Total Chess chief defends fast-classical group stage as Carlsen and 23 others await in Budapest

Total Chess chief Kjell Madland defended the pilot tournament’s fast classical-only group stage in Budapest on November 9, 2026, as Magnus Carlsen and 23 other players awaited the event.

The event opens with a nine-round blitz tournament, followed by a fast classical group stage that will decide the four semi-finalists, with all three formats used in the knockouts.

Madland said all 24 players will compete across formats until the final day and that the format aims to modernise chess and attract wider audiences.