The 2024 FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship culminated with unprecedented drama as Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi shared the Open title following a fantastic display of skill, resilience, and sportsmanship. This remarkable agreement, made during their tense match, marks the first time the world champion title has ever been shared and has already sparked debate across the chess community.
Meanwhile, on the women's side, GM Ju Wenjun claimed victory, adding another title to her illustrious career by beating Lei Tingjie. The championships, held at Cipriani Wall Street, witnessed fierce battles among the world’s best players and set the stage for memorable moments and discussions about sportsmanship and competition.
The knockout stages of the tournament featured sixteen Grandmasters—eight from the Open and eight from the Women's competition—who were all vying for their respective titles. Carlsen, the defending champion, began the tournament with early setbacks, losing to Hans Niemann. After this loss, he stormed through the subsequent rounds, defeating Jan-Krzysztof Duda to secure his place in the finals against Nepomniachtchi.
Nepomniachtchi reached the finals himself after overcoming Volodar Murzin and Wesley So, both of whom put up formidable challenges. The finals commenced with Carlsen taking rapid control, leaping to a 2-0 lead against Nepomniachtchi. Just when it seemed like Carlsen was on track for victory, Nepomniachtchi mounted a spectacular comeback, winning the next two games to tie the match, creating a high-tension environment.
What followed was three exhausting tiebreak games, which ended with no clear winner, setting the stage for Carlsen's surprising offer to share the title.
“I believe the audience could understand we were both very tired and nervous. Some people are going to like this; some people are not. It is what it is,” Carlsen remarked after making his offer.
Nepomniachtchi accepted, and they approached FIDE’s Chief Arbiter to solidify their agreement. According to FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky, the proposal needed approval from FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. “If we continued, either side would have won because of exhaustion, and it would have been cruel on both of us,” Carlsen explained, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship.
The decision to share the title has not come without its controversies. Chess commentators and players have weighed heavily on the subject. GM Hikaru Nakamura expressed his dissent online, stating, “I don’t think it is right at all.” Subsequent Twitter polls mirrored this divide, with fans split on whether the decision was acceptable.
It’s worth noting this isn’t the first time chess has witnessed shared victories. Carlsen himself had previously proposed similar agreements during other tournaments, raising questions about sporting principles and the competitive nature of chess tournaments. The chess world has reacted with shock and intrigue as this remarkable finish challenges traditional norms.
Ju Wenjun, who faced off against Lei Tingjie, also had her share of thrilling encounters on her path to victory. Ju, the reigning Women's World Champion, breezed through her early matches, overpowering defending champion Valentina Gunina and smoothly defeating India’s Vaishali Rameshbabu. Lei’s road was tougher, requiring tiebreaks and narrow victories to earn her place against Ju.
The final was no less gripping, extending to five relentless games, all tied, which put both players under immense pressure. It was during the tiebreak games where Ju's skill shone brightest—adjusting her strategy and eventually forcing Lei to resign, clinching her title. Ju reflected on her victory, stating, “We both played well, and I was just more lucky,” showcasing her humility amid competitive triumph.
This championship not only provided excitement on the boards but also introduced innovations to the format, moving from traditional rounds to this thrilling knockout structure—a change applauded by many for enhancing the spectator experience. The merging of two years also marked the event as unique, with many matches straddling the New Year, heightening the sense of occasion surrounding the championship.
The thrilling finale of the 2024 FIDE World Blitz Championship will be remembered for its historic moments—a high-stakes clash of titans resulted not only in shared glory for Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi but also for the enduring legacy of Ju Wenjun. Both events culminated at Cipriani Wall Street, mirroring the elite status of chess as it continues to evolve and captivate audiences worldwide.
With memorable games and exhilarating outcomes, the championship solidifies its place as one of the most riveting events on the chess calendar, leaving fans and players alike with plenty to celebrate and discuss.