The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships 2024 concluded in Astana, Kazakhstan, from the 2nd of August to the 6th of August. This prestigious tournament featured 315 chess players competing in 39 teams, including a significant representation from Kazakhstan, which accounts for 40% of the participants. The total prize money for the tournament is €350,000, which will be distributed among top performers of both Rapid and Blitz format.

Prominent global champions like Magnus Carlsen (Norway), Ding Liren and Hou Yifan (China), Ian Nepomniachtchi (Russia), etc. participated in the event. Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi, Nihal Sarin, Raunak Sadhwani, S L Narayanan, Pranav V, B Adhiban, Srinath Narayanan, Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli and Mihir Shah were also present there with their respective teams representing India.

On the final day, Wadim Rosenstein’s team won the FIDE championship. His team members include  Magnus Carlsen, Hou Yifan, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Vincent Keymer and Wadim Rosenstein himself. The team was the same except for replacing three-time US Chess Champion Wesley So with Carlsen.

Also, GM Richard Rapport beat GM Magnus Carlsen as WR Chess. Defeating Carlsen with the black pieces was an extraordinary strategy, particularly given the method employed by the Hungarian number one. Carlsen never managed to castle, became severely entangled, and was reduced to just two minutes on the clock when 17…Qb5! was played, attacking the rook on e4. The crucial point is that after 18.Nxe4 dxe4, the white queen quickly becomes unable to defend against the mate on e2. The position was a nightmare to defend and Carlsen didn’t manage, with Nepomniachtchi expressing the full horror of the moment for his teammate.

The World Rapid Chess Tournament 2024 concluded in Kazakhstan with a breathtaking display of skill and strategy. Players from around the globe showcased their prowess in rapid and blitz chess, delivering games filled with intense moments and brilliant tactics. As the final pieces were moved and the last clocks stopped, Kazakhstan’s rich cultural backdrop provided the perfect setting for this prestigious event, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of chess.

If you also wish to test your chess skills in the real world and win money you can download our app from ziffichess.com to play 6 move chess battle. Please feel free to get in touch with us at hello@ziffichess.com. Play Ziffi and Win Cash…!!