieving such an impressive result. It was both an inspiration for chess-playing families and a lively celebration of the game for the Budapest chess community – one that organizers and fans alike hope will be repeated.
Jadon Simiyu and Julie Mutisya win highly competitive Kenya Chess Championship
Thirteen-year-old Jadon Simiyu and Jully Mutisya were crowned the new Kenya National Chess Champions following a highly competitive and professionally organized Kenya National Chess Championship 2025, held at the Westwood Hotel in Westlands from December 26 to 31, 2025. The six-day event brought together the country’s strongest players in a demanding classical format that showcased the depth, discipline, and growing maturity of Kenyan chess. The championship was contested over 11 rounds under standard classical time control, with players competing in two games per day. This rigorous schedule tested not only opening preparation and endgame technique, but also physical endurance, emotional resilience, and sustained concentration. Throughout the week, the playing hall witnessed intense battles, grueling endgames, and decisive moments that shaped careers and the future of Kenyan chess. The stakes were among the highest in the nation’s chess history. In a landmark move reflecting Chess Kenya’s strong commitment to gender equity, both the Open and Ladies Section champions received brand-new cars. Additionally, all participants in both sections earned guaranteed cash prizes, ensuring every qualifier was rewarded for reaching the national stage. Beyond the prizes, the championship served as Kenya’s official selection event for international representation. At the conclusion of the 11 rounds, the top five players in both the Open and Ladies sections qualified to represent Kenya at the 46th Chess Olympiad, scheduled for September 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The championship produced a defining and historic moment for Kenyan chess when 13-year-old Jadon Simiyu emerged as the winner in the open section. Displaying remarkable composure and consistency throughout the tournament, Simiyu handled the pressure of elite classical chess with maturity far beyond his years. Already Kenya’s youngest-ever FIDE Master, a title he earned earlier in 2025 after winning the Quo Vadis Open Chess Championship in Nyeri, Simiyu once again rewrote the record books in Westlands. By navigating the grueling 11-round marathon with precision and confidence, he became the youngest Kenya National Chess Champion in history, a result that signals not just individual brilliance but the arrival of a new generation ready to carry Kenyan chess forward on the global stage. Final standings – Open The Ladies Section delivered its own compelling narrative. WCM Julie Mutisya demonstrated resilience, determination, and true championship mentality. After an early setback in Round 2 against WCM Bella Nashipae, Mutisya responded with disciplined, purposeful play, steadily climbing the standings as the competition progressed. Entering the final round, the situation was clear and unforgiving: only a win would secure the title, with WFM Sasha Mongeli and Nicole Albright still in contention. Fully aware of the stakes, Mutisya rose to the occasion, winning her final game under pressure to deservedly claim the 2025 Kenya National Ladies Chess Championship. Final standings – Women A notable highlight of the championship was the dominance of Equity Chess Club, both national champions belong to. This achievement underlined the club’s growing influence within Kenyan and African chess. In 2025, Equity Chess Club also made continental headlines as the only African corporate team to participate in the FIDE World Corporate Chess Championship held in Goa in November, marking a historic milestone for African corporate chess representation and reinforcing the club’s role in elite player development. With the conclusion of the 2025 National Championship, Chess Kenya now turns its focus toward preparing its Olympiad teams, strengthening high-performance training structures, and further developing the national competitive pathway. Key priorities include providing international exposure ahead of Samarkand 2026 and reinforcing the Grand Prix circuit to deepen competition and identify emerging talent. Under the leadership of President Benard Wanjala, deputized by Andrew Owili, the federation remains committed to building a sustainable, competitive, and internationally respected chess ecosystem. As Kenya looks toward the World Chess Olympiad 2026, the 2025 National Championship will be remembered as a defining milestone, one that crowned new champions, showcased extraordinary young talent, and reaffirmed Kenya’s growing presence and ambition on the global chess stage. Text and photos: Chess Kenya
Gabriel Davidson and Rose Berline Seine crowned Haitian Champions
CM Gabriel Davidson and WCM Rose Berline Seine emerged as the winners of the 2025 Haitian Championship. Despite a particularly challenging national context, the Haitian Chess Federation (FHE) upheld its commitment to sporting continuity, training, and talent development by successfully organizing a National Championship that brought together the country’s best male and female players. Held from December 20-28, 2025, the event featured open and women’s sections, each with 12 players representing several cities and chess clubs across Haiti, all of whom qualified through national elimination tournaments. Both competitions were round-robins with classical time controls. The top five players in each section qualified to represent Haiti at the 46th Chess Olympiad, scheduled for September 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The opening ceremony and initial rounds took place at Hôtel Montana. The event later moved to Villa Saint-Viateur, where players and officials were accommodated to ensure optimal preparation, rest, and security. Open section : A commanding victory CM Gabriel Davidson, representing Le Pion Chess Club, delivered a commanding performance in the open section, scoring an impressive 9.5/11. The champion conceded just three draws and became the only undefeated player in the tournament. The following players qualified for the national team to represent the country in the 2026 Chess Olympiad: CM Gabriel Davidson – Tour du Roi FM Jean-Louis Marckens – CAVINT FM Etienne Angelo – GHA Chess Club CM Kemly Germinal – Tour du Roi Victor Wyclef – CAMACE The return of Jean-Louis Marckens and Kemly Germinal to the top 5 confirms the competitiveness and stability of Haiti’s elite chess level. Complete final standigns – Open Women’s section: A dominant display Rose Berline Seine (Le Pion Chess Club) dominated the women’s event, winning all eleven games and securing the title with a round to spare. Other players qualified for the national team: WCM Mérisena Cadeau – Inyon Davena Jonet – GHA Chess Club WCM Kineberlie Dunat – ENLA Valencia Jean-François – GHA Chess Club Complete final standings – Women The FHE Executive Committee, under the presidency of Jacky Lumarque, oversaw the event’s overall coordination. Technical and operational management was provided by: Jacques Muller Luxama Joël Bernard Sabrina Jean-Baptiste Jonathan Lafontaine Their collective commitment ensured the full success of the championship. The Haitian Chess Federation expresses its sincere gratitude to its institutional and private partners, whose support was decisive in the successful organization of the 2025 National Championship. Notable partners include: Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) Office of the Prime Minister Groupe Capital ENLA Université Quisqueya AAFDS Sakala The FHE also thanks the media, photographers, graphic designers, Chess.com, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event. Special recognition is extended to Tessa Maximilien, Karl Philippe Alexis, and Sybille Alexis for their continued support. Photos: Federation Haitienne des Echecs
Hong Kong International Open 2025: A record-breaking success
Top 10 finishers in the Hong Kong International Open Chess Championship, Open Category The 2025 Hong Kong International Open Chess Championship, organized by the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, concluded successfully at Wan Chai’s Queen Elizabeth Stadium. The event attracted over 400 players from 30 regions, including Australia, the United States, Germany, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia. The total prize fund was boosted by nearly 20% from the previous edition, with over 80 titled players competing for the title. Thirteen years of progress: A new chapter for Asian Chess Since its inception in 2010, the Hong Kong International Open has now reached its 13th edition. This year marked a historic milestone, featuring the largest number of Grandmasters and International Masters in its history and setting records for both titled player participation and total entrants. The opening ceremony was graced by distinguished guest Akaki Iashvili, a member of the FIDE Management Board and Chairman of the FIDE Events Commission, who made the ceremonial first move to officially inaugurate the championship. As one of Asia’s largest and most prestigious open chess championships, the event is not only a celebration of the sport but also a significant occasion for Hong Kong. It is estimated to have contributed nearly HKD 10 million in economic impact through tourism, hospitality, and related activities. To showcase Hong Kong’s unique local culture, the organizing committee presented several top-seeded players with a special Cantonese-style gift set from the beloved brand “Foodie Dim Sum” during the opening ceremony. This gesture celebrated the players’ arrival and invited them to experience Hong Kong’s famed “yum cha” dining tradition – a true taste of the city’s vibrant culinary charm beyond the chessboard. KK Chan, President of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, stated, “Our vision is to make the Hong Kong International Open Chess Championship an annual gathering where chess enthusiasts from around the world come together to compete, connect, and contribute to our vibrant international chess community.” China and Mongolia players claim victories After seven days and nine rounds of intense competition, the top three places in the Open Category were claimed by Mongolia’s IM Amartuvshin Ganzorig (pictured below), China’s GM Peng Xiongjian and India’s GM N R Visakh. The remaining top-ten finishers were: 4th place: IM Vilka Sipila (Finland)5th place: IM A R Ilamparthi (India)6th place: GM Jacek Stopa (Poland)7th place: GM Pang Tao (China)8th place: GM Abhijeet Gupta (India)9th place: FM Sehyun Kwon (South Korea)10th place: GM Maxim Vavulin (Germany) Complete final standings – Open In the Challenger Category, players from China and Hong Kong, China, swept the podium. The standings were topped by China’s Zheng Xiner, the only female player in the top ten, followed by China’s Li Tianbo in second and Hong Kong, China’s Tong Ho Man in third. The remaining top-ten finishers in the Challenger Category were: 4th place: Lam Yui Hei (Hong Kong, China)5th place: Geng Haolin (China)6th place: Guo Bo Kai Owen (Hong Kong, China)7th place: Stanislav Khudovekov (FIDE)8th place: Zhang Hanwen (Hong Kong, China)9th place: Zhang Yangming (China)10th place: Andrew Andi Wu (USA) Complete final standings – Challengers Official website: hkcfl.com/
FIDE January 2026 rating list: Key moves and standouts
The final month of 2025 was dominated by fast-paced events such as the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League and the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships, leaving little room for classical tournaments. Consequently, the top of the January 2026 standard rating lists saw minimal movement. The Women’s top 10 remained unchanged, while the Open top 10 experienced a minor shift as Anish Giri climbed two spots. Biggest rating gains in top 100 Open and Women Rakhmangulova, Anastasiya WGM UKR 2358 (+28) Savitha Shri B IM IND 2356 (+22) Kamalidenova, Meruert IM KAZ 2386 (+20) Abdusattorov, Nodirbek GM UZB 2751 (+19) Anton Guijarro, David GM ESP 2662 (+16) Nihal Sarin GM IND 2716 (+15) Ivic, Velimir GM SRB 2638 (+15) Badelka, Olga IM AUT 2410 (+15) Mkrtchyan, Mariam WGM ARM 2368 (+15) Sarana, Alexey GM SRB 2686 (+13) Despite the focus on faster time controls, several players posted significant gains in the standard list thanks to strong classical performances in December. Photo: Michal Walusza Anastasiya Rakhmangulova (pictured above) had a standout month, overperforming in four European events to gain 28 rating points and reach a career-high No. 80 in the Women’s top 100. Savitha Shri B returned to the Women’s top 100 after a 14-month absence, courtesy of strong results at the VI Ellobregat Open in Barcelona and the XII International Sunway Chess Festival in Sitges (+22 points). Meruert Kamalidenova (pictured below) lso excelled in Barcelona, collecting +20 points and achieving a personal best of No. 57 among women. Nodirbek Abdusattorov delivered a stellar performance at the 2025 XTX Markets London Chess Classic, gaining 19 points and moving closer to the Open top 10. David Antón Guijarro dominated the Spanish Championship to claim both the national title and +16 rating points. The 21-year-old Nihal Sarin continued his steady rise: victory at the President’s Cup “Masters” in Uzbekistan (+15) propelled him into the Open top 30. Photo: Michal Walusza Velimir Ivić returned to the Open top 100 after a three-month absence following his triumph in the XTX Markets London Chess Classic Open (+13 points, though noted elsewhere as part of broader gains). Olga Badelka posted a solid result at the FE 6 Roma Città Aperta (+15), while Mariam Mkrtchyan tied for first at the Kazakhstan Women’s Cup 2025, also gaining +15. Photo: Michal Walusza Alexey Sarana reclaimed a spot in the Open top 40 after winning the KazChess Masters. As expected, the year’s premier rapid and blitz event – the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships – triggered the major shifts in those rating lists. Magnus Carlsen, despite a 12-point drop in blitz, continues to dominate both the rapid and blitz lists after his double victory in Doha. Photo: Lennart Ootes Arjun Erigaisi made his debut in the top 10 of both Open Rapid (No. 3) and Open Blitz (No. 7) following excellent performances in Qatar. Joining him in the Open Rapid top 10 is FIDE World Cup winner Javokhir Sindarov, who gained 23 rating points in Doha. Other notable movers in Open Rapid include Alexey Sarana (+19 points) and Hans Moke Niemann (+24), climbing to 34th and 50th, respectively. World Blitz finalist Nodirbek Abdusattorov reached the Open Blitz top 5 (+17 points), while Fabiano Caruana (+18 points), who reached the knockout stage, and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (+16 points), who narrowly missed it due to tiebreaks, both entered the top 10. Photo: Lennart Ootes Additional rapid overperformers in Doha include Nihal Sarin (+24), Jorden van Foreest (+31), Lu Shanglei (+31), Teimour Radjabov (+30), Javokhir Sindarov (+30), Rauf Mamedov (+35), Narayanan S L (+24), and Denis Lazavik (+24). Women’s Rapid Champion Aleksandra Goryachkina collected 7 points in Doha to move to second on the list, closing the gap on No. 1 Hou Yifan, who dropped a few points in the Global Chess League. Women’s Rapid runner-up Zhu Jiner leapt into the Women’s Rapid top 10. Photo: Lennart Ootes Among the top Women’s Rapid gainers were Nino Batsiashvili (+50), Vaishali R (+32), Polina Shuvalova (+22), Meri Arabidze (+28), and Bat-Erdene Mungunzul (+46). The most impressive rise came from young FM Chen Yining of China (pictured below), who earned a staggering 186 points in Doha and catapulted straight into the top 50 Rapid Women. Photo: Lennart Ootes Savitha Shri B also shone in the rapid event, gaining +79 points to reach No. 53 in Women’s Rapid. In Blitz, Women’s World Blitz Champion Bibisara Assaubayeva entered the top 3, while Eline Roebers (+36), who reached the knockout stage, made her top 10 debut. Two other youngsters, Zarina Nurgaliyeva (pictured below) and Anna Shukhman, made a splash. Zarina scored 9/15 for +144 points and broke into the Women’s Blitz top 30; Anna scored 10/15 for +105 points and rocketed to 53rd. Photo: Anna Shtournan Other notable blitz overperformers include Diana Wagner (+40), Carissa Yip (+34), Umida Omonova (+68), Teodora Injac (+21), Elvira Berend (+29), and Irina Bulmaga (+32). Finally, several women entered the Blitz top 100 thanks to strong Doha performances: Nataliya Buksa (+20), Jiang Tianyu (+113), Yana Zhapova (+123), Gulnar Mammadova (+74), Bozhena Piddubna (+92), Elnaz Kaliakhmet (+114), Marta García Martín (+28), and 11-year-old Charvi A (+187).