In a move that could redefine the structure of professional chess, FIDE has approved a new format called FIDE Combined World Champion, the first edition of which is expected to begin in 2027. Launched by Norway Chess and supported by the World Chess Federation, this new format has the potential to shake up the traditional world championship cycle – and perhaps even pave the way for a return to the framework Magnus FIDE Championship.
Recently, Norway Chess released a 37-second promotional video unveiling the Total Chess World Championship Tour, which will crown the combined FIDE World Champion. The tour consists of four global events starting in 2027, with three tournaments of 24 players each, culminating in a final with four competitors competing. In addition to the prestige of the title, the tour offers a substantial prize pool of US$2.7 million per event and will serve as a qualifying route for the prestigious FIDE Candidates Tournament.
A format for modern times – and for Magnus?
The timing of this announcement is critical. The chess world has seen Magnus Carlsen, arguably its greatest modern player, distance himself from the traditional championship cycle. Since 2023, when Carlsen relinquished his world title, he has consistently expressed frustration with the current structure, particularly the slow and often rigid format of classical chess. He also showed little interest in participating in the lengthy FIDE qualification process.
What does the new format entail?
The tour will include three different time controls: fast classic, fast and lightning. While rapid and blitz are familiar to chess fans, the “fast classic” format is a fresh novelty – featuring a 45-minute time limit with 30-second increments per move. Crucially, games played in this format still count towards the Classic Chess rating.
The concept of World Combined Champion is gaining popularity. For example, when Gukesh won the 2024 World Cup, critics argued that he was not a true champion because his skills in other formats were lacking. However, the new format offers a more comprehensive test: a player adept at fast, lightning fast classics could win the undisputed title of world champion. This approach solves a long-standing problem in chess – the fragmentation caused by multiple formats and separate names, often referred to as the “cricket syndrome”. The Combined World Champion model aims to unify the sport, much like combat sports and WWE crown undisputed champions.
Impact on existing tournaments
The introduction of this format raises significant questions about the future of existing tournaments. Will this signal the end of the Grand Chess Tour? What happens to the qualifying positions at key events such as the World Cup, Grand Swiss and FIDE Circuit? For example, will the qualifying places for the World Cup be reduced from three to two? Will Grand Swiss see its slots halved? These questions remain unanswered and will likely be clarified after the pilot tournament scheduled for fall 2026.
The bigger picture: Carlsen’s potential comeback
The timing and design of the Total Chess World Championship Tour suggests a clear goal – to lure Magnus Carlsen back into the championship cycle. Absent from the cycle for the past three years, this format provides Carlsen with a competitive environment suited to his strengths: faster time control, a fresh style of classical chess and a strong emphasis on fast and blitz formats. His return could revitalize the game and offer fans the chance to see him compete more often in FIDE events than in open chess tournaments.
Carlsen’s presence, especially in high-profile matches against rising stars like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi, would be a significant boost to global chess – and especially to the Indian chess community, where anticipation for such matches is high.
A New Chess Era or Confusion?
However, the new format also brings a potential dilemma. As Srinath Narayanan, India’s Grandmaster and National Coach, pointed out on X (formerly Twitter), the relationship between the FIDE Combined World Champion and the traditional FIDE World Champion is unclear: “So a FIDE Combined World Champion qualifies as a FIDE candidate to become a FIDE World Champion? That’s confusing even to me.”
This duality may unsettle purists who revere the classic tradition of the World Cup. However, much depends on the success of the pilot event in 2026. With so many potential changes to the game, 2027 could be a transformative year for chess – a year that will forever evolve the sport.
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
October 16, 2025
