Hong Kong - Organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, the "FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2026" is being held in Hong Kong for the very first time, taking place from today to 21 June 2026 at Queen Elizabeth Stadium.
The tournament officially commenced today, with Mr. Raistlin Lau, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism; Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich, President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE); Mr. K.K. Chan, President of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation; Mr. Geoffrey Kao, Honorary President of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation; and Mr. Wilfred Ng, Chairman of the Major Sports Events Committee, officiating the opening ceremony. Mr. Raistlin Lau, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich, President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), made the ceremonial first move to officially kick off the championships.
Mr. Raistlin Lau, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, “The championships not only represent the pinnacle of competitive chess, but also exemplify remarkable inclusivity. By bridging the gap between elite Grandmasters and passionate recreational players, it creates a rare platform for international amateurs and local talent to compete side by side with seasoned professionals in a fast-paced and high-stakes setting.”
Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich, President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), said, “We are grateful to our hosts at the Hong Kong China Chess Federation for their tremendous effort, tireless energy, and enthusiasm in organising this championship. Hong Kong is a natural stage for this event because chess strength in Asia is growing fast. This region has given our game champions, new stars, and a new generation of players who are changing the chess map.”
Mr. K.K. Chan, President of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, said, “We host a world event so our young players can see champions with their own eyes. That is how champions are made. We are honoured that this Championship has been awarded the "M" Mark status by the Major Sports Events Committee—a recognition that affirms Hong Kong’s standing as a world-class host city.”
Mr. Geoffrey Kao, Honorary President of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, said, “Hosting this prestigious global event in Hong Kong for the very first time is both a historic milestone and the fulfillment of a long-held dream for our local chess community. It marks a defining moment for chess development in our city and a proud occasion for chess enthusiasts throughout the region.”
The tournament convenes 48 teams and over 300 top-tier chess players from around the globe, with both its star-studded lineup and scale marking the grandest edition in the event's history. They will all be competing for a total prize purse of €500,000. The event will attract players and tourists from more than 50 countries, significantly boosting the development of the city’s sports tourism and related industries and further solidifying Hong Kong’s position as a centre for major international sports events.
Six Hong Kong teams are competing, providing local players with a rare and invaluable opportunity to compete alongside the world’s elite.
M Mark Event
The "FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2026" is awarded "M" Mark status by the Major Sports Events Committee, symbolising an intense, spectacular and signature event in the territory’s sports calendar, which help enhance the image of Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events.
Mixed Team Format with Total Prize Fund €500,000
Following three successful editions in Düsseldorf (2023), Astana (2024), and London (2025), the championship returns with an exciting format: mixed teams where elite professionals and recreational players compete side by side across rapid, and blitz events. Every match is played on six boards, and each team must include at least one female player and at least one recreational player, defined as someone who has never achieved a FIDE rating of 2000 or higher in standard, rapid, or blitz.
The FIDE World Team Rapid Chess Championship will be played as a 12-round Swiss tournament across three days (June 17-19), with four rounds per day and a time control of 15 minutes for the whole game plus a 10-second increment per move. The FIDE World Team Blitz Chess Championship follows on June 20 and 21, beginning with pool stages before moving to a knockout format for the top 16 teams, with a time control of 3 minutes plus a 2-second increment per move.
The total prize fund across both championships is €500,000. The Rapid Champion team will receive €110,000, with the Blitz Champion team taking home €75,000.
Inaugural FIDE World Team Amateur Rapid Chess Cup 2026
In addition to the main event, the inaugural FIDE World Amateur Team Rapid Chess Championship will take place from June 18 to 21. Specifically designed for amateur enthusiasts, this tournament provides a unique platform for diverse teams, chess clubs, and local organizations to participate in this prestigious global chess event. A total of 40 amateur teams will compete for the title. Each team is composed of six players. All participants must have never achieved a FIDE rating of 2000 or higher in standard, rapid, or blitz. The tournament will follow the Rapid format, with 15 minutes for the whole game plus a 10-second increment per move. The tournament will be conducted in two stages, culminating in a final showdown to determine the champions. The total prize fund is €25,000. The Champion team will receive €10,000.
Tournament Village Open to the Public for free
During the tournament, a dedicated Tournament Village will be open to the public for free, inviting visitors of all ages to ignite their strategic thinking. The Village is partitioned into three premier thematic zones—traditional mind sports, emerging intellectual activities, and a diverse tabletop gaming experience—to ignite the intellect of visitors across all generations. In a landmark collaboration, the event will also play host to the 2nd Asian Mind Sports Carnival, organized in conjunction with the Asian Mind Sports Association. This prestigious assembly is set to convene an illustrious field of over 1,000 elite competitors from across the continent. Participants will engage in high-level exchanges across more than ten disciplines, including Chess, Bridge, Go, Xiangqi, and the Rubik’s Cube, collectively illustrating the multifaceted allure of intellectual discipline. Get set to immerse yourself in the unique charm and intellectual thrill of mind sports this June.
Tickets Now On Sale
The public can now secure their tickets via the official ticketing platform www.urbtix.hk. One day tickets range from HK$250 to HK$380. Package Deals are available: 3-day Rapid Chess package (June 17-19) HK$688; 2-day Blitz Chess package (June 20-21) HK$538; 5-day All Access package (June 17-21) HK$1,088.
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