How to Watch FIDE World Championship 2024: Game 1 Recap and Guide
The 2024 FIDE World Championship in Singapore has started with a bang! Defending champion Ding Liren pulled off a stunning win against the young challenger, Gukesh Dommaraju, in Game 1. This thrilling encounter marks Ding’s first classical victory in 304 days, setting the tone for an exciting championship.
Let’s dive into the highlights of Game 1 and how you can catch all the action from this prestigious event.
Game 1 Recap: Ding Stuns Gukesh
World Champion Ding Liren's decision to play the French Defense immediately set the stage for a strategic battle. However, things got tense early on when Ding spent 27 minutes contemplating his move on turn seven, showcasing the pressure of defending his title. Meanwhile, Gukesh, known for his aggressive playstyle, blitzed out a sharp novelty that appeared to give him a solid edge.
Yet, chess is a game of precision, and a single slip from the 18-year-old Indian prodigy allowed Ding to seize control. The Chinese champion's brilliant counterattack turned the tables, leading to a well-deserved victory.
With Ding now leading 1-0, the stakes are even higher for Game 2.
What’s at Stake in the 2024 FIDE World Championship?
- Venue: Singapore
- Format: A 14-game match. The first player to reach 7.5 points wins.
- Time Control:
- 120 minutes for the first 40 moves.
- An additional 30 minutes for the remainder of the game.
- A 30-second increment starts from move 41.
- Prize Fund:
- $2,500,000 total.
- $200,000 awarded for each win, with the remainder split equally between players.
If the score is tied at 7-7, the championship will move to a rapid chess playoff, beginning with four games of 15+10 (15 minutes plus a 10-second increment).
How to Watch the FIDE World Championship 2024
Live Broadcast
- Platforms:
Major chess streaming platforms like Chess.com, Lichess, and FIDE’s official YouTube channel are streaming the games live. - Commentary:
Grandmasters and top commentators provide in-depth analysis and insights during live streams, making it easier to follow the action.
Schedule for Game 2
- Date: Tuesday, November 26
- Time:
- 4:00 a.m. ET
- 10:00 a.m. CET
- 2:30 p.m. IST
- 5:00 p.m. local time (Singapore)
Key Highlights to Watch For
- Gukesh’s Response: As one of the brightest young stars in chess, Gukesh is known for his resilience. Can he bounce back and level the score in Game 2?
- Ding’s Strategy: Ding’s classical win after a long drought could signal a resurgence in form. Will he maintain the momentum?
- Opening Theories: Both players are renowned for their deep preparation. Expect some fascinating opening battles in the games to come.
Key Details of the Event
- Format:
- 14 classical games, first to 7.5 points wins.
- Classical games have a time control of 2 hours for 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes to finish, with 30 seconds increment from move 41 onwards.
- If tied at 7-7, a rapid chess playoff (15+10) will decide the champion.
- Schedule for Game 2:
- Tuesday, November 26:
- 4:00 a.m. ET
- 10:00 a.m. CET
- 2:30 p.m. IST
- 5:00 p.m. local time (Singapore)
- Tuesday, November 26:
- Prize Fund: $2.5 million
- Winner: $200,000
- Remaining split equally.
Why This Championship Matters
The 2024 FIDE World Championship is not just a battle for the title; it’s a clash of generations. Gukesh, at just 18 years old, represents the new wave of chess prodigies, while Ding, the reigning champion, symbolizes experience and tenacity. This match could define the future of chess, drawing millions of fans worldwide.
Don’t miss out on this epic duel. Stay tuned to your favorite chess platforms, and set your alarms for Game 2. The fight for the ultimate crown in chess has only just begun!