No rating-based spots! FIDE launches new qualification system for 2028 Candidates
FIDE has overhauled its qualification system for the 2028 World Chess Championship cycle, removing rating-based spots in favor of performance-based qualification. The new rules emphasize results from major tournaments like the World Cup and the FIDE Circuit.
Why it matters
This change significantly alters the professional chess landscape by prioritizing tournament success over static world rankings, aiming to increase competitive fairness.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has approved a new qualification system for the 2028 FIDE Candidates Tournament and the 2028 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. These events decide who will challenge for the World Championship titles. The updated rules are designed to make qualification fairer by rewarding players for strong performances across major tournaments instead of relying on world rankings alone. The changes were proposed by FIDE’s Global Strategy Commission and aim to give players more ways to earn a place in the Candidates.One of the biggest updates is the addition of the Total Chess World Championship Tour 2026–2027 as a direct qualification route. The top two players in the Tour standings will earn spots in the 2028 Candidates Tournament.FIDE has also reduced the number of Candidates spots available through the World Cup.
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