The FIDE World Amateur Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship 2026 officially got underway with the Rapid section on Sunday, at the Bolton White Event Hall in Abuja, Nigeria. Players from across the world began their quest for the coveted FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Championship titles.
Competitors will play 11 rounds of Rapid chess and 11 rounds of Blitz chess over five days, ensuring the full competitive format. Notably, any female player is eligible to win two prizes, while this option is not available to male players, providing an additional incentive for the women competing in the championship.
The opening ceremony brought together leading figures from the Nigerian and international chess community. It was attended by FIDE Delegate Sergei Indeikin, President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, Vice President Prince Adewole Adeyinka, FIDE Vice President (and Chief Arbiter of the championships) Olalekan Adeyemi, alongside members of the Federation’s Board and other distinguished guests.
In his address, Senator Dankwambo welcomed the players and guests to Nigeria, expressing his delight at the opportunity to host a prestigious international chess championship of this magnitude.
Following his speech, the NCF President made the ceremonial first move, officially declaring the championship open and signaling the start of the competition.
The first day saw intense action with three rounds of rapid chess event played. With every game carrying significant importance in the race for the championship, competitors battled fiercely for valuable points and an early advantage in the standings.
After three rounds, FM Bomo Lovet Kigigha emerged among the early leaders after securing victory over Lanre Seye Oluwalasinu in Round 3.
Odey Goodness Ekunke also recorded an important victory over Vasia Ajuba, while CM Toluwanimi Okemakinde secured a full point against AIM Sahil Sanjay Shejal.
Other notable Round 3 results saw AFM Aryan Raj defeat Joseph Sambo, while Augustine Imohede Apemiye overcame CM Pankaj Sharma. Sandra Osarugue Omoruyi also secured a victory against Odafe Benedict Efemuai.
In a closely contested encounter, Tersoo Moses Adekpe drew with Kumar Saket, while veteran and former Nigerian National Chess Champion, Architect Theophilus Caiafas and AIM Ambesh also shared the point.
Standings after Round 3 – Rapid
With three rounds completed, the championship has already delivered a quota of the intensity and competitive spirit expected from a global event. With Abuja now at the center of the global amateur chess community, the stage is set for more thrilling battles as the world’s amateur players continue their pursuit of glory.
The action continues on Monday, August 3, with more rounds of Rapid chess as the battle for the top positions intensifies. Every point will count as players continue their pursuit of the prestigious FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Championship titles.
Photos: Nigeria Chess Federation
Official website: https://nigeriachessfederation.com/wacc2026/