Despite FIDE fallout, Magnus Carlsen locks in deal for high-profile chess tournament

Magnus Carlsen, the world number one chess player, is set to return to competitive play with a groundbreaking new tournament, despite his ongoing differences with the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The Norwegian superstar, known for his dominance across formats, will participate in the newly unveiled Total Chess World Championship Tour, promising to reshape the competitive chess landscape.

A new chapter for Magnus Carlsen

Since 2023, Carlsen has refrained from defending the World Championship title he held for a decade, citing a lack of motivation to compete in traditional long-format matches. The current World Champion, India’s Gukesh Dommaraju, now holds the prestigious title. However, Carlsen’s return under the Total Chess concept marks a fresh approach tailored to modern chess audiences and players.

“This seems like a well-thought-out step to further develop chess,” Carlsen said in a statement released by the Norway Chess foundation. “Bringing multiple formats together under a single title will provide a more complete view of the players' strengths, while the time controls suit today’s players and audience.”

The tournament is designed to test players across Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz formats, highlighting versatility and skill in multiple disciplines. For Magnus Carlsen, who has historically excelled in rapid and blitz games, this represents an ideal competitive arena.

FIDE’s backing amid tensions

Despite the high-profile disagreements between Carlsen and FIDE, the federation has welcomed the initiative. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich stated,

“We see this as a great addition to the traditional and prestigious World Chess Championship, where we crown the undisputed champion of classic chess. The championships will complement each other.”

This dual approach ensures that both classical chess and the modern, multi-format competition can thrive, catering to diverse audiences and player strengths.

Organizers have confirmed that a pilot version of the Total Chess World Championship Tour will take place in autumn 2026. The first full season is scheduled for 2027, offering a structured yearly circuit that crowns one champion across all three disciplines. With Magnus Carlsen’s participation, the tour is expected to draw global attention, reigniting excitement in the competitive chess world.