World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen headlines a star-studded field of 24 elite players assembling in Budapest for the inaugural Total Chess World Championship Tour Pilot, a landmark tournament designed to introduce a new format to professional chess.

With a total prize fund of $650,000, the competition will bring together some of the biggest names in international chess to test their skills across Fast Classical, Rapid and Blitz formats.

Carlsen, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time, arrived in the Hungarian capital late Monday evening. The Norwegian superstar has maintained the world No. 1 position for 15 consecutive years, making his participation one of the major highlights of the tournament.

The Budapest Pilot marks an important step in the development of the Total Chess World Championship Tour, which aims to redefine elite chess through a combination of competitive innovation, global broadcasting and enhanced fan engagement.

Magnus Carlsen headlines 24-player chess field

The tournament features an exceptional lineup of international grandmasters, established champions and emerging chess talents, including two leading female players.

According to the recent FIDE standard ratings provided by the organisers, the confirmed participants include:

• Magnus Carlsen (Norway) – World No. 1
• Fabiano Caruana (United States) – World No. 3
• Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzbekistan) – World No. 5
• Wesley So (United States) – World No. 6
• R Praggnanandhaa (India) – World No. 7
• Vincent Keymer (Germany) – World No. 9
• Alireza Firouzja (France) – World No. 10
• Anish Giri (Netherlands) – World No. 11
• Arjun Erigaisi (India) – World No. 12
• Jan-Krzysztof Duda (Poland) – World No. 13
• Liem Le (Vietnam) – World No. 16
• Levon Aronian (United States) – World No. 20
• Ian Nepomniachtchi (FIDE) – World No. 22
• Richard Rapport (Hungary) – World No. 23
• Jorden van Foreest (Netherlands) – World No. 24
• Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (Azerbaijan) – World No. 27
• Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (France) – World No. 28
• Hans Moke Niemann (United States) – World No. 32
• Haik M. Martirosyan (Armenia) – World No. 48
• Vladislav Artemiev (FIDE) – World No. 66
• Abhimanyu Mishra (United States) – World No. 76
• Andrew Hong (United States) – World No. 134
• Bibisara Assaubayeva (Kazakhstan) – Women’s World No. 7
• Vaishali Rameshbabu (India) – Women’s World No. 24

India will have a strong presence in Budapest, with R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi and Vaishali Rameshbabu representing the country’s growing influence in international chess.

The participation of established stars and emerging talents makes the tournament one of the notable gatherings in the international chess calendar.

New championship format

Beyond the prize money and star power, the Budapest Pilot is designed to test a new competitive format that identifies the most complete chess player across three major disciplines: Fast Classical, Rapid and Blitz.

The organisers aim to create a more dynamic and engaging championship by combining different time controls into a single competition.

The initiative also seeks to modernise how professional chess is presented and consumed, bringing fans closer to the players, their strategies and the drama unfolding during matches.

How the tour format works

The pilot tournament will feature 24 players divided into four groups of six competitors.

Group stage

Each group will follow a double round-robin format over five days, with every player competing in 10 Fast Classical games.

The time control will be 45 minutes per player with a 30-second increment per move.

The scoring system awards:

• Three points for a win.
• One point for a draw.
• Zero points for a loss.

A nine-round Blitz Swiss tournament conducted before the main competition will determine the tie-break rankings.

Knockout stage

Following the group stage, players will advance into knockout brackets according to their finishing positions.

Each knockout match will take place over two days and feature three chess disciplines:

• Four Blitz games with a 3+2 time control.
• Two Rapid games with a 15+10 time control.
• One Fast Classical game with a 45+30 time control.

The scoring system uses weighted points to reward performance across the different formats, with greater emphasis on longer time controls.

If a knockout match remains tied, an Armageddon game will determine the winner.

Road to Grand Final

The four highest-ranked players across the Tour will qualify for the Grand Final.

The final stage will feature semifinals and a championship match to determine the inaugural FIDE World Combined Champion.

The format is designed to reward consistency, versatility and excellence across all three disciplines rather than performance in just one time control.

Global broadcast partnerships

The Budapest Pilot is also aiming to reach a worldwide audience through an extensive network of international television and digital broadcasting partners.

DAZN will serve as the global broadcast partner, while India’s NDTV will bring the tournament to Indian audiences through its television network and digital platforms, including YouTube.

Additional coverage will be available through Chess.com, ChessBase India, Norway’s TV 2 and the Norway Chess YouTube channel.

The enhanced broadcast experience will feature professional production, expert commentary, live insights and detailed post-match studio analysis.

According to the organisers, the tournament’s distribution network is expected to make the competition accessible across more than 200 countries and territories.

New chapter for professional chess

With 24 elite players, a $650,000 prize fund and an innovative multi-format competition structure, the Total Chess World Championship Tour Pilot represents an ambitious attempt to reshape the future of professional chess.

The tournament brings together some of the world’s strongest players while exploring new ways to improve the competitive experience and expand the sport’s global appeal.

For Magnus Carlsen, Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi and the other participants, Budapest offers an opportunity to compete for the inaugural title while becoming part of a new chapter in chess history.

The bigger question is whether the combination of Fast Classical, Rapid and Blitz can establish a new standard for elite chess competitions.

Twenty-four elite players. Three chess disciplines. $650,000 in prize money. The journey towards a new world championship begins in Budapest.

Total Chess is a global championship platform developed by Norway Chess and approved by FIDE, with the objective of redefining elite competitive chess through a unified championship format.

By Muhammad Sajjad and Sudhashree Dash

Thousands of students from across the UAE gathered at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026) on November 9, immersing themselves in a world of books, literature, creativity and interactive learning.

Held at Expo Centre Sharjah from November 4 to 15, the prestigious literary event is taking place under the theme ‘Made of Stories,’ celebrating the power of storytelling, cultural exchange and the enduring influence of literature.

Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), SIBF 2026 has attracted 3,212 publishers and exhibitors representing 126 countries, showcasing approximately 1.7 million book titles.

The strong participation of school students highlighted the fair’s growing importance in encouraging reading habits, creative expression and intellectual development among younger generations.

Interactive learning experiences

A major attraction for young visitors is the newly introduced Future Hands District, an interactive educational zone designed to help students discover potential career opportunities through practical activities and simulations.

The fair also features more than 1,500 cultural, educational and creative activities, offering students opportunities to learn beyond traditional classroom settings.

Some of the key attractions include:

• Interactive workshops: Students can participate in drama performances, STEM activities, puppet shows and digital animation masterclasses.
• Poets’ corner: A creative space where students’ personal stories are transformed into personalised poems by resident writers.
• Author sessions: Literary discussions and interactive sessions featuring internationally recognised authors, including science-fiction writer Nnedi Okorafor, novelist Zoulfa Katouh and prominent Emirati literary personalities.

These activities aim to inspire young minds while introducing students to different forms of storytelling, artistic expression and creative learning.

Oman Pavilion draws attention as guest of honour 

The Sultanate of Oman is the Guest of Honour at the 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair, adding a distinctive cultural dimension to this year’s event.

Featuring a 50-member delegation of writers, poets and performers, the Oman pavilion showcases the country’s literary heritage, traditional arts and cultural identity.

Visitors can experience live poetry recitals, traditional crafts and dedicated workshops designed especially for young audiences.

The pavilion also provides an opportunity for students to explore Oman’s rich literary traditions and discover the cultural connections shared across the region.

Festival attracts mystery, crime fiction enthusiasts

Beyond its educational attractions, SIBF 2026 is also drawing attention from readers interested in mystery, suspense and crime fiction.

The fifth edition of the Thriller Festival, scheduled from November 7 to 10, features international mystery and crime writers, offering masterclasses and opportunities for literary enthusiasts to engage with established authors.

The festival provides an additional platform for older students and genre enthusiasts to explore contemporary storytelling and the craft of suspense writing.

Sharjah strengthens position as a global literary hub

Alongside public exhibitions and cultural activities, the Sharjah International Book Fair hosts major industry gatherings, including the Sharjah International Library Conference.

These initiatives bring together publishers, authors, librarians and literary professionals from different parts of the world, strengthening international cooperation in publishing, education and cultural development.

With thousands of students participating in educational activities and millions of books on display, SIBF 2026 continues to highlight the importance of reading, creativity and knowledge-sharing.

The fair’s diverse programme reinforces Sharjah’s reputation as an international centre for literature, education and cultural exchange.

The 12th Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial will open on October 7 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, bringing together 272 Arab and international artists and featuring 681 artworks across a programme of 93 events.

Running through November 15, the Biennial will transform venues across Sharjah into spaces dedicated to Arabic calligraphy, contemporary art and cultural dialogue. Locations include Calligraphy Square, Sharjah Art Museum, House of Wisdom, University of the Arts Sharjah and 1971 – Design Space.

The programme was announced by Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Directorate of Cultural Affairs at Sharjah’s Department of Culture and Director of the Biennial, during a press conference attended by Abdullah Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah’s Department of Culture, participating artists and media representatives.

(Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Directorate of Cultural Affairs at Sharjah’s Department of Culture and Director of the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, speaks during the press conference announcing the 12th Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial. Photos by Muhammad Sajjad)

Balance takes centre stage

Held under the theme Balance, the 12th edition explores one of the fundamental principles of Arabic calligraphy: harmony between proportion, precision, letters and space.

Al Qaseer said the Biennial’s continued development has helped strengthen the international presence of Arabic calligraphy, while creating new opportunities for artists to connect the traditional art form with contemporary artistic practices.

The Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial was established in 2004 under the patronage and support of the Ruler of Sharjah and has since developed into an international platform for calligraphers, artists and researchers. Sharjah’s Department of Culture says the 12th edition will feature local, Arab and international participation.

26 exhibitions, 61 workshops

The Biennial programme includes 26 exhibitions and 61 art workshops, alongside lectures, seminars and visual presentations.

The participating artists represent countries across the Arab world, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Bahrain, Oman, Libya, Yemen and Tunisia. International participation includes artists from Italy, Sweden, China, Canada, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Germany, Turkey, Indonesia and other countries.

The 681 works span traditional calligraphy, modern and contemporary lettering, installations, murals and Islamic ornamentation.

Major exhibitions include Hilya Sharifa, Balance and Pioneers at Sharjah Art Museum. The museum will also host photography exhibitions exploring the relationship between the Arabic letter, visual culture and photography.

At House of Wisdom, Bymizan: From the Dot to the Meaning will examine the journey of the Arabic letter from its foundational dot to its completed visual and semantic form.

Other exhibitions will be presented at Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation, Emirates Fine Arts Society, 1971 – Design Space and University of the Arts Sharjah.

International seminar on Arabic calligraphy

House of Wisdom will also host an international seminar titled Arabic Calligraphy Between Authenticity and Global Pioneering. The programme will bring together researchers, academics and artists to discuss the evolution of Arabic calligraphy and its place within contemporary global art.

The Biennial is expected to welcome around 100 guests, including media professionals, lecturers, calligraphers and workshop facilitators.

Three calligraphers to be honoured

The 12th edition will honour three prominent figures in Arabic calligraphy: Khalifa Elshimy of Egypt, Belaid Hamidi of Morocco and Ali Al Hammadi of the UAE. The three artists were previously announced among the honourees for the 2026 edition.

The Biennial will also present awards for outstanding works in its General Exhibition, including the Grand Prize, awards for traditional calligraphy, modern and contemporary calligraphic arts, and a special jury award for an Emirati calligrapher.

The General Exhibition itself reflects the Biennial’s focus on both heritage and innovation, bringing together traditional approaches alongside modern lettering and installation-based works.

With its international participation and extensive exhibition and educational programme, the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial 2026 aims to reaffirm Arabic calligraphy as a living art form—rooted in heritage while continuing to evolve within the global contemporary art scene.