Archive · 9 Jan 2026
FIDE Introduces New Circuit Format for 2026-27
FIDE, the organization that oversees international chess, has made big changes to how chess players can qualify for important tournaments.
Starting in 2026, players' rankings will be based on their best results over two years instead of one.
They need to play in at least eight tournaments, with at least five being standard (longer) games.
There are also new rules to make sure players don't rely too much on quick games or small tournaments.
FIDE wants to make sure everyone has a fair chance to qualify based on their performance.
They will also have a special ranking for big open tournaments.
The changes aim to make the qualification process more balanced and fair.
FIDE introduces a new two-year Circuit format for the 2026-27 seasons, combining results from both years for rankings.
Players' final Circuit scores will be calculated from their best 12 tournament results over the two-year period.
New balance rules limit the number of rapid or blitz events and smaller tournaments that can count towards a player's final score.
To qualify for the 2028 Candidates Tournament, players must have at least eight eligible tournaments, with five being standard time-control events.
A separate FIDE Open Circuit sub-ranking is created for tournaments with more than 50 participants, offering qualification opportunities for selected FIDE competitions.
- Who
- FIDE (International Chess Federation)
- What
- Introduction of a new two-year Circuit format for 2026-27 seasons
- When
- Changes approved on December 26, 2025, effective from January 1, 2026
- Where
- Global (FIDE is an international organization)
- Why
- To strengthen the Circuit, provide equal opportunities, and increase the role of sporting merit in selection
- Organization
- FIDE (International Chess Federation)
- Effective Seasons
- 2026 and 2027
- Circuit Cycle
- Two-year cycle
- Qualification Path
- At least eight eligible tournaments, with five being standard time-control events
- FIDE Open Circuit
- Sub-ranking for tournaments with more than 50 participants
- Rapid/Blitz Tournaments
- Reduced weight compared to classical tournaments
- World Championship Bonus
- Runner-up gets fewer points with a coefficient of 1.5
- Ranking Updates
- Published and updated weekly