by FIDE has announced a significant format change for one of the most anticipated events in the chess calendar i.e. 2024 World Rapid & Blitz Championships. It is scheduled to take place in New York, Wall Street, from December 26 to 31, 2024.
- This year’s event will introduce a new knockout structure for the Blitz Championship.
- A free day has been added in between the championships for media day.
- Media day will host the Chess Davos conference, bringing together the worlds of chess and finance.
New Swiss-Knockout Format for Blitz Championship
For the first time the World Blitz Championship will be decided through a two-stage format.
- The first stage will follow the familiar Swiss system, consisting of 13 rounds for the open section and
- 11 rounds for the women’s section, with a time control of 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment per move.
- The top eight players from this stage will qualify for the knockout phase.
- The knockout stage will feature four-game matches.
As per FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky : “This year, FIDE adjusted the format, and the Blitz Championship will be decided in the KO. This is not only much more exciting but also will allow for the direct match-ups of the strongest players to decide the winners. The Blitz format allows for the matches of four games to be played at each stage of the KO, whilst a long-enough qualifier with eight spots reduces the role of chance. Oftentimes, there is a trade-off between objective merit and attractiveness – here, we will have both. FIDE is already in talks with several networks, and we believe this format would ideally suit for TV broadcast.”
Time Control & Schedule Highlights :
World Rapid Championship 2024 Time Control & Schedule
- 15 minutes + 10 seconds increment per move
- 13 rounds for the Open section, 11 Rounds for Women’s section (December 26-28)
World Blitz Championship Stage 1 Time Control & Schedule :
- 3 minutes + 2 seconds increment per move, 13 rounds for Open section, 11 Rounds for Women section (December 30)
World Blitz Championship Stage 2 Time Control & Schedule :
- Knockout (Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Final) (December 31)
The knockout format for Blitz promises to deliver intense, high-stakes drama by putting the top eight players in head-to-head battles, where every move could determine their fate. This format ensures fairness by giving each player an equal chance to advance, with no second chances, making every game a do-or-die situation. The direct competition between all skilled players will keep the excitement high, as each match brings them one step closer to the final, where only the best will emerge victorious. This structure guarantees a thrilling experience for both players and spectators alike.
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