DOHA: Qatar has officially confirmed its readiness to host the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships 2025, scheduled from December 26 to 30, marking the prestigious tournament’s return to Doha after nine years.
The announcement was made on Saturday by Mohammed Al-Mudahka, President of the Qatar Chess Association (QCA) and Chairman of the tournament’s Organizing Committee, during a press conference at the Rosewood Hotel in Lusail. He was joined by Hamad Mohammed Al-Tamimi, Executive Director of QCA and Tournament Director.
“The FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships 2025 will take place in Doha from December 25 to 30, bringing together the world’s elite chess players for an exciting end-of-year spectacle,” Al-Mudahka said. “The tournament will be hosted at the Sports and Events Complex at Qatar University.”
The championship will feature Open and Women’s events in both Rapid and Blitz formats, with a total prize fund exceeding €1 million. Al-Mudahka highlighted the significance of the event, noting that Doha will become the only city in the world to host the World Rapid & Blitz Championships twice.
“This is a milestone not only for chess but for sports in Qatar. It reflects our deep passion for the game and our commitment to excellence. We are proud to welcome the world’s greatest players back to Doha, where tradition meets ambition and the future of chess,” he said.
More than 360 players have already confirmed their participation, according to FIDE. The event will bring together multiple world champions, top-rated players, and emerging stars, making it one of the strongest fields in the tournament’s history.
