History made as Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi share 2024 FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship title

NEW YORK: On January 1, a historic moment unfolded in New York as Grandmasters Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi agreed to share the 2024 FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship title. The unprecedented decision came after seven intense games, including a thrilling sudden death stage that ended in a deadlock.

Magnus Carlsen, the reigning world blitz champion, initiated the groundbreaking proposal to share the title, a move never before seen in chess history. Ian Nepomniachtchi, known for his sportsmanship, accepted the offer without hesitation, etching their names into the annals of chess history.

The tournament saw Carlsen aiming for his eighth World Blitz title and Nepomniachtchi seeking his first. The final was a rollercoaster, with Carlsen winning the first two games and coming close to victory with just a draw needed. However, Nepomniachtchi showcased incredible tenacity, winning two consecutive must-win games to level the score at 2.0-2.0 and force sudden death.

The sudden death phase added to the drama, with three consecutive draws leaving both players inseparable. It was then that Carlsen proposed the shared title, highlighting the extraordinary spirit of the game and mutual respect between the players.

Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi’s decision marks the first instance of a shared World Championship title in chess, signaling a moment of camaraderie and innovation in the sport.