French GM Alireza Firouzja shared his opinion about the Grand Chess Tour. Alireza notes the significance of winning the tour, points out the advantage in the combination of formats, and expresses his opinion on the Total Chess World Championship.

Alireza Firouzja

Alireza Firouzja

French GM

“For me, this is the most important tour. Because if you win it — I think it shows that you are one of the best players this year.

Because it’s a combination of two Classic and two Rapid tournaments, and then you have to win the final. I think it really shows that you’re one of the best this year.

Is this a much fairer way to choose the best player than the World Championship cycle? You could add tournaments, but I think it’s a good way to make the selection bigger. Also, I’m a big fan of the Total Chess World Championship format. Looking forward!”

The Grand Chess Tour is an annual circuit of international tournaments, featuring Classical, Rapid, and Blitz formats. GCT Super Rapid & Blitz Poland 2026 takes place in Warsaw from May 5 to 10.

The Total Chess World Championship Tour is a new series of tournaments, organized by Norway Chess and approved by FIDE. The tour will feature Fast Classical, Rapid, and Blitz tournament, and the pilot event will take place from 10-24 November 2026.

Credit: Lennart Ootes