FIDE Circuit Overhaul: Major Changes for 2026-27 Seasons Revealed

• FIDE approves significant changes to its Circuit format for the 2026-27 seasons, effective January 1.
• A new two-year Circuit cycle combines results from 2026 and 2027, with scores based on a player's best 12 tournament results.
• New balance rules limit rapid/blitz events to four and restrict smaller tournaments to emphasize classical chess.
• Clear qualification path to the 2028 Candidates Tournament requires at least eight eligible tournaments, five of which must be standard time-control events.
• Introduction of a separate FIDE Open Circuit sub-ranking and formal inclusion of the Total Chess World Championship Tour.

Why It Matters: FIDE's new Circuit format for 2026-27 aims to strengthen competition and enhance merit-based qualification.