Once again, Magnus Carlsen is set to bring the heat to the World Rapid and Blitz Championships. The Norwegian superstar heads to Doha, Qatar, with fire in his eyes, ready to defend his dominance in speed chess. Despite past tensions with FIDE, Carlsen confirms he’s motivated and warns rivals: “As long as I’m in good shape, I’ll be a dangerous man.”
World Rapid And Blitz Championships
The 2025 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz kicks off today, December 26, at Qatar University’s Sports and Events Complex. Rapid runs through December 28 with 13 Swiss rounds for open players (15 minutes + 10-second increment), followed by Blitz on December 29-30 featuring 19 preliminary rounds and knockout finals (3 minutes + 2-second increment). With a €1,000,000 prize fund, Doha hosts its first after nine years, drawing over 360 players, including top talents like Alireza Firouzja.
Magnus Carlsen X World Rapid and Blitz
Magnus Carlsen, world number one in both formats, holds 13 speed chess world titles, more than all rivals combined. He nearly skipped the event amid his FIDE feud, sparked by “Jeansgate” at the 2024 Rapid, where a $200 fine for jeans led to his withdrawal and a shared Blitz title with Ian Nepomniachtchi. “I was more than out at some point,” Carlsen admitted, but factors like Norwegian tradition, organiser GM Mohd Al-Mudahka’s friendship, and personal drive flipped his stance from “clear no” to full commitment.
This year shines for Carlsen beyond the board. He won eight tournaments across formats, including a perfect 9/9 at Grenke Chess Freestyle Open, Clutch Chess Champions Showdown ($170,000 prize), and his seventh Norway Chess title. Married to Ella Victoria in January and father to a baby boy in September, he calls 2025 a “fun ride” but stays hungry. “I’m playing to push myself… motivated to give it my all,” he told Chess.com.
Rivals loom large, though. Alireza Firouzja‘s late confirmation excites fans; he could challenge Carlsen head-on. Hikaru Nakamura sits out as a new dad, opening the field. Carlsen eyes the format tweak to 19 Blitz prelims: “It’s good… removes excuses. If I’m not top four in 19 rounds, I’m just not good enough.” He welcomes less “hectic” chaos than last year’s 13-round mess.
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Will he add titles 14 and 15? Or will Firouzja spark an upset? One thing’s clear: Doha delivers drama. Tune in on FIDE’s YouTube and Twitch, chess’s Christmas showdown never disappoints. Stay locked for updates as the action unfolds.
Also read: Gukesh D On World Rapid & Blitz, “Don’t Have Lots Of Expectations..”
