By the Pawn Social Club Team | pawnsocialclub.org | June 11, 2025
Buckle up, chess fans, because London is about to become the epicenter of high-octane chess action! From June 10–16, 2025, the Novotel London West in Hammersmith will host the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships, and we at Pawn Social Club are positively buzzing with excitement. This isn’t just another chess tournament—it’s a rapid-fire, blitz-fueled spectacle that’s set to deliver thrills, spills, and some downright jaw-dropping moves. With a record-breaking €500,000 prize fund and nearly 60 teams from across the globe, this is the chess event of the year, and London’s ready to roll out the red carpet for it
The Stage is Set: A Chess Extravaganza in London
Picture this: the vibrant streets of London, the clink of teacups in cozy cafés, and the electric atmosphere of the Novotel London West, where chess titans and rising stars will clash in a whirlwind of rapid and blitz battles. This is the third edition of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more inclusive than ever. With 104 Grandmasters, including five from the world’s top 10—Hikaru Nakamura, Arjun Erigaisi, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Alireza Firouzja, and Ian Nepomniachtchi—this tournament is a chess lover’s dream come true.
What makes this event so special? It’s the unique team format that blends elite superstars with passionate amateurs. Each team of 6–9 players must include at least one female player and one recreational player (rated under 2000 Elo), ensuring a diverse and dynamic field. From chess legends like Vladimir Kramnik and Viswanathan Anand to young prodigies like 9-year-old Sarbartho Mani and 10-year-old Roman Shogdzhiev, this championship is a celebration of chess’s global community. It’s like a chess festival where everyone’s invited to the board
Rapid and Blitz: Where Speed Meets Strategy
The tournament kicks off with the Rapid Championship from June 11–13, featuring a 12-round Swiss format with a time control of 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment per move. Expect heart-pounding moments as players race against the clock, unleashing brilliant tactics and the occasional blunder that keeps us all on the edge of our seats. Then, from June 14–15, the Blitz Championship takes over with a revamped two-stage format: a round-robin pool stage followed by a knockout phase for the top 16 teams, played at a lightning-fast 3 minutes plus a 2-second increment. This is where the real chaos unfolds—split-second decisions, daring sacrifices, and pure chess adrenaline
The prize fund is a whopping €500,000, with €310,000 for the Rapid event and €190,000 for the Blitz. That’s a massive leap from last year’s €350,000, signaling the growing prestige of this championship. Whether you’re rooting for the reigning champs or an underdog squad, the stakes are sky-high.
The Teams to Watch: A Clash of Titans and Trailblazers
Let’s talk contenders. The WR Chess Team, winners of the 2023 Rapid and 2024 Blitz titles, is back with a vengeance. With a star-studded lineup featuring Hikaru Nakamura, Alireza Firouzja, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Wesley So, and Alexandra Kosteniuk, they’re the team to beat. But don’t count out Al-Ain ACMG UAE, the 2024 Rapid champions, who return with heavy hitters like Vladislav Artemiev, Daniil Dubov, and reigning Rapid World Champion Volodar Murzin.
Then there’s Hexamind Chess Team, a powerhouse squad boasting Levon Aronian, Vladimir Kramnik, Peter Svidler, and rising star Vidit Gujrathi. Vidit himself said, “I actually enjoy rapid and blitz more than classical chess, so it’s the perfect fit. Plus, it’s being held in London, and this is a great time of year to be there!” We couldn’t agree more, Vidit
Keep an eye on Team MGD1, led by Arjun Erigaisi and featuring Olympiad gold medalists Pentala Harikrishna and Harika Dronavalli. And don’t sleep on Freedom, with chess legend Viswanathan Anand and former women’s world champion Anna Muzychuk. With 55 teams in the mix, including wild cards and early registrants, the competition is fierce, and surprises are guaranteed.
Why London? The Chess Capital Shines
London’s no stranger to chess greatness. From the historic 2018 World Chess Championship match between Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana to the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League in 2024, the city has a knack for hosting unforgettable chess moments. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich nailed it when he said, “Thegrowing popularity of chess in the UK and the global appeal of London as an international hub is one of the key reasons why we decided to bring the event here.” With the BBC airing a chess program for the first time in 30 years, the UK’s chess boom is in full swing, and we’re here for it
The Novotel London West will be buzzing with energy, and fans can catch every move live on FIDE’s YouTube channel with expert commentary from GMs Daniel King and Jovanka Houska. Want to experience the action in person? Tickets are available at tickets.fide.com, but act fast—venue capacity is limited, and prices will rise closer to the event. From single-round passes to full-tournament hospitality packages, there’s something for every chess enthusiast.
Why We’re Hyped at Pawn Social Club
At Pawn Social Club, we’re all about celebrating chess as a unifying force, and this event embodies that spirit. The mix of elite grandmasters, rising stars, and passionate amateurs reflects the heart of our community—chess is for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just love the thrill of the game, this championship is a chance to witness history in the making. Plus, who doesn’t love the chaos of rapid and blitz? It’s chess with the intensity cranked up to 11!
So, grab your chessboard, assemble your dream team, and join us in cheering for every checkmate, sacrifice, and time-scramble blunder. London’s calling, and the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships are about to light up the board. Let’s make some noise for chess!
Follow the action live on FIDE’s YouTube channel and stay tuned to pawnsocialclub.org for updates, analysis, and more chessy goodness!
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