Total Chess pilot launches in Budapest with fast‑classical format that leaves even Magnus Carlsen without clear favorite

A new Total Chess tournament began in Budapest on Tuesday, testing a fast‑classical format that even world champion Magnus Carlsen cannot dominate. The pilot event aims to find a player who can master three time controls – fast classical (45 minutes plus 30‑second increment), rapid and blitz – before a Grand Slam‑style tour launches in 2027 with a Total World Champion crown. Five‑time world champion Carlsen, Indian prodigies Praggnanandhaa R, Vaishali Rameshbabu and Arjun Erigaisi, along with a roster that includes Fabiano Caruana, Wesley So and Anish Giri, arrived for the opening rounds. The format combines a shortened classical game with nine blitz rounds that decide group seedings, then a group‑stage knockout. Because blitz performance heavily influences standings, organizers say no player, even Carlsen, can be labeled a favorite. “Anyone can win the group stage,” said R Praggnanandhaa to The Indian Express. He added that among Indians, Arjun Erigaisi has the edge in rapid and blitz, being higher‑rated and a 2025 bronze medalist in both World Rapid and World Blitz championships. Players admitted they lack experience with the 45‑minute plus 30‑second increment schedule. Praggnanandhaa noted the first tournament will help shape strategies. Kjell Madland, CEO of Norway Chess and architect of the new championship, said the aim is to build a future‑oriented competition, not replace the Classical World Championship. Winners will earn a spot in the Candidates tournament, keeping the classical title at the pinnacle. ## Context The Total Chess experiment adds a fourth world title to the existing Classical, Rapid and Blitz crowns, with a Freestyle champion planned for 2027, reflecting a push to make chess more TV‑friendly while preserving the prestige of the traditional championship.