The chess world is abuzz with excitement as the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships 2024 are set to take place in the vibrant capital city of Kazakhstan from August 1 to 6, 2024. Following the success of the inaugural event in Düsseldorf, Germany, last year, this year’s championships promise to be even bigger and better with the addition of a Blitz competition.

This year’s championships will gather some of the world’s top chess professionals, including former World Champion Magnus Carlsen, who will lead WR Team in defending their title. Both current World Champions Ju Wenjun and Ding Liren will also be playing, and their participation underscores the event’s prestige and promises an exciting experience for both players and fans.

Photo: Niki Riga

Format

The 5 days of chess will feature two formats:

Rapid Tournament: A 12-round Swiss system with a time control of 15 minutes per game plus a 10-second increment per move.

Blitz Tournament: The Blitz tournament is divided into two stages. In Stage 1, teams are grouped into pools and play a round-robin format. The top 16 teams advance to Stage 2, which is a knockout stage. The time control is 3 minutes per game with a 2-second increment per move.

The total prize fund for the event is a staggering 350,000 euros, with 250,000 euros allocated for the Rapid Tournament and 100,000 euros for the Blitz Tournament. In addition to financial rewards, members of the top three teams in each category will receive medals.

Registration

Registration for the event is now open and will close on July 1, 2024, at 12 PM Lausanne time. Teams must comprise 6 to 9 players, including at least one female player and one recreational player (rated below 2000 Elo).

Don’t miss the chance to compete against the best – register your team now to secure a spot in this prestigious tournament.

To register, visit the official event website and complete the registration form. Remember, only 80 teams will be accepted, with priority given to the highest average ratings and earliest registrations.

Venue

Astana is ready to welcome the world’s best chess teams. With its modern infrastructure and rich cultural heritage, the city provides the perfect backdrop for this world-class event. Teams will enjoy the hospitality and vibrant atmosphere of Kazakhstan’s capital and will appreciate the state-of-the-art QazExpo Congress venue.

Accommodation Lottery

Special offers in the official hotels for the tournament are valid until June 1, 2024. The first 10 teams to book will participate in Accommodation Draw 1, with the winner receiving a full refund and free accommodation. The first 30 teams (excluding the winner of Draw 1) will enter Accommodation Draw 2, where two teams will receive a 50% refund.

For more information, visit the official website and follow our social media channels for the latest updates.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of chess history in Astana this August. Register now and let the games begin!

Registration link: worldrapidblitzteams.fide.com/registration

Official website: worldrapidblitzteams.fide.com/

Registration for media: worldrapidblitzteams.fide.com/mediaregistration