Mumbai, Oct 15 (NationPress) The team behind Norway Chess has unveiled an exciting new World Championship, set to recognize a champion across all time formats—Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz—with the endorsement of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

Named the Total Chess World Championship Tour, this championship will feature four annual events that will determine an overall champion across the three formats: Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz. Kjell Madland, CEO of Norway Chess and the championship, expressed optimism about the event becoming a highlight in the chess calendar.

The championship will also bestow the title of FIDE World Combined Champion upon the overall winner. With a substantial annual prize pool of at least $2.7 million distributed across four tournaments, each event will offer $750,000, while the finals will have a prize of $450,000, alongside performance bonuses. A pilot event is scheduled for fall 2026, with the inaugural complete season commencing in 2027.

This initiative, stemming from the renowned Norway Chess tournament organizers, was solidified with a formal agreement with FIDE earlier in October. The aim of the Total Chess World Championship Tour is to identify the player who excels in all three disciplines combined. The Fast Classic format is a modern twist on classical chess, featuring a time limit of as low as 45 minutes and a 30-second increment per move, qualifying for classical chess ratings.

“Our goal is to discover 'The Total Chess Player'—an adaptable, strategically savvy, and technically proficient competitor who can thrive across various time controls,” stated Kjell Madland.

Events will occur in different cities worldwide, culminating in an overall champion, crowned as the official FIDE World Combined Champion.

“We aim to create an engaging tournament using advanced technology, innovative broadcasting methods, and quicker formats to expand the chess audience significantly. We anticipate it becoming one of the most prestigious events in the chess calendar. We are deeply grateful for the trust FIDE has placed in us; their involvement has been crucial in ensuring the project aligns with their vision,” remarked Kjell Madland.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich emphasized the importance of innovation, stating, “We continually seek ways to advance chess. While it is already one of the world's most beloved games, its potential for growth is vast. The Total Chess World Championship Tour introduces a new title for players and a faster format to engage both current fans and new audiences.”

“This initiative is a fantastic complement to the traditional World Chess Championship, where we determine the undisputed champion of classical chess. Both championships will enhance the excitement for fans. This is a long-term commitment between FIDE and Norway Chess,” concluded Arkady Dvorkovich.