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FIDE Approves Norway Chess Tour to Crown a World Combined Champion

The series introduces a 45+30 fast classical format that will count toward classical ratings.

Overview

  • The Total Chess World Championship Tour will run four events per season across fast classical, rapid and blitz, culminating in a FIDE World Combined Champion.
  • The schedule calls for a pilot event in late 2026 followed by the first full season in 2027, with host cities to be confirmed.
  • The prize pool totals $2.7 million, with $750,000 for each of the first three events and $450,000 for a four-player final.
  • The 24‑player field will be filled via rating and results from eligible tournaments such as the World Rapid & Blitz Championship, according to organizers.
  • FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich welcomed the tour as complementary to the classical world championship, and Magnus Carlsen was quoted reacting positively to the concept.