FIDE announced the venue and dates for the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships 2026. The event will take place in Istanbul, Turkey, from December 25 to 30.

Freedom Holding Corp. will become the title sponsor of the event. The founder of this company and FIDE President Timur Turlov commented on choosing Turkey as the venue:

Timur Turlov

Timur Turlov

FIDE President

“We are delighted to bring the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships to Istanbul.

Turkey has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to organize world-class chess events while making an outstanding contribution to the growth of our game at every level.

I would like to thank the Turkish Chess Federation and its partners for their commitment and cooperation!”

The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships are the most prestigious events in fast time controls. The events are held annually in the final week of the year.

The defending Champion in the Open section is Magnus Carlsen. He was the winner of both Rapid and Blitz events in 2025. The Women’s section Champions were Aleksandra Goryachkina in Rapid and Bibisara Assaubayeva in Blitz.