International Chess Federation FIDE And Freestyle Chess among The first official FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship 2026 An agreement has been reached regarding the organization of the event. this competition 13–15 February 2026 It will be held in Weissenhaus, Germany in which eight top players will participate. Although in this important event the famous Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura Name of pending or absent Is visible, raising questions among fans and experts.
How was the agreement reached? FIDE and Freestyle conversation
FIDE and Freestyle Chess have agreed to a signing of cooperation agreement made, allowing Freestyle Chess to be included within the official FIDE system World Championship Got the right to organize. This World Championship will take place in the Fischer Random/Chess960 format—recognized in accordance with the charter of FIDE.
For years there was a dispute between Freestyle Chess and FIDE Controversy was, especially World Championship Regarding the use of the word. Freestyle Chess had previously tried to use it as a title in its own private Grand Slam Tour, but FIDE clarified that no one could declare an official world championship without FIDE’s permission.
Why not Hikaru Nakamura’s name?
One of the main reasons is that Nakamura and some other top players Has disagreed with FIDE’s policies and the format of the competition. Even before this he has expressed his opinion against FIDE and on some decisions of FIDE harsh criticism — such as time control and format issues. It is believed that his absence a major reason for Disputes and lack of consensus with FIDE Used to be.
It was also revealed in the old controversies that the organizers and players of Freestyle Chess had their own rules and regulations. World Championship expressed a desire to use the title, while FIDE made it clear that only it could organize the World Championship. Meanwhile, players such as Nakamura and Magnus Carlsen had advocated a non-aligned or critical attitude towards FIDE, complicating their participation.
Did Nakamura ask for something between FIDE and Freestyle?
Some reports indicate that some top players Freestyle Chess and FIDE combined into one different and prosperous Wanted to create a competition—but according to FIDE rules World Championship Titles may be used only with the approval of FIDE. In such circumstances, controversy had arisen and some players did not accept it.
Who will play in the 2026 World Championship
Eight players have been selected under the new agreement, with some based on previous results and some for online qualification Will be held. This competition will be held in collaboration with FIDE and Freestyle Chess, so that future World Championship The path seems to be clear.
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