New Delhi, 30 October (H.S.): Istanbul, Türkiye, will host the 2026 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships from December 25 to 30, bringing together hundreds of leading players from across the world for one of the most prestigious events on the international chess calendar.

Freedom Holding Corp. has been named the title sponsor of the championships. The company has been a strategic partner of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) since 2023.

The sponsorship forms part of a broader cooperation agreement for 2026, under which Freedom Holding Corp. will support several major FIDE events, including the Candidates Tournament and World Championship matches. The partnership will also extend to grassroots chess development through training centres, school programmes and initiatives aimed at identifying promising talent.

FIDE President Timur Turlov welcomed the decision to award the hosting rights to Istanbul, noting Türkiye’s established record of organising major international chess competitions and its contribution to the development of the sport.

In an official statement, Turlov said he was delighted to bring the World Rapid and Blitz Championships to Istanbul. He noted that Türkiye had repeatedly demonstrated its ability to stage world-class chess events while contributing significantly to the growth of the game at every level. He also acknowledged the cooperation of the Turkish Chess Federation and its partners.

Istanbul previously hosted the 40th Chess Olympiad in 2012. The city also successfully staged the World Youth Rapid and Blitz Championships in 2025.

Traditionally organised during the final week of December, the championships will run from December 25 to 30 this year, with December 25 designated for arrivals. Hundreds of competitors from around the world are expected to participate, with four world titles at stake across the Open and Women's Rapid and Blitz categories.

Among the defending champions is Magnus Carlsen, the world's highest-rated player, who secured both the Open Rapid and Blitz titles in 2025. Aleksandra Goryachkina is the reigning Women's World Rapid Champion, while Bibisara Assaubayeva holds the Women's World Blitz title.

The tournament is expected to bring the international chess season to a high-profile close, attracting established grandmasters and emerging talents competing for the four coveted world championship crowns.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar