Singapore will host the 2024 FIDE World Championship Match, the International Chess Federation announced on Monday. The match will see Indian challenger D Gukesh facing off against defending champion Ding Liren.
The Singapore Chess Federation will host the event, which is scheduled to run from November 20 to December 15, 2024. FIDE received three bids to host the championship match, coming from New Delhi, Chennai (both in India), and Singapore. After reviewing the bids and inspecting potential host cities for venues, amenities, event programs, and opportunities, FIDE ultimately chose Singapore.
“We are delighted that for the first time in the history of FIDE, a match for the World Championship will take place in Singapore,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. “Not only is Singapore one of the most iconic global tourist and business hubs, but it is also a thriving chess center with great ambitions and talent.”
FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky added, “FIDE is genuinely happy to bring the FIDE World Championship Match to Singapore. Chess is not just a popular game and sport; it is often seen as the epitome of the human mind’s ability to think strategically, to plan, and to foresee. Singapore embodies these same qualities. It’s a great match for the great Match!”
Singapore submitted its bid on May 31, and FIDE inspected the venues on June 11 and 12. While four potential venues are being considered, the final decision on the exact location will be announced later.
The match boasts a sensational prize fund of $2.5 million USD, adding further excitement to the already highly anticipated event.
