The 2025 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships were officially opened in Doha, marking the start of one of the most watched chess events globally.
As players and guests gathered in the playing arena at the Sports and Events Complex of Qatar University, the ceremony opened with a performance by the traditional Qatari music group Farkah. Dressed in national clothing and accompanied by drums, the ensemble performed “Today is the happiest day”, a song traditionally associated with the beginning of celebrations.
The formal part of the ceremony began with the intonation of anthems of Qatar and FIDE, followed by an artistic performance symbolizing the battle of black and white pieces on the chessboard.
The president of the Qatar Chess Federation Mohammed Al Mudahka – the country’s first Grandmaster – greeted the guests and wish them a warm and pleasant experience in the country which proudly calls itself “the global capital of sport.”
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich reminded that Doha was a successful host of the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in 2016, noting that FIDE was proud to return “to a country which supports chess,” pointing to events such as the Qatar Masters.
He added that “chess has a home in Qatar,” and linked the message to the country’s heritage with the line that Qatar is “the pearl of the chess world.”
Dvorkovich thanked the hosts, the Qatari Chess Federation and its president Mohammed Al Mudahka, for welcoming the chess community “with warmth and open arms”.
Turning to the players, Dvorkovich said the World Rapid and Blitz “traditionally marks an exciting end to the year,” and that this edition should be no different. “I wish the players the best of luck, fair play, good games and great experiences here in Doha,” he said. “May the best player win and may the spirit of chess flourish.”
The ceremonial opening concluded with Dvorkovich and Al Mudahka making symbolic first moves on a chessboard, before moving to the top-boards in the Open and the Women’s section.
The first event to take place is the World Rapid Championship, with 300 players from all over the world are taking part. The World Rapid consists of 13 rounds in the Open and 11 in the Women’s event, with five rounds taking place on day one.
The action can be followed live on the FIDE YouTube Channel, featuring expert commentary by GMs Maurice Ashley, Peter Leko and IM Jovanka Houska.
Written by Milan Dinic
Photos: Anna Shtourman and Lennart Ootes
Official website: worldrapidandblitz2025.fide.com/
