FIDE Unveils New World Cup Format, Expands Field and Increases Prize Fund for 2027

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has announced a major overhaul of its World Cup and Women’s World Cup, introducing a new competition format, expanding the number of participants, and significantly increasing the overall prize fund from the 2027 editions onwards.

One of the biggest changes is the expansion of both tournaments. The Open World Cup will now feature 224 players, up from 206, while the Women’s World Cup will grow from 103 to 128 players. The increase in the field is intended to make both events more inclusive and provide greater opportunities for players from every region to compete in one of the most prestigious tournaments in international chess.

Alongside the expanded fields, FIDE has introduced several new qualification pathways. The top four finishers in the latest FIDE Grand Swiss and FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss will now earn direct qualification for their respective World Cups. The winner of the 2026 Total Chess World Championship will also secure a place in the tournament.

For the first time, players will also be able to qualify through the FIDE Circuit, with this pathway introduced for both the Open and Women’s events. Continental representation has also been strengthened, with each continent now receiving seven qualification places, ensuring broader global participation. In addition, a new qualification place has been reserved for the highest-rated senior player.

FIDE has also enhanced the financial rewards on offer. The combined prize fund for the Open and Women’s World Cups will increase from USD 2.67 million in 2025 to USD 3.3 million in 2027, reflecting the federation’s continued investment in the sport.

Prize money will continue to be distributed among all participants, with players finishing in the lower positions receiving higher payouts than in the 2025 editions. While the winner’s prize remains unchanged, the revised format allows players competing for the title to earn the same top reward over a shorter tournament, improving the balance between the duration of the event and the financial incentives.

Speaking about the changes, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said the revised format had been designed to preserve the unique identity of the FIDE World Cup while adapting to the evolving demands of modern chess.

“The new format has been designed to preserve the unique identity of the FIDE World Cup while adapting it to the evolving needs of modern chess. We believe that the combination of Swiss qualification and knockout finals will offer a more engaging experience for both players and fans,” Dvorkovich said.

He added that the expansion would make the tournaments more inclusive than ever before, with additional qualification places for Africa and the Americas creating more opportunities for talented players across the globe.

“With these changes, the FIDE World Cup and FIDE Women’s World Cup will remain among the most watched competitions in international chess while continuing to serve as key gateways to the World Championship cycle for players from every corner of the world,” he said.

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