As the chess world is still buzzing from Dommaraju Gukesh’s incredible World Championship victory, the spotlight now turns to the 2024 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships in New York. The prestigious event, running from December 26 to 31, will see the world’s top players battle it out in the faster formats of the ancient game. And leading the Indian charge are the immensely talented duo of Arjun Erigaisi and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa.
Magnus Carlsen Seeks to Extend Dominance
While newly crowned classical champion Gukesh and dethroned king Ding Liren will be absent, the overwhelming favorite remains the legendary Magnus Carlsen. The Norwegian superstar is not only the defending rapid and blitz champion but also the highest-rated player in both formats. Coming off another dominant performance in the Champions Chess Tour, Carlsen will be determined to remind everyone why he is considered the GOAT of chess.
Carlsen’s Biggest Challengers
But Carlsen won’t have it easy. His biggest rival in rapid chess is likely to be American No. 1 Hikaru Nakamura, who has been in scintillating form lately. Other major contenders include the uber-talented Alireza Firouzja of France, the ever-solid Fabiano Caruana of the USA, and the clever Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan.
Clearly it’s Hikaru, Alireza and then everybody else.
– Magnus Carlsen on his biggest rivals in blitz chess
In blitz, Carlsen sees Nakamura and Firouzja as his primary challengers. But the likes of Ian Nepomniachtchi, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and Daniil Dubov can never be counted out in this high-speed format where a single mistake can prove fatal.
The Indian Challenge
For Indian fans, though, all eyes will be on Arjun Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa. The 19-year-old Arjun has been in the form of his life, reaching a peak rating of 2775 and defeating Carlsen on multiple occasions. His aggressive, uncompromising style is well-suited for the faster time controls.
Pragg, still only 17, continues to make rapid strides. The boy from Chennai has proven his mettle against the very best and will relish the opportunity to further boost his burgeoning reputation.
- Other Indians in the fray: Raunak Sadhwani, Aravindh Chithambaram, Bharath Subramaniyam
Women to Watch
In the women’s section, it’s hard to look past the Chinese stars – Hou Yifan, Ju Wenjun, Lei Tingjie, and Tan Zhongyi. They dominate the top of the rapid and blitz rating lists.
But they will face stiff competition from the likes of Aleksandra Goryachkina, Alexandra Kosteniuk, and former champions Kateryna Lagno and Bibisara Assaubayeva. India’s hopes will be carried by chess Olympiad heroine Divya Deshmukh and the experienced Koneru Humpy.
A Battle for the Ages
With a total prize fund of $1 million, the stakes couldn’t be higher at the 2024 World Rapid & Blitz. Will Carlsen further cement his legacy as the King? Can Nakamura or Firouzja finally dethrone him? Or will a new star emerge, an Arjun or a Pragg?
As the world’s best descend on the Big Apple, one thing is certain – chess fans are in for an absolute treat. Buckle up and get ready for a chess festival like no other!
