Doha, Qatar – Magnus Carlsen of Norway secured his sixth FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship title on December 28, 2025, at the Qatar University Sports and Events Complex. The world No. 1 finished with 10.5 points across 13 rounds, a full point ahead of his competitors, and took home the top prize of €70,000. This victory further solidifies Carlsen’s position as a dominant force in the world of competitive chess.
The championship, a prestigious event in the chess calendar, drew a strong field of international grandmasters. Carlsen’s win marks his 19th world title across classical, rapid, and blitz formats, showcasing his versatility and enduring skill in all three disciplines. The competition was fierce, with several players challenging for the lead throughout the tournament.
Carlsen’s Path to the 2025 World Rapid Chess Championship
Carlsen’s journey to the title wasn’t without its challenges. He experienced a loss to Vladislav Artemiev in the seventh round and drew with both Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Arjun Erigaisi. However, he demonstrated resilience, bouncing back with crucial victories against Shant Sargsyan and Ray Robson.
The decisive final round saw Carlsen draw with Anish Giri of the Netherlands. Simultaneously, Artemiev, who had been leading overnight, was held to a draw by Wesley So of the United States. This outcome allowed Carlsen to secure the championship with a clear margin. Artemiev ultimately finished second with 9.5 points, while Erigaisi and others tied for third.
Key Performances and Standings
Arjun Erigaisi of India claimed third place on tiebreaks, also finishing with 9.5 points. Hans Niemann and Leinier Dominguez Perez also reached 9.5 points, contributing to a tightly contested leaderboard. Several other top players, including Vachier-Lagrave and Wesley So, finished within the top ten.
Reigning classical world champion Dommaraju Gukesh finished with 8.5 points, a respectable showing but not enough to contend for the top spot. Fourteen-year-old Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus also impressed, achieving 8.5 points against much more experienced competition. Among the Qatari players, Husain Aziz led with 4.5 points.
According to Carlsen, a key factor in his success was his unwavering focus on winning first place. He believes this mindset provides a significant psychological advantage over opponents who may be content with securing a prize or medal. He also highlighted his strong performance against players outside the top tier as a crucial element of his victory.
The event also featured a women’s competition, where Russian Aleksandra Goryachkina, competing under the FIDE flag, won her first women’s rapid title. Goryachkina defeated Zhu Jiner in a tie-break to claim the crown and a prize of €40,000. Koneru Humpy of India placed third after a three-way tie for the top spot.
The chess tournament, valued at €1 million, attracted considerable attention from the international chess community. The high level of play and the presence of numerous grandmasters underscored Qatar’s growing role as a host for major sporting events. The competition also provided a platform for emerging talents like Erdogmus to showcase their skills.
Looking ahead, the focus now shifts to the Blitz Championships, which began today at the same venue. The outcome of these matches will further shape the landscape of elite chess and determine who will emerge as the top blitz player. The results of the Blitz Championships are expected to be announced in the coming days, and will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
