All FIDE Member Federations and eligible players are invited to participate in the inaugural FIDE World Amateur Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships 2026, open to players with a FIDE rating under 2300.
The event will be held in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, from August 1 (arrival) to August 8 (departure), 2026.
The Championships are open to players registered by their national federations. FIDE Member Federations have the right to enter an unlimited number of players.
There will be separate Open and Women’s Championships across the following FIDE rating categories: under 2300, under 2000, and under 1700. A separate Women’s Championship will be organized in each category provided that there are at least twenty players from at least two continents.
The Championships will be conducted using the Swiss System, with the number of rounds determined based on the final registration numbers.
The time controls:
- Rapid: 15 minutes plus 10-second increment from move one
- Blitz: 3 minutes plus a 2-second increment from move one
All participants who need to apply for a Nigerian visa must request an invitation letter no later than June 30, 2026.
The registration deadline for participants and accompanying persons is also June 30, 2026.
Invitation letter, regulations, schedule (PDF)
E-mail: worldamateur_rb@fide.com