Magnus Carlsen, the world’s top chess player, faced disqualification from the World Rapid Championship in New York due to a dress code violation. Refusing to change out of jeans after receiving a prior warning, Carlsen was defaulted and subsequently decided to withdraw from the World Blitz Championship, citing the issue as a matter of principle. At the time of his disqualification, Carlsen had scored 5/8, leaving him a point and a half behind the leaders with little chance of retaining his title.
The World Rapid Championship saw strong performances from Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Arjun Erigaisi, and Alexander Grischuk, who were leading with 6.5/8 after eight rounds. Among the chasing pack were Volodar Murzin, an 18-year-old from Russia, who achieved a notable victory over Fabiano Caruana, and Hikaru Nakamura, a speed chess specialist. The Women’s World Rapid Championship also showcased impressive talent, with rising U.S. star Alice Lee winning her first four games. However, Lee fell to reigning world champion Ju Wenjun in a pivotal fifth-round match. After six rounds, Ju led the standings with 5.5/6, closely followed by Alexandra Kosteniuk and Kateryna Lagno.
This year’s event marked the first time the World Rapid and Blitz Championships were held on American soil, attracting 182 participants in the open section and 113 in the women’s events. The total prize fund amounted to $1 million, with $428,500 allocated for the women’s competitions. Rapid games are played with a time control of 15 minutes per player, plus a 10-second increment per move, while Blitz games allow three minutes per player with a two-second increment.
Carlsen, a five-time world rapid and seven-time world blitz champion, had captured both titles in 2022 and 2023. Despite his withdrawal, his career achievements remain unparalleled, with 64 major titles to his name. In contrast, Gukesh Dommaraju, the 18-year-old classical world champion, has six major titles so far. Gukesh, who is not competing in New York, faces the challenge of matching Carlsen’s remarkable legacy.
Rapid chess remains Carlsen’s preferred format, as evidenced by his recent victory in the Champions Tour, where he defeated Ian Nepomniachtchi in the final. Carlsen employed innovative strategies, including a rook lift and aggressive attacks, to secure a decisive 4-1 victory.
The World Rapid Championship continues over three days, culminating in a 13-round competition. Between the Rapid and Blitz events, a conference titled the Wall Street Gambit explores the intersection of chess and finance. Highlights include a keynote speech by economist and grandmaster Kenneth Rogoff on chess, AI, and economics. Prominent players like Fabiano Caruana and Vishy Anand are also participating.
While the event draws top international talent, the high costs have deterred many UK players. Instead, England’s chess community is focusing on the Caplin Hastings Masters, a local tournament featuring over 100 participants. Notable competitors include Shreyas Royal, England’s youngest grandmaster, and FM Alex Golding, who recently won a pre-Christmas blitz event.
The World Rapid and Blitz Championships continue to captivate the global chess community, showcasing the intense competition and evolving strategies that define modern chess.
