Doha, Qatar – Magnus Carlsen of Norway secured his dominance in the world of competitive chess, winning both the FIDE World Rapid and World Blitz Chess Championships at the Qatar University Sports and Events Complex on December 31, 2025. This victory marks Carlsen’s ninth Blitz title and his 20th world championship overall, solidifying his position as one of the greatest chess players of all time. The event drew over 400 participants from 70 countries.
Carlsen defeated Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov in a thrilling Blitz final that went to four games. After Abdusattorov drew first blood, Carlsen responded with victories in games two and four, sealing the championship win. Earlier in the day, he overcame Fabiano Caruana of the United States in the semi-finals, while Abdusattorov bested India’s Arjun Erigaisi to advance to the final match.
Magnus Carlsen Continues His Reign in World Blitz Chess
This latest triumph is particularly significant for Carlsen as it represents his fifth time winning both the Rapid and Blitz titles in the same year (previously achieved in 2014, 2019, 2022, and 2023). He received a prize of €70,000 for winning the Blitz championship. According to Carlsen, this win was one of his hardest-earned successes yet, showcasing the increasing competitiveness in the sport.
The tournament wasn’t solely a showcase of Carlsen’s abilities. Arjun Erigaisi of India demonstrated impressive form, securing the bronze medal in the Blitz event after achieving a strong performance in the Swiss phase with 15 points from 19 rounds. This accomplishment adds to his bronze medal win in the Rapid championship, marking a successful campaign for the Indian player. The competition at the highest levels of chess is clearly intensifying.
Women’s Championship Results
Meanwhile, in the Women’s Blitz Chess Championship, Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva claimed the world title after a hard-fought battle against Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk. The final match was closely contested, with the first three games ending in draws before Assaubayeva secured victory in the fourth.
Assaubayeva’s path to the title included a decisive semifinal win over China’s Zhu Jiner. Muzychuk, also a formidable competitor, advanced to the final by defeating Eline Roebers of the Netherlands. Notably, five-time world champion Ju Wenjun of China finished 17th, indicating the increasing depth of talent in women’s chess.
Qatar Chess Association President Mohammed Al Mudahka expressed his satisfaction with the organization and level of competition displayed throughout the event. He highlighted the valuable experience gained by Qatari players participating in the World Championships. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich similarly praised Qatar’s contribution to the development of chess in the region, noting the impressive turnout of players from around the globe.
The success of the Qatar 2025 championships underlines the growing global appeal of rapid and blitz chess formats. These faster-paced versions of the game, designed for entertainment and quick thinking, are attracting a wider audience and challenging traditional chess perceptions. The event also provided a platform for up-and-coming players like Abdusattorov and Erigaisi to showcase their skills against the established elite.
Looking ahead, FIDE will likely assess the feedback from this event to refine future championship formats and locations. The organization is also focused on promoting chess at the grassroots level, aiming to increase participation and accessibility worldwide. The next major international chess event is tentatively scheduled for early 2026, with details regarding the location and format expected to be released in the coming months.
