Q: What is the Total Chess World Championship Tour?
A: The Total Chess World Championship Tour is a new, FIDE-approved global championship developed by Norway Chess. It will be played over four tournaments each year, and crown an overall champion across three chess disciplines – Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz to crown the FIDE World Combined Champion — the most complete chess player across all time controls.
Q: What prompted the launch of a new world championship at this time?
A: Norway Chess has grown significantly, and many have expressed a desire for us to expand internationally. Therefore, we wanted to develop a forward-looking concept that includes all rated disciplines. At the same time, FIDE felt the need to have another regular championship (preferably in a tour format) with the participation of the world’s best players, as well as to address the challenges associated with calls for faster time controls.
Q: How many tournaments are included in each tour?
A: The tour will consist of four tournaments per year in different global cities. Together, the results from all tournaments decide the overall standings and the FIDE World Combined Champion.
Q: When is the first event scheduled to take place?
A: A pilot tournament will be held in the fall of 2026. The Total Chess World Championship Tour will officially launch in Q1 of 2027.
Q: Which cities are being considered as host locations?
A: As of now, we are open and actively seeking locations and partners.
Q: Who will be eligible to participate?
A: Qualification will be a combination of other tournaments, the FIDE Circuit, Rapid and Blitz World Championships and direct rating-based entry. As jointly agreed, we would like to confirm that the FIDE World Rapid Champion 2025 and FIDE World Blitz Champion 2025 will receive direct invitations to the 2027 Tour.
Q: How will players qualify?
A: Through rating, selected FIDE tournaments, and likely some local players from the host city. The exact qualification system will be announced in Q1 2026.
Q: Will female players be included?
A: Female players will have the opportunity to qualify on an equal basis with men by participating in open tournaments. Taking into account both FIDE’s wishes and our own commitment to promoting women’s chess, Norway Chess will continue to organize at least one women’s super-tournament with an appropriate budget.
Q: How many players will take part?
A: 24 players per tournament in locations 1, 2, and 3, and 4 players in the final.
Q: How will the format ensure participation from both established stars and emerging talents?
A: Through various qualification paths. Players ranked in the Top 10 of the rating list will receive guaranteed invitations (ensuring the participation of recognized stars), while the inclusion of qualifying tournaments guarantees that young talents have the opportunity to earn their place through fair sporting conditions.
Q: What are the specific time controls for the different formats?
A: It’s too early to specify exact time controls. We are currently working to determine what best suits the concept. Nevertheless, we in any case anticipate that the so-called “Fast Classic” format will provide players with less time than traditional classical formats. This position is fully supported by FIDE.
Q: Will there be an Armageddon component similar to the one used at Norway Chess?
A: Yes. It will not be rated, but will follow draws in fast classic games.
Q: How is the scoring system structured?
A: It’s too early to specify the exact scoring system, as it is still under development. We plan to announce it in Q1 2026.
Q: What is the format of the overall competition, from group stages to the final?
A: It will be a combination of fast classic rated games, rapid, and blitz. The full regulations will be announced at a later time.
Q: What will the prize fund or compensation structure look like?
A: The Total Chess World Championship Tour features a robust prize pool: a minimum of $750,000 for each of Locations 1–3. The fourth event, which crowns the FIDE World Combined Champion, will award at least $450,000 to a four-player field. Additional performance bonuses will be available for the highest point total at each tournament and for the top overall score across the Tour.
Q: What is the long-term vision for the Total Chess World Championship Tour?
A: To continuously evolve and deliver a concept that serves both players and audiences at all times.
Q: How is the championship being financed?
A: It will be financed by investors, sponsors, and media partners.
Q: What key values does the championship aim to promote?
A: Hosting premier chess events that showcase top talent, promote inclusivity, and deliver an innovative viewing experience that captivates both new and seasoned chess fans.
Q: How will the organizers ensure fair play, inclusivity, and transparency?
A: This is extremely important to both us and FIDE. We will make every effort to meet all fair play control requirements and will establish transparent and objective qualification rules for the tournament.
Q: What is FIDE’s role and level of involvement in the Total Chess World Championship Tour?
A: FIDE has approved the concept and the world championship title, and will be involved in developing and approving the concept and regulations. FIDE’s support for this project is extremely important to us, as the World Champion title is the crown jewel that distinguishes any tour – even the most prestigious unofficial one – from official competitions that attract special attention from fans worldwide.
Q: Does this new championship replace or affect any existing FIDE World Championship titles?
A: No.
Q: Will Russian players or players from currently restricted federations be permitted to participate?
A: FIDE will have the final say on which players may qualify. As of now, the regulation allows Russian players competing under the FIDE flag to participate.
Q: Who owns and operates the Total Chess World Championship Tour?
A: The organization behind Norway Chess. The World Championship status has been granted to the Tour based on an agreement with FIDE.
Q: What will happen to the Norway Chess tournament as it exists today?
A: It will likely be incorporated into the Total Chess World Championship Tour.
Q: Where will the championship be broadcasted and streamed?
A: We are currently searching for the ideal partners. It will be broadcasted and streamed for a global audience. Our goal is to elevate chess broadcasting to a new level, making it appealing to millions of fans and providing a solid commercial foundation for the Tour.
Q: Where can the public find official information and updates about the championship?
A: The information will be available on two main websites. Firstly, on Norwaychess.com – a dedicated website is under development and will be announced via the Norway Chess platform once published. In addition, FIDE will, of course, also communicate the most important news on its official website, fide.com.
Q: Is there a dedicated website and social media channels for the Total Chess World Championship Tour?
A: A dedicated website is under development and will be announced via the Norway Chess platform once published.