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FIDE-Backed Total World Chess Championship Sets 2026 Pilot as Carlsen Voices Support

FIDE endorses a Norway Chess tour piloting in 2026 to crown a combined champion across faster formats.

Overview

  • Norway Chess says the tour will feature 24 players, with some qualifying by rating and others through designated events.
  • The combined title will be decided across fast classical, rapid and blitz, with fast classical set at 45 minutes plus a 30‑second increment and counted for classical rating.
  • Organizers outline three events with $750,000 prize funds and a four‑player final offering $450,000 to determine the FIDE World Combined Champion.
  • FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich confirmed the project has been in development since spring 2025 and said the classical crown remains the premier title.
  • Media reports indicate two spots from the tour could feed into the Candidates, though specific qualification mechanics remain to be finalized as players debate the overhaul.