Carlsen and Rapport in Budapest: your guide to the Total Chess opening
24 players, three time controls, 10–20 November at the New York Palace. The Budapest schedule, ticket prices and viewing options.
Events: 10 Nov 2026 – 20 Nov 2026
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Magnus Carlsen and Hungary's Richard Rapport can be watched from the playing hall in Budapest. The Anantara New York Palace Hotel hosts the Total Chess World Championship Tour pilot on 10–20 November, bringing together 24 players. The opening nine-round blitz competition starts at 18:00 on 10 November. All times below are Budapest local time, CET.
Why follow it?
The Norway Chess initiative tests the same players at three different speeds. Fast Classic allows 45 minutes per player plus 30 seconds per move; rapid is 15+10 and blitz is 3+2. One useful way to watch is to follow how a player's decision-making rhythm changes with the clock.
The confirmed field includes Fabiano Caruana, Alireza Firouzja, Praggnanandhaa, Bibisara Assaubayeva and Vaishali Rameshbabu alongside Carlsen and Rapport. Budapest is the pilot for the FIDE-approved full tour launching in 2027; the winner here wins the Budapest pilot.
When to visit
According to the official schedule:
- 10 November, 18:00: nine-round opening blitz competition.
- 11–15 November, 15:00 and 18:30: two Fast Classic rounds daily, in four groups of six.
- 16 November: rest day.
- 17–18 November: semifinal matches, starting at 15:00 each day.
- 19–20 November: finals and placing matches, starting at 15:00 each day.
Knockout matches feature all three time controls. For spectators hoping to experience that variety in one afternoon, 17–20 November is a particularly appealing choice.
Tickets and entrance
Prices checked on the official ticket site on 10 November: adult day ticket HUF 13,000 plus HUF 790 service fee; students and under-18s HUF 6,500 plus HUF 595. A pass for all ten playing days costs HUF 78,000 plus HUF 2,740 for adults, or HUF 39,000 plus HUF 1,570 at the concession rate. Price and availability shown at purchase take precedence.
The spectator entrance is at Osvát utca 4, 1073 Budapest. Tickets include unreserved seating in the playing hall; student tickets require valid student ID. The organiser advertises 200 spectator places per day.
Following online
The organiser lists DAZN and the Norway Chess YouTube channel among its broadcast outlets. Check the official Total Chess website for current viewing links; opening-day coverage is scheduled from 15:30.
The 16:00 opening ceremony and 16:30 press conference are for invited guests and accredited media. The Hungarian University of Sports Science sent a press invitation as a professional partner of the event.
More programmes: BSR events calendar.
