The 2025 World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships reached a fever pitch today as Norway’s Magnus Carlsen secured the World Rapid title, setting the stage for a wide-open battle in the Blitz rounds scheduled to begin on Monday.
Lukasz Turlej, Secretary General of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), on Sunday said that the tournament has entered its critical final phase. Speaking from the venue, Turlej characterized the event as one of the most prestigious in international chess, highlighting both the "fantastic atmosphere" and the elite caliber of the 400-player field.
The headline of the day belonged to Carlsen, who navigated a gauntlet of top-ranked opponents to clinch the Rapid Championship. However, the victory was hard-fought. Turlej noted that the "fierce competition" among the world’s best has left little room for error, with the gap between the podium finishers and the rest of the field remaining razor-thin.
While Carlsen holds the momentum, FIDE officials believe the upcoming Blitz Championship remains an open race. Unlike the Rapid format, the Blitz rounds demand instantaneous intuition, and the parity seen earlier this week suggests a volatile final day.
"I believe the chances are equal for all competitors in the Blitz Chess Championship," Turlej stated. "The levels of competition witnessed in the Rapid tournament were incredibly close, and tomorrow’s rounds will be the ultimate decider."
The tournament has drawn significant international eyes to Qatar, serving as a showcase for the Qatar Chess Association’s (QCA) efforts to grow the sport within the region. Turlej praised the local organizers for delivering a world-class venue that has facilitated high-level play.
"This has become one of the most important editions of the World Championship," said Turlej. "The presence of every top-ranked player and the excellent organization have made this a standout event on the global circuit."
All eyes now turn to the clock for Monday's Blitz opener. With 400 grandmasters and specialists fighting for the final title of the week, the pressure in Doha has never been higher.