“This seems like a well-thought-out step to further develop chess. Bringing multiple formats together under a single title will provide a more complete view.”
Magnus Carlsen
Five-time World Chess Champion
Pilot 2026
A groundbreaking FIDE-approved championship format. The Total Chess World Championship Tour brings together the best players across Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz — to crown the FIDE World Combined Champion.
The Championship
The Total Chess World Championship Tour is developed, owned, and operated by Norway Chess — one of the world’s most innovative elite chess tournaments.
For the first time, all three chess disciplines — Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz — come together in a single world championship to determine the ultimate champion: the FIDE World Combined Champion.
A pilot tournament will take place in early to mid-October 2026, testing the full concept, format, and regulations. The full championship season will then launch in 2027.
At a Glance
World First
Three Disciplines, One Title
A single, FIDE-recognized World Championship unifying Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz into one complete test.
Global Field
24 Elite Players
24 elite players per tournament at locations 1, 2, and 3. Only the top four advance to the Grand Final.
Pilot Year
October 2026
The pilot tournament runs early to mid-October 2026. The full championship season launches in 2027.
Explore
Learn more about how the Total Chess World Championship Tour works.
Competition
The Format
How the group stage, knockout matches, and Grand Final work across three disciplines.
Players
Qualification
How the world’s best earn their place — through rating, FIDE tournaments, and competition results.
Rules
Regulations
The official regulations governing qualification, scoring, tie-breaks, and prize distribution.
“Chess at its best is about the entire range, the ability to think deeply, and then switch gears at an instant. ”
Viswanathan Anand
Five-time World Chess Champion and Deputy President of FIDE
“The Total Chess World Championship Tour is a brand-new competition similar to the triathlon in athletics. I hope to participate in this event and compete for the new championship title! ”
Ding Liren
World Chess Champion
Have Questions?
We’ve gathered the most common questions and answers about the Total Chess World Championship Tour in one place.