2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship got off to a high-quality start in Doha, Qatar, with several of the world’s elite grandmasters sharing the lead after the opening day of competition.
After five rounds in the Open section, a tightly packed leaderboard has set the stage for a compelling race heading into Day Two.
Five Grandmasters share the early lead
World number one Magnus Carlsen sits atop the standings after Day One with 4.5 points out of five games. He is joined by D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and Vladislav Artemiev, all of whom posted identical scores to form a five-way tie for first place.
Carlsen entered the event with familiar expectations. Despite previously stating that his relationship with FIDE still isn’t “great,” the Norwegian chose to compete in Doha once again.
The 13-time world speed chess champion has won a medal at this event every year since 2014 and is chasing the rapid title currently held by GM Volodar Murzin, who endured a difficult opening day and finished with just two points.
Strong Indian presence near the top
India continues to assert itself on the global chess stage, with Gukesh Dommaraju and Arjun Erigaisi firmly among the leaders.
D Gukesh, seeded 16th, matched Magnus Carlsen’s pace with an impressive 4.5/5, while Erigaisi delivered another composed showing to remain level at the top.
Just half a point behind the leaders is a large chasing pack of 15 players, including two international masters — IM Goutham Krishna and IM Eldiar Orozbaev — who both sit on four points after five rounds.
Women’s event sees a sole leader
In the Women’s World Rapid Championship, GM Zhu Jiner emerged as the standout performer on Day One. She holds sole possession of first place with a perfect 4/4 score, while seven players trail her by half a point with multiple rounds still to play.
Tournament overview and what’s next
The championship is being held at the Sports and Events Complex at Qatar University from December 26 to 30, marking the tournament’s return to Doha for the first time since 2016.
A total prize fund of approximately €1,000,000 is at stake, with the rapid portion awarding €70,000 to the Open winner and €40,000 to the Women’s champion.
Day Two resumes on Saturday, December 27, featuring rounds six through nine in the Open section as the title race intensifies.