MGD1 Dominates in London to Win World Rapid Team Championship

The championship, held at the Novotel London West, brought together 59 teams from across the globe. Heading into the final day, MGD1 and Hexamind had emerged as the primary title contenders. With every round critical, MGD1 maintained their composure and consistency, finishing the event with 10 wins, one draw, and only a single loss.

A major factor in their success was the standout performance of their amateur board player, Atharvaa P Tayade. Tayade won his first 11 games, providing reliable points in every round. His perfect record was only spoiled in the final match, but by then, the championship was within reach. It was Pranav V who delivered the decisive blow in round 12, defeating Croatian GM Ivan Šarić of Malcolm’s Mates to clinch the win and the title.

Hexamind finished a close second on 20 matchpoints. After a key draw against Freedom earlier in the day, the team—featuring elite players such as Levon Aronian, Anish Giri, and Leinier Dominguez—won their final three matches to secure the silver medal.

Third place was shared by three teams—Freedom, WR Chess, and Uzbekistan—each finishing on 17 matchpoints. Freedom, led by former World Champion Viswanathan Anand, had a mixed day with three draws but closed the event with a dominant 4.5–1.5 victory over Knight Dance.

WR Chess, one of the tournament's pre-event favorites with a roster including Alireza Firouzja, Hikaru Nakamura, Wesley So, and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, won rounds 9 through 11 and seemed poised for a podium finish. But in a dramatic final-round clash with Uzbekistan, Firouzja blundered in a decisive endgame against Nodirbek Abdusattorov. The loss gave Uzbekistan a 3.5–2.5 victory and a share of the bronze.

Elsewhere in round 12, Hexamind closed with a crushing 4.5–1.5 win over Ashdod Elit Chess Club, while Freedom’s final-round triumph helped them recover from earlier stumbles. The amateur board continued to play a decisive role in many matches throughout the day, with upsets and key points often coming from the lowest-rated players.

The FIDE World Rapid Team Championship now makes way for the blitz segment, beginning Saturday, June 14. The blitz championship promises faster time controls, more rounds, a knockout phase—and the arrival of Ian Nepomniachtchi, who joins WR Chess in their quest for redemption.