The FIDE World Amateur Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship 2026 officially got underway with the Rapid section on Sunday, at the Bolton White Event Hall in Abuja, Nigeria. Players from across the world began their quest for the coveted FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Championship titles. Competitors will play 11 rounds of Rapid chess and 11 rounds of Blitz chess over five days, ensuring the full competitive format. Notably, any female player is eligible to win two prizes, while this option is not available to male players, providing an additional incentive for the women competing in the championship. The opening ceremony brought together leading figures from the Nigerian and international chess community. It was attended by FIDE Delegate Sergei Indeikin, President of the Nigeria Chess