Total Chess World Championship: Qualification pathways announced

FIDE and Norway Chess have confirmed the qualification routes for the Total Chess Tour 2026, the pilot event of a new world championship concept combining Fast Classic, Rapid and Blitz. The initiative, approved by FIDE, aims to identify the most versatile elite players and will lead into a full championship cycle from 2027. With places allocated through world titles, major championships and rating lists, the new Tour is set to add a distinctive pathway to the top level of competitive chess.