The 2026 FIDE World Team Rapid Chess Championship concluded on Friday at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Hong Kong, with China’s Dragon Chilling team emerging as the new world champions after three days of intense competition.
The tournament, held from June 17 to 19, brought together more than 42 teams and over 300 players from around the world. Organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, the championship marked the first time the prestigious event was hosted in East Asia.
Dragon Chilling Crowned Champions
Led by former World Champion Ding Liren, Dragon Chilling produced a dominant performance throughout the 12-round Swiss event. The Chinese squad, featuring elite grandmasters Wei Yi, Yu Yangyi, Lu Shanglei and women’s world champion Ju Wenjun, maintained their momentum from the opening day and secured the gold medal on home soil.
After winning all four matches on the first day, Dragon Chilling stayed ahead of strong contenders including India’s Team MGD1 and Kazakhstan’s KazChess.
The victory represents one of the biggest achievements for Chinese chess in team rapid competition and highlights Asia’s growing influence on the global chess landscape.
Magnus Carlsen and WR Chess Face Unexpected Difficulties
Pre-tournament favorites WR Chess, headed by world number one Magnus Carlsen, experienced a disappointing campaign. Despite boasting one of the strongest lineups in the event, the team struggled to maintain consistency.
Carlsen suffered notable defeats, including a loss to Indian grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi, while several teammates also dropped crucial points. The defending champions finished far below expectations, ending outside the medal positions.
The surprising result underlined the increasing depth and competitiveness of modern team chess.
Indian Stars Continue Their Rise
India’s young talents once again demonstrated why the country is considered one of chess’s emerging superpowers.
Arjun Erigaisi recorded a memorable victory over Magnus Carlsen, adding another milestone to his growing list of achievements. Meanwhile, Grandmaster Raunak Sadhwani impressed by drawing against elite opponents including Carlsen, Viswanathan Anand and Ding Liren.
Indian women’s star Divya Deshmukh also remained unbeaten during much of the competition, further strengthening India’s position among the world’s strongest chess nations.
Tournament Format
The World Team Rapid Championship featured:
- 12-round Swiss system.
- Six-player teams.
- Mandatory inclusion of at least one female player.
- One recreational player rated below 2000.
- Rapid time control of 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment.
The competition will now transition into the World Team Blitz Championship, scheduled for June 20-21 in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Strengthens Position as an International Chess Hub
Hosting the championship at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium has reinforced Hong Kong’s ambitions to become one of Asia’s major chess destinations. The event attracted elite grandmasters, amateur players and fans from across the globe.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich described the championship as a spectator-friendly event that continues to grow in popularity with each edition.
The 2026 World Team Rapid Chess Championship delivered dramatic upsets, memorable performances and a historic victory for China’s Dragon Chilling team. While Magnus Carlsen and WR Chess endured a rare setback, the event showcased the remarkable rise of Asian chess powers, particularly China and India.
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With the Blitz Championship set to begin, Hong Kong remains the center of the chess world as fans await another chapter of high-speed action.
By Purvi Sehrawat
