Sports · 3 January 2026
Volodar Murzin defends FIDE World Rapid title; Magnus Carlsen & Ian Nepomniachtchi share FIDE World Blitz crown
Exam-focused facts from the 3 January 2026 current affairs briefing.
Key facts
- Volodar Murzin emerged as the World Rapid champion in 2024 after beating Alexander Grischuk.
- Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi were the joint World Blitz champions.
- The 2025 championships are hosted at Qatar University’s Sports and Events Complex in Doha.
- Each of the Rapid and Blitz sections carries a €350,000 prize fund, with the winner taking home €70,000.